On this page is given a brief history and background of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons.   I would recommend anyone who wishes to learn more about the regiment to read  a book called "The Fifth Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards", compiled by Major General Roger Evans. CB, MC, DL and published by Gale and Polden Ltd in 1951.

Conyngham's Dragoons

James the Second, the dethroned King of England landed in Ireland in 1689 aided by the French, in an attempt to overthrow King William .   Sir Albert Conyngham raised a regiment of mounted troops from the town of Inniskilling and this later became the 6th Dragoons.  It fought with distinction at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Echlin's Dragoons

In 1708 the regiment left Ireland and did not return to its home ground for another one hundred years. 

Dalrymple's Dragoons (sometimes called) Stair's Dragoons

or The Black Horse

During this time the regiment saw action in Scotland against the rebel highlanders and also helped to put down riots in Manchester.

The regiment was sent to Flanders in 1742 and took part in the War of Austrian Succession where the battle honour of Dettingen was authorised to be placed on its guidon.

(sometimes called)  Rothe's Dragoons

The regiment again distinguished itself in the battles of Fontenoy in 1745, Roucoux in 1746 and at Vall in 1747.  Soon afterwards it returned to England

The regiment saw further service on the European continent in the Seven Years War and fought at Minden and Wetter  in 1759 with great distinction.

The regiment, as part of the Union Brigade of heavy cavalry, fought alongside their soon-to-be comrades the 5th Dragoon Guards, at Waterloo and during the Crimean war, particularly at the Battle of Balaklava.

Most cavalry regiments during the latter part of the 19th century did service in India, Egypt  and in South Africa and the 6th Inniskillings was no exception.   The regiment eventually returning to France from India in January 1915 to serve with great distinction  during the Great War.

Captain L.E.G. Oates

The story of Captain Oates of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, has become a legend.  The member of Scott's ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912, who, suffering badly from frost-bite and exhaustion, and  in an extreme example of self-sacrifice walked out into the blizzard on the 17th March (his 32nd birthday) - sacrificing himself to save his fellow men.  His memory is still revered in the regiment to this day and the nearest Sunday to the 17th March, is traditionally known as Oates Sunday with a regimental church  parade.

Many people are unaware that Lawrence Oates had shown earlier signs of his courage  as a newly joined subaltern in South Africa in 1901.   He had been leading a reconnaissance patrol which was engaged by a far superior force of Boers from higher ground.  Oates with three other men engaged the enemy covering the remainder of his men whilst they withdrew,  but were then  attacked from a second position by another group of the enemy.  Although twice invited to surrender, Oates refused, replying that "he was there to fight, not surrender".    Subsequently the enemy retired,  thinking themselves about to be attacked, but not before Oates had received a bullet in his leg.    Later he was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his gallant action.

"The Charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava"  by Alfred Lord Tennyson.