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Welcome to the Capital of Westphalia
The home of the Regiment since March 2000
Münster - lively capital of Westphalia - is more than 1,200 years old. Münster is a young city, among its 280,000 inhabitants are 55,000 students. The highlights of its history include the Westphalia Peace of 1648 with its first European Peace Treaty. Anybody walking through the streets of the old city will see at every corner; future has a history. Anybody visiting the university, the research centres and the large service agencies will understand: history has a future in Münster.
The Cathedral in the heart of the city, the baroque palaces and the Castle have been praised frequently. The Prinzipalmarkt is right in the centre of town. High narrow buildings with steep gables and arcades form the framework for one of the most beautiful locations in the city centre where side-walk cafes invite you to linger. The City Library is located just around the corner. Prior to its opening in 1993, its architecture found worldwide recognition.
You are welcome: 28 museums, 7 theatres, the Symphony Orchestra, archives and libraries are open for you. An attractive leisure-time paradise including the All-Weather Zoo which attracts visitors from far away, is located at Aasee Lake. There are historical moated castles in the green countryside of the Münsterland to which many people cycle on special paths, away from the traffic. Incidentally, everybody rides a bicycle in Münster, be it the Lord Mayor or an Army General. |
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EXERCISE SAIF SAREEA II
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| HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES VISIT TO THE ROYAL DRAGOON GUARDS |
  It was the first time that HRH had visited RDG, to whom he is Colonel-in-Chief, since the Regiment moved to Germany in 2000. Accompanied on the visit by the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Patrick Cordingley, they went on to be met by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Millen, who introduced them to soldiers from throughout the Regiment.
HRH was offered the opportunity to take part in a Challenger 2 tank simulator before moving onto the tank park to explore the real thing. Hosted by Major Angus Brown and members of D Squadron, HRH was able to sit in the commander’s seat of a Challenger 2 tank and discuss with the crew their roles and how the tank operates on exercise. |
 Lance Corporal Richard Bromley, (from Kirkstall, Leeds), talked the prince through the controls of the tank, he said; “ He was very impressed and had a go at traversing the turret. He said that it was very sensitive and would take a lot of training to get used to.”
HRH then moved on to meet members of Command Troop, who form up Battle Group Headquarters, and discuss with them the training year ahead. The Royal Dragoon Guards deploy to Canada in two weeks time and are due to take part in Exercise Saif Sareea II in the Oman later in the year. |
| VISIT OF OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION |
| The Regiment was honoured to host the Old Comrades Association over the weekend of the 29th September 01. The weekend was deliberately a very informal affair to enable all to spend time enjoying each other's company. The program for the weekend was as follows: |
 Friday 29th Arrival - Evening meal in the Regimental Restaurant and then hosted in establishments of the OCA choice, but primarily the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess.
Saturday 30th Equipment Display and tour of Muenster - The equipment display took place during the hours of 10 O'clock and 2 O'clock and was provided by 'C' Sqn. This was a wonderful occasion for all, giving the serving Regiment one of its 1st opportunities to display and demonstrate some of the capabilities of our new beast the CR2. The event consisted of a number of static displays, including the opportunity to sample the latest field rations on offer to the modern soldier. |
 The OCA were also treated to a demonstration of a quick attack by a troop of tanks ably supported by a Platoon from the 1st Bn of Irish Guards. The occasion was rounded off by lunch in the field courtesy of the Regimental Catering Warrant Officer. Those who did not wish to attend the display took up the offer of a trip into Munster. Saturday evening's entertainment commenced with the Beating to Quarters provided very kindly by the Band of The Royal Lancers. The Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess was once again the venue for the rest of the evenings activities where they very kindly hosted all who wished to attend and provided a pub group and disco which was well received by all. The buffet, a German theme, went down extremely well with the OCA. |
 Sunday commenced with a church service, held in the morning, kindly hosted by the Regimental Padre. The Regiment and the OCA were treated to a BBQ on the sports pitches on Sunday afternoon, where we also took the opportunity to play the finals of the "Mutty Ram" competition, the annual Regimental inter-departmental football competition. Although not Sky Sports all who attended enjoyed themselves either watching the football or by yet more reminiscing over lunch. Sunday evening was a quiet affair with many preparing for the long journey home early Monday morning whilst others took one last opportunity to visit the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants Mess. |
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EXERCISE LIGONIERS DIAMOND 13-23 JUNE 2000 |
 From 13-23 JUNE 2000, B Squadron, The Royal Dragoon Guards conducted Exercise Ligonier's Diamond. This was a 10-day Adventure Training expedition in The Harz Mountains. The aim of this exercise was to test members of the squadron, both physically and mentally across a variety of different pursuits that ranged from hill walking to multi pitch Rock climbing and jumping weirs in Kayaks. An unusually responsible Sgt (Top Tip) Wood also tested the Squadrons nerve by some outrageously daring absails off overhangs and through waterfalls. Due to the fact that no Adventurous Training could take place over the weekend, this proved to be an ideal time in which to rotate personnel and to conduct even more cultural pursuits. SQMS Robinson displayed his ability to act as a local tour guide through the Mittlebrau Dora Nazi concentration camp, which proved to be an outstanding educational aside to the Adventure Training. Wandering through the 50 Km of tunnels, in which a vast number of VI and V2 flying bombs were pro duced, the Squadron were unanimous in awe at this poignant reminder of the horrors ofWW2.Our lodge at Walkenreid proved to be an excellent base. The region was found to be tourist orientated, which made our stay entertaining, yet was not so unduly busy that large volumes of people could hinder our training. The trip achieved a sound level of proficiency in both Mountain leadership, Rock-Climbing and use of the Kayak. The trip built skill and so much confidence, that even those who found their nerve tested on a few occasions, were unanimous in their feelings of personal achievement and the satisfaction of a very enjoyable two weeks. |
| THE PIPES AND DRUMS |
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The Regiment's Pipes and Drums have been very much a part of our Regimental life since it was formed in September 1993. It is presently commanded by Pipe Major Ian Hutton, who, together with other volunteers from the Regiment play throughout the year at many different venues around the world. They play at Regimental and Military functions, weddings and private bookings. Such as Sarasin Challenge which raises funds for The Prince of Wales' Charitable Trust.
Recently, members of the Pipes and Drums have played for HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Kent, with others going to play for HMS Marlborough, in Syria, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda for the Queen's Birthday Parade.
The Pipes & Drums will become increasingly busy with many bookings already taken for next year. There is always scope for soldiers who volunteer their spare time to perfect their playing and performing skills. In return they get to represent the Heart & Soul of the Regiment. They are after all the 'Jewel in the Crown' of Regimental pride. |
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Last Reviewed: 4 Jan 02
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