#2nd Dragoons

[blackswaneuroparedux]

The British soldier's morale was fed not only by patriotism (`Your Country needs you') but by the unique regimental spirit that has been the envy of other armies down to the present day: one cannot let the Regiment down.

- J.M. Bereton, The British Soldier

Edwardian Queens Bays 2nd Dragoon Guards, Welsh Cavalry officer’s uniform.

[tallmadgeandtea]

Turnsgiving 2022: Day 4

What If?

After doing more research for both SS&SP and my own college project, I definitely think Turn should’ve included more or Benjamin Tallmadge’s military escapades, which were with his regiment, the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons. They were active in the important battles of the Philadelphia Campaign and then there were raids led by Tallmadge in New York throughout the rest of the war against the British for their supplies and territory. They also served as part of General Washington’s life guard. Turn showed a couple these at The Battle of Stony Point and the Battle of Fort St. George, but on a lesser scale. I could say a lot more, but I’ll refrain from going full military history nerd at the moment. In my opinion, it wouldn’t have derived too much of the “spying” from the show’s plot because one of the Dragoon’s jobs was reconnaissance- patrols to get enemy troop numbers, camp locations, and amount of weapons and supplies they had. Cavalrymen were respected because of the ability they had to have as horsemen, shooters, messengers, and scouts. One of their other key roles? Filling space in General Washington’s guard. Showing more of Benjamin’s cavalry duties would’ve shown how intelligent he was and why he was capable of being Washington’s spymaster.

[journeyofaloy]

currently a little bit obsessed with the Dragooner Outfit. .-.

[sergeant-macho-nacho]

Jean ‘Moebius’ Gira

[ink-dreams-ffxiv]

I admit...

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast Writing Challenge has always been an inspiration for me to write. 90% of my "RP style Writing" is done in either Discord or In-Game. My most recent RP endeavors have been through: https://iyalibeauty.carrd.co/ Outside of that, the mental fog that COVID has left me with made writing difficult. Most of the prompts I was able to do for #FFXIVWrite2024 were due to short ideas I had already in mind. This time around, I had not only a character idea, but, the idea that the character was not in the WOL position, but, on an educational thesis regarding "Sharded People", IE: people who were part of the same "Shard" living in the same occurrence ((IE: People on the Source, who were parts of the same Shard of a person. Rather than being Shards of the "1St and Source" but both being Shards of the Source based on in-game RP)) Now that the #FFXIVWrite2024 has passed, I am at a loss of inspiration. My screenshots are all accidental. I was more of a creative writer, but have really been lacking not only inspiration, but, drive to be more creative with my writing. This isn't a request for inspiration, just, an observation of why my Tumblr seems to really drop off now. As for my OCs: Sahxa is very happily married to her Snowcatte Rocker Paladin of a wife with twin Miqo'kitts. Rehna, who is really my WoL character, is happily mated with her Viera lover, and a student of Sharlayan now, on research for her Archon status. Lhei, has attached himself to a Miqo'te Dragoon, and is in the process of working towards Ishgardian Citizenship. Kohl, well, her story line is VERY NSFW and limited ;) I do have 3 alts: One is for Screen Shot Crimes only. The 2nd is the character I use for spontaneous RP, though the issues with creativity had greatly limited her story line, she is the most adaptable. The 3rd, is a "Single Class" character with a growing backstory based on the lore openings created by Dawntrail. I may be slow to answer, but, random asks based on anything listed above will be answered. This isn't a "give me attention!" post, just a heads up, for those I have been interacting with more. As an aside: @nhaneh has an AMAZING! ship! their screenshots, and image story telling is absolutely Beautiful! @alannah-corvaine has been someone I have followed since my very beginning on FFXIV tumblr and has often been an inspiration to my own writing. @autumnslance is a storyteller who is just so skilled in their writing, I can't say enough. They too have been a huge inspiration to my writing. @hares-and-hounds is a new follow, who also has proven to be in depth with their story telling, and they have a new FC worth looking in to. @fheythfully just seems to throw up Screen shots that make my brain write up short stories based around those screen shots. Though, I have only put up One based on a screen shot, my mind has created so many many more, but, they require God Modding their characters and I don't want to do that. @gatheredfates has an entire discord that I need to get over my anxiety and join. They encourage writing!

@mythraltia was a great person to RP with on Tumblr. We never got the chance to RP in game, but, it was admittedly In-Game RP that caused me to take the character I was playing in a very different direction, I have never forgotten how much, and how easy it was to be on the same page with our RP.

There are many many others to explore in the FFXIV community! From Slice of Life stories/RP, to long term Stories/RP, and one shot encounters! There is an Entire World out there! Enjoy your Explorations!

[hyeahgaku]

SAKAMOTO DAYS 2nd Character Popularity Poll - Characters & Profile Descriptions

Sakamoto, Tarō: "The story's protagonist. Former legendary assassin."

Asakura, Shin: "Former assassin & a clairvoyant. Respects & admires Sakamoto."

Shaotang, Lū: "Former triad. Currently working at Sakamoto's Store."

Mashimo, Heisuke: "The legendary sniper Dragoon of the JCC."

Piisuke: "Heisuke's partner. Sky courier for Sakamoto's Store."

Sakamoto, Aoi: "Sakamoto's wife. Good with magic tricks."

Sakamoto, Hana: "Sakamoto's daughter. Kind & gentle."

Nagumo: "ORDER member. Master of disguise."

Osaragi: "ORDER member. Likes good luck charms."

Shishiba: "ORDER member. Hates onions."

Hyō: "ORDER member. Possesses overwhelming physical strength."

Takamura: "ORDER member. Master swordsman."

Kanaguri: "Movie director. Currently shooting a movie, starring Akira."

Kamihate: "ORDER member. A hot-tempered sniper."

Oki: "Current leader of the ORDER. He was on an assignment overseas."

Torres: "ORDER member. He owes the JAA 60.2 billion yen."

Tanabata: "ORDER member. Professional musician."

Yotsumura, Satoru: "Right-hand man of the former JAA Chairman. Founding member of the ORDER."

Kindaka: "Founding member & was the leader of the ORDER."

Asaki, Sei: "Current chairman of the JAA."

Slur / Uzuki, Kei: "Wants to wipe out the JAA and create a new Order."

Gaku: "Slur's ally. Goes at his own pace."

Kashima: "Slur's ally. He's a cyborg."

Uda: "Slur's ally who helped infiltrate the JAA."

Carolina Reaper: "Slur's ally. Able to manipulate fire."

Club Jam: "Slur's ally. He enjoys physical pain."

Kumanomi: "Slur's ally. Magnetism manipulation."

Haruma: "Slur's ally. An assassin that fights using the rules of sports."

Tenkyū: "Slur's ally from Al-Kamar."

Gozu: "Slur's ally from Al-Kamar."

Akao, Rion: "Classmate of Sakamoto's & Nagumo's at the JCC. Died after fighting Uzuki."

Akao, Akira: "Rion's niece. She's a JCC transfer student."

Seba, Natsuki: "A genius who won the Yotsumura Prize for his invention of the invisibility suit."

Seba, Mafuyu: "JCC transfer student. He's Natsuki's younger brother. A clean freak!"

Amane: "JCC student. Yotsumura's son."

Kaji: "JCC transfer student. Has exceptional hearing."

Toramaru: "JCC transfer student. She's a returning Sakamoto fan."

Shinaya: "Special recommendation applicant in the transfer exams. Has a flexible body."

Yanaya Tsu (Viz: Jay Erk): "JCC transfer student. Also known as Kill Baby."

Satōda-sensei: "JCC teacher. Aikido master."

Byōdō: "JCC faculty staff. Also known as Databank (Viz: Database)"

Wūtang: "Consigliere of the Lū family with an extreme crush on Shaotang."

Boyle/Boiled: "Dondenkai assassin. He's a hard-boiled dude."

Obiguro: "Dondenkai assassin. Loves strong people."

Tatsu: "Dondenkai assassin. Poison user."

'Gran Miya: "A highly skilled holistic healer known as 'God Hands'."

Atari: "A fortune-teller with 100% accuracy rate."

Kase, Jō (Viz: Jo Shackles): "Chief warden of floor B1 in the JAA prison."

Bachō: "Assassin hired by the Danshōkai. Compared to Son Hee, he's the better artist."

Son Hee: "Assassin hired by the Danshōkai. Fights using the Mābō (mapo tofu, lol) fighting style."

Iriya: "Communications coordinator for the ORDER."

Tanaka: "Works at the Lab. Good friends with Seba (Natsuki)."

Saw: "Death row convict. Played an important role in the story."

Dump: "Death row convict. A spiky person."

Minimalist: "Death row convict. Has super strong grip."

Apart: "Death row convict. Wants to know what's inside someone's heart."

Young boy from chapter 1: "Regularly hangs out at Sakamoto's Store."

(Hitman) Boss: "Shin's former boss."

Bus hijacker: "Couldn't accept that his favourite manga got axed."

Officer Nakase: "Protects the Ikoraizaka Shopping District."

Police Grandpa: "Protects the Ikoraizaka Shopping District."

Kanehira, Riki: "Leader of the Zuttomo Motorcycle gang."

Wang: "Chairman of the Danshōkai. He's after the Lū Family's treasure."

Pizza Nakajima: "Now you're like pepperoni on the chopping board!"

Kurii Ningu: "An assassin who also works as a janitor at the amusement park."

Sugar-chan: "Sugar Park's mascot."

House of Terror staff: "The guide in the House of Terror."

Video Rental informant: "Disguises himself as a video store owner, but in reality he provides inside info."

Toy knife: "The knife that Nagumo bought from the Toy section."

Kazuko (70) & Sachiko (68): "Kazuko is a barber, whereas Sachiko is a clothing store owner. They're really strong."

Asakura: "Director of the Lab. He gave Shin his powers."

Mad Horiguchi: "Kashima's subordinate. He can scramble the opponent's brain signals by using electricity."

Yutaro: "An amateur assassin who runs a public bathhouse."

Seco Zuru: "Big brother. A cheater who plays dirty."

Mochi: "The bravest Shiba Inu at the Home Improvement Center!"

Floaters: "JCC part-timers. They're the JAA's post-incident clean-up unit."

Harimogura/Echidna: "Osaragi's first impression of Dump."

Sakamoto's Slippers: "Costs 200 yen, excluding tax."

Takebe: "One of the staff at JAA Tokyo Bureau."

Inoda: "One of the staff at JAA Tokyo Bureau."

Head Test Admin, Usami: "The head test administrator of the JCC transfer exams."

Test Admin, Mizuno: "An examiner for the JCC transfer exams."

Maiko: "Wishes for a red kimono."

Jumbo Tanishi: "First-year student in the JCC Assassination Department."

Weapons Manufacturing Department senpai: "Always gets fooled by Natsuki Seba."

JCC Bowl: "The famous JCC bowl from the JCC cafeteria. Tastes horrible."

Fukumitsu: "Chief of JAA Western Japan Headquarters."

Shino: "Yotsumura's wife."

Russo Rullet: "An assassin that sells amazake."

Yamada-sensei: "JCC teacher."

Kondo: "JAA staff. Considering a career switch."

Amo, Ai: "Wife of the former JAA Chairman."

Amo, Konomi: "Daughter of the former JAA Chairman."

Higuchi-kun: "Accumulates virtue points by doing good deeds. Has 50,000 virtue points in total."

Kobayashi: "Poison user. Also known as Koba."

Amo, Soichi: "Former JAA Chairman."

Mutō, Erio: "JAA Executive."

Remi-chan: "Oh wow! Awesome!"

Samejima: "Leader of the JAA Special Detachment Unit."

Ninnin Man: "Ninja assassin."

Watarai: "Asaki's aide. He bought the Tate Britain."

Seba (father): "Father of Natsuki & Mafuyu. He's a third-rate assassin."

Store cashier at the Museum: "Sold matching outfits to Sakamoto & Toramaru."

Okutabi New National Museum staff (woman): "Very confident about the security system of the museum."

Okutabi New National Museum staff (man): "He deemed Sakamoto's Colt Government a fake."

Thief: "Kumanomi used him as a decoy. A dumbass that dies quickly on the battlefield."

Super Antlion Hell Brothers: "Brothers who dwell in floor B2 of the JAA prison."

Yūto Suzuki-sensei: "The author of SAKAMOTO DAYS."

Others: "Free entry."

[fromtheladiesoflight]

Ladies' Profiles: Khorijin Borlaaq

Name: Khorijin of the Borlaaq (Khori only to her close friends and family, "Little Jin" to her sister Khoride) Pronouns: she/her Age: 31 (as of Patch 6.55, The Coming Dawn, born April 15/16th Sun of the 2nd Umbral Moon in the year preceding Mirita's birth.) Origin: Xaela Au Ra Clan: Borlaaq Family members: Gorbeljin (mother), Berude (oldest sister), Orgelen and Orbei (older twin sisters), Khoride Borlaaq (twin sister...But It's Complicated), Ystride Borlain (sister-by-choice...it's Also Complicated) Height: 190.2 cm/6’2” Preferred professions: DRG, RDM, DRK (she utilizes DRK rarely, as she has let Khoride take the lead there.) Aetheric alignment: Umbral ice and umbral water Khorijin is the daughter of Gorbeljin Stoneface, a stoic and hard-to-read Borlaaqi warrior. The youngest of Gorbeljin's daughters, Khorijin resembles her the most, and was placed under tremendous pressure by her oldest sister Berude to bring honor to their family due to Gorbeljin's unpopularity (itself a result of the same stoic, generally unapproachable aura that Khorijin herself would later inherit). Under her mother's careful tutelage and the care of her second-oldest sisters, Orgelen and Orbei, Khorijin became an accomplished spear-hunter in her own right, only to find her strength come up short in the most recent Naadam she participated in--the first that the Borlaaq came to bear in in some several years. Shamed, and strongly desiring to broaden her horizons and become stronger, she departs the Steppe for Eorzea with her family’s blessing. Making land in Gridania, she finds herself entangled with a Hyur and a Lalafell some few times before meeting an oddly cheerful Miqo'te woman and a mature, flirty Viera during a mission to the Tam-Tara Deepcroft. Saved by this Mirita Ebenae, Khorijin gladly swears a life-debt to her, and little do they know, the seeds of the Ladies of Light are planted...

Khorijin is blunt and harsh, but surprisingly inclined to acts of good will from time to time. She speaks tersely most of the time, does not use contractions, and generally appears cold & standoffish to most people. She is also quite hard to impress, and is fiercely independent, but keeps a cool head under pressure in contrast to Mirita’s energetic personality. She is also proud of her heritage as a Borlaaq, and for a long time is even more terse around men than she normally is. She usually dislikes being near them if it’s not necessary, until the events of Heavensward shatter her aloofness toward men and just in general with two weighty, profound losses. Afterward, she is somewhat more open with people and less prone to being rude towards men particularly, though she tends to still be reserved and rather quiet.

When fighting, Khorijin moves for the victory, decisively and without a moment's hesitation. Her jumping agility is second to none as the Azure Dragoon, and carries over to her other professions--even as a Red Mage she drills straight through to the enemy with high vaults and rains of spells, which she has passed on to a certain hot-headed Scion in red by virtue of training them relentlessly in her style of the Red to expand on X'rhun Tia's own teachings.

[little-desi-historian]

The world turned upside down

On this day in history: October 19th, 1781. Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the combined troops of George Washington and the patriots French allies. Symbolically raising a white handkerchief and giving up a sword to Washington as a sign of civil surrender. Famously when the sword was offered to the French, they refused saying, “we are subordinate to the Americans now.” Famously, Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens had stormed the the English silently by force the previous night. Amongst other heroes, holding position in case Laurens and Hamilton need retreat, was the 2nd continental light dragoons, better known to some as “Sheldon’s horse” or “Benjamin Tallmadge’s unit.” Famously, ill or humiliated, all the English showed up to formally surrender, expect Banastre Tarelton and Cornwallis himself. Legend has it, though the historical records never say, the English played the famous folk song (dating about to 1646) titled “When the King enjoys his own” perhaps more aptly titled in this scenario “the world turned upside down.”

Yorktown: PBS.

Mount Vernon: Yorktown.

Siege of Yorktown by Henry Freeman.

Hamil-film: Yorktown.

[isa-ko]

Soult and Mortier Correspondence (Part 1)

I’ve been reading a biography on Mortier written by his great nephew Frignet Despréaux. It contains letters written to and from him, including lots with his pen pal Soult. I wanted to post some of my favorite ones between them for my own recording purposes and because yes

(Also, it’s all originally in French, so I’ve been using Google Translate which can have weird wording and mistakes 🙏)

The first major chunks of correspondence begins when Mortier joins the Army of the Danube in Switzerland in 1799 as a Brigade General under Division General Soult for the 3rd division. They were already good friends by this time.

On Prairial 30 (June 18), Mortier puts it in his Notes, "I slept in Birmensdorf, at Soult headquarters. On the 1st Messidor (June 19), I went to Stallikon to take command of the right brigade of the 3rd division, made up of the 1st and 23rd line and the 1st dragoon regiment.” We read in the changes of the Historical Bulletin of June 18, of this 3rd division commanded by Soult: "Brigadier General Mortier arrived at the division on Prairial 30 (June 18); he replaced brigade leader Quétard, who was serving as brigadier general and who moved to the 2nd division.” We also find the arrival at the division, on June 10, of Captain Franceschi, Soult's aide-de-camp; Pierre Soult, his brother's aide-de-camp, taken prisoner on June 4, was exchanged shortly after.

This next one involves more correspondence of Mortier following Soult’s command with a litte disagreement.

Mortier carried out the prescribed reconnaissance on the same day and reported to Soult: "I did not find the front of the line at Rifferschwyl; according to the order of General Chabran, a battalion of this half-brigade bivouacked in front of Sihlbrück near Hirzel, four companies to the left and in front of Sihlbrück, the other four companies behind this village and the Sihl; the half-brigade which occupied these positions having moved up the lake, it was replaced by the 1st of the line. General Chabran had Langnau and Horgen occupied; he pushes patrols as far as Thalwyl and Kilchberg. I believe that by having Adlischwyl occupied by a strong post, the aim of the general in chief would also be fulfilled, since the enemy would not be able to carry his reconnaissance beyond Kilchberg; Do you not believe, on the contrary, that by establishing troops in this last place, they would be a little adventurous? ....” Soult replied to Mortier in the evening: "I do not believe that the intentions of the general in chief will be fulfilled if we limit ourselves to occupying Adlischwyl; it is necessary to take the post to Kilchberg. I will have the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow morning and we will agree together on its establishment without it being compromised.”

Then, changes on which division Soult would command happened. He switches from 3rd to 4th division (and mortier follows), but then later has to change back as read here. This causes Mortier to take on an entire division by himself!

On August 26, Mortier was designated by Massena to take command of the 4th division. Rheinwald wrote to him, through Soult: "General Soult having orders to take provisional command of the 3rd division, the general in chief has intended you, Citizen General, to take provisional command of the 4th division until the return of General Soult from whom I invite you to immediately take instructions relating to your new command. The intention of the general in chief is that you correspond with General Soult on everything that concerns your command.”

And Mortier definitely followed that apparently too much because Soult later writes this.

The day before, from Lachen, Soult had written to Mortier: "By passing through me the reports which must go to the general in chief, we are losing precious time. The good of the service seems to me to require that you do them directly, then notifying me. I ask you to follow this course from now on, and until General Masséna has relieved me of the command of one of the two divisions which it is impossible for me to retain due to the extent they cover.”

And so Mortier responds with... reporting to Soult. He even writes this at the beginning of the letter.

In accordance with these prescriptions, Mortier, at the moment when he received the above order from Masséna, wrote to him [Soult]: "General Soult, with whom I have the order to correspond, being very distant, I will have the honor to inform you directly, my General, when something new happens on the line of my posts….”

Next, here is a letter Soult sent to Mortier on New Years according to the French Republican calender.

On September 23, Soult wrote to him: "You can, my dear Comrade, give command of the right brigade of your division to General Drouet; however this arrangement can only be provisional and only to avoid the displacement of General Brunet to whom I think that you will give his rank to the right as soon as you can do so; soon the movements that the division will make will give you the power to do so. For a Happy New Year, I ask you for the continuation of your friendship.”

Later, Mortier gives back the 4th division to Soult and returns under him as Brigade General. Soult then writes to Mortier…

"I warn you that I am going to Zurich at this moment, according to the invitation made to me by the general in chief. On my return, I will go directly to join you in Mels.... I greet you friendly while waiting for the pleasure of seeing you, which will be after tomorrow morning at the latest.”

He [Mortier] had written on October 11 to Brunet: "I am expecting General Soult tomorrow; It will be very pleasant for me, by giving him back command of his division, to see us once again reunited.”

Uh. I just want to put this next one here because even though Mortier’s no longer commanding a whole division, his name was still listed in the general order along with Soult for the 3rd division :3

Masséna issued, on November 4, the general order of the army: "The general in chief hastened to announce to the army that the 2nd and 3rd divisions, commanded by generals Loison, Soult and Mortier, took 400 prisoners and took 2 pieces of cannon from the enemy on the day of the 9th of this month (October 31) on the border of Grisons.”

Ok, this is the last one. Basically, Soult later has to leave the Army of the Danube for that in Italy and he sends Mortier a sad byebye note :(

Soult informed Mortier, on December 17, that he had received a letter of advice announcing to him that he had to surrender to the army of Italy: "I admit to you that it is with the greatest regret that I leave this army; the familiarity I had with the theater in which we have been waging war for eight years had familiarized me with the most difficult localities; the banks of the Rhine had charms for me that I very much doubt I would find on the Apennines and on the banks of the Mediterranean: new country, new faces, new climate to study, what's new! I think all this will be new to me for a long time.”

“I am infinitely sensitive to the expressions of friendship that you give me; believe that, on my side, this feeling is at least as great. I move away from you with difficulty and will form wishes as ardent as they are sincere for our speedy reunion; but, while waiting for it to take place, my mind will often cross the space which will separate us to return in idea to you.”

We will see later that Masséna successively obtained the passage to the Army of Italy of a certain number of generals of the Army of the Danube, among whom Mortier was included on February 16, 1800. Moreau complains about this to the First Consul, January 2: "General Masséna takes almost all the generals from here and, as you think, he does not take the worst ones.”

Aaaa! There is more, but I have a headache so I’ll add them in part 2 later

[67-romeo]

ARMORED FORCE DAY

While the official Armor Branch birthday is 12 December 1776 in recognition of the establishment of the Continental Dragoons in the American Revolution, this day represents the major "re-birth" of the mounted branch and the overall mechanization of the U.S. Army.

After World War I, the National Defense Authorization Act of 1920 placed all Tanks in the U.S. Army under the Infantry Branch. During the following two decades, several Infantry Tank and Cavalry Officers pushed for an independent Armor branch. In the 1930's, the U.S. Army approved the creation of the 7th Cavalry Brigade (Mechanized) to test the concept of armor-central formations. After years of developing new doctrine and tactics, the Brigade proved itself during the 1940 Louisiana Maneuvers. With mechanized war already raging in Europe, Congress approved the creation of an independent Armored Force on 10 July 1940. The 7th Cavalry Brigade (Mechanized) at Fort Knox, Kentucky became the core of the 1st Armored Division, while the Infantry Tank units consolidated on Sand Hill at Fort Benning (present-day Fort Moore), Georgia to become the 2nd Armored Division.

[barbucomedie]

Basket-Hilted Cavalry Sword from the British Empire dated to the Mid-18th Century on display at the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum in Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Swords of this type were purchased by the colonels of the British cavalry regiments for the use of their men. The styles of hilt varied from regiment to regiment. Basket-hilted swords became popular, not just with Scottish regiments but many cavalry regiments around Europe.

The 2nd Royal North British Dragoons were part of the War of Austrian Succession (1740 - 1748) as part of the coalition forces. They fought at the battle of Dettingen in 1743 where King George II became the last British monarch to fight in a battle. In 1745 the last Jacobite Rising took place and unlike in the last risings the regiment were left in Flanders.

Photographs taken by myself 2023

[tallmadgeandtea]

I really don’t give a shite if Seth Numrich hated wearing the 2nd dragoon helmet. You know why? Because it’s cool as fuck. The other regiments were like no we’ll just stick with the leather ones thanks! And these New England boys said no 💙 we are going to have shiny, shiny helmets, we will BLIND those British bastards! Who am I to not respect their wishes? Who are you, Seth Numrich, to not see their vision?

[ginandoldlace]

1896 Balmoral - A image of Emperor Nicholas II in the uniform of the Royal Scottish Dragoons. An icon depicting the monarch canonized in 2000 hangs in the regiment headquarters in Edinburgh and accompanies it during military operations, while the band of this military unit plays the anthem of the Russian Empire, ‘God Save the Tsar!’, at ceremonial events.

The Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards Regiment is, indeed, the elite of the Armed Forces of the country. It was formed in 1971 by combining the 3rd Carabinieri Guards Regiment (Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards) and the 2nd Dragoon Regiment (the so-called ‘Royal Scots Greys’).

Both military formations have a long history (since the 17th century) and many glorious victories are credited to them, but it is the ‘Greys’ that have a special bond with Russia. In 1894, Queen Victoria, in honor of the engagement of Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (future Emperor Nicholas II) with her favorite granddaughter, Princess Alice of Hesse (future Empress Alexandra Feodorovna), appointed him to the honorary post of Chief Colonel of the 2nd Dragoon Regiment.

On November 19, 1894, in St. Petersburg, in the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Nicholas, who had already become tsar, accepted the honorary patronage over the regiment and, two years later, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Welby officially represented the Dragoons at his coronation.

In 1896, Emperor Nicholas II made his first foreign visit after his coronation to Great Britain. For a meeting with Queen Victoria at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, he arrived in the red uniform of the Royal Scots Greys and it was these soldiers who accompanied him on his journey through the country.

In 1902, Nicholas II commissioned his portrait in the uniform of a colonel of the Dragoon Regiment from famous Russian artist Valentin Serov and presented it to his charges. Today, it is in the Royal Scots Greys Museum at Edinburgh Castle.

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales’ Year in Review: November

November 1st - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, visited Dadvengers November 2nd - The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay visited Outfit Moray, Burghead Primary School. Afterwards, they visited Brodieshill Farm, before finally visiting Day1 at Inverness Kart Raceway November 8th - The Princess of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, visited the Regiment at Robertson Barracks November 11th - The Prince and Princess of Wales were present with the King and Queen at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall November 12th - The Princess of Wales joined members of the Royal Family at the cenotaph for the Remembrance Sunday service. During the 2023 Earthshot Prize ceremony, a video of the Prince and Princess of Wales snorkelling in the Bahamas with Coral Vita was released November 14th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, received Mr. Jack Shonkoff (Director of Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University) at Windsor Castle. That evening, Catherine attended a reception at the Design Museum. Afterwards, the Prince and Princess of Wales joined members of the Royal Family at a private birthday party for the King November 15th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held a symposium on Early Childhood at the Design Museum November 16th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held a meeting at Windsor Castle. The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and Mayor of Greater Manchester announced £100,000 funding to support the work of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance to provide positive opportunities for young people and reduce youth violence November 17th - The Princess of Wales opened BBC's Children In Need with a message about the importance of childhood November 18th - A photo of the Princess of Wales decorating a christmas tree was released to announce her carol concert November 21st - The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee on behalf of The King at the Four Seasons Hotel. They then drove to Horse Guards and were met by The King and Queen. At Buckingham Palace, they viewed an exhibit of South Korean art from the Royal Collection. Finally, they attended a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace November 22nd - The Prince and Princess of Wales, Joint Patrons of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, held a reception at Windsor Castle November 24th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, visited Sebby's Corner November 30th - The Prince and Princess of Wales received Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden at Windsor Castle. That evening, the four royals attended the Royal Variety Performance in aid of the Royal Variety Charity at the Royal Albert Hall

[art-portraits]

General William Gordon of Fyvie

Artist: Pompeo Batoni (Italian, 1708–1787)

Date: 1765

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Collection: Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

William Gordon (British Army Officer)

General William Gordon (1736 – 25 May 1816), of Fyvie, was a British general and courtier. He was several times returned to Parliament by the interest of the Duke of Marlborough, and precipitated a family quarrel with his nephew, the Duke of Gordon, by commandeering a regiment that the latter was raising.

He was the son of William Gordon, 2nd Earl of Aberdeen and his third wife Lady Anne Gordon. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, he was commissioned a cornet in the 11th Regiment of Dragoons in 1756. On 11 August 1759, he was appointed to a captaincy in the newly raised 16th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons. Appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the 105th Regiment of Foot (Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Highlanders) on 11 October 1762, he went on half-pay when that regiment was disbanded in 1763.

On his grand tour of Europe, he passed through Rome, where he was painted by Pompeo Batoni in 1765–66, wearing the uniform of the 105th but with his tartan arranged like a toga.

[datcloudboi]

List of video games turning 20 years old in 2023:

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

Alien Versus Predator: Extinction

Amplitude (an early rhythm game from Harmonix, the creators of Rock Band)

Ape Escape 2

Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis (the Superman 64 for Aquaman)

Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits

Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge

Batman: Dark Tomorrow (the Superman 64 for Batman)

Beyond Good and Evil

Bloody Roar 4 (the last game in the series to release)

Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand (a very unique action RPG from Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima)

Brute Force

Call of Duty (the very first one)

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

Dark Cloud 2

Deus Ex: Invisible War

Devil May Cry 2

Dino Crisis 3 (C'mon, Capcom, do another one)

Disaster Report

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II

Drake of the 99 Dragons

Dynasty Warriors 4

Enter the Matrix

Eve Online

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (my personal favorite TRPG)

Final Fantasy X-2

Final Fantasy XI Online (in the States. Also the first MMO in the series)

Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (the first Fire Emblem game to release in the States)

Freedom Fighters

Freelancer

F-Zero GX

The Getaway

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

Grabbed by the Ghoulies (the first game developed by Rare after being acquired by Xbox)

.hack//Infection

.hack//Mutation

.hack//Outbreak (yep, three .hack games were released in a single year)

Homeworld 2

Ikaruga (the most video game-ass video game that ever video game'd)

Jak II

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis

Kirby: Air Ride

Legacy of Kain: Defiance (the last game in the series to release)

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Lost Kingdoms II

Manhunt

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Mario Party 5

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

Medal of Honor: Rising Sun

Mega Man & Bass (was originally a Sega Saturn exclusive that only released in Japan. It released over in the States on the GBA.)

Mega Man Battle Network 3

Mega Man X7

Mega Man Zero 2

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System

Midnight Club II

Need for Speed: Underground

Otogi: Myth of Demons (an early SoulsBorne-like game from From Software)

Panzer Dragoon Orta

P.N.03

Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire (in the States)

Postal 2

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

Rise of Nations

Robocop (the Superman 64 for Robocop)

Silent Hill 3

The Simpsons: Hit & Run

Sonic Advance 2

SoulCalibur II (the console versions)

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy

Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom

Star Wars: Galaxies

Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (a remake of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the GBA)

Tak and the Power of Juju

1080° Avalanche

Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness

Tony Hawk’s Underground

Toontown Online

True Crime: Streets of LA (Activision's attempt at a GTA clone)

Unlimited SaGa

Unreal II: The Awakening

Viewtiful Joe

Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution

Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (the last Warcraft game before WoW)

Wario World

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega MicroGame$!

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht (The Will to Power)

XIII

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner