Guard Hussar Regiment (Denmark)

Origins of the regiment

A Guard Hussar soldier interacts with the local population in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Although the Guard Hussars themselves date from 10 February 1762, the Danish Army takes the date of the founding of a regiment from its oldest part, in this case the Zealand Life Regiment, which was founded in 1614. This makes the Guard Hussars one of the oldest regiment of hussars in the world still operational, it is also the only hussars in mounted parade uniform to still wear the slung and braided pelisse which was formerly characteristic of this class of cavalry. In addition to its operational role, the Guard Hussar Regiment is one of two regiments in the Danish Army (along with the Den Kongelige Livgarde) to be classed as 'Guards'; in this case, the Mounted Squadron perform the same role as the Household Cavalry do in the British Army.

From 1961 to 1972 the regiment was responsible for two armoured battalions, one recon battalion and three infantry battalions. From 1972–2000 the regiment was responsible for one armoured, one mechanised infantry, one reconnaissance and two infantry battalions. From 2000–2004 the regiment was responsible for two armoured, two mechanised infantry, one reconnaissance and two infantry battalions. From 1992–2004 the regiment also had to form two light Reconnaissance Squadrons assigned to the Brigades.

2001 amalgamation

With the amalgamation of the three infantry regiments, in 2001; the name and history of the new regiment had to be decided. This led to what in media called "the Colonels' War" (Danish: Oberstkrigen), with the three colonels fighting for their regiment's name and history to survive.^[3]

Modern times

Following the amalgamation, the Guard Hussar Regiment have participate in a number of international missions, which have resulted in the loss of 16 soldiers.^[4]