In January 2003 the WDs along with other members of the Royal Yeomanry, were mobilised as a complete squadron to serve on Op Telic in Iraq as part of the Jt NBC Regt. Echoing previous roles, the WDs were NBC soldiers for the duration of the war and then switched to infantry "peace support" tasks. Full details of the WDs' efforts in Iraq can be found by clicking here.

On Armistice Day 2005, the Royal Yeomanry received the first battle honour awarded to the Territorial Army since World War II for its efforts in Iraq during major combat operations between 19 March and
30 April 2003. The citation for the award praises the personnel of the Royal Yeomanry, almost all of whom came from the WDs and A Squadron, for their “utmost steadfastness and gallantry in the face of
hostile fire.”

Of the award to the Royal Yeomanry, Major General S J L Roberts OBE , the General Officer Commanding London District, said: "I am delighted by this national and historic recognition of all that your Regiment and soldiers achieved in fighting in Iraq in 2003. The Theatre Honour 'Iraq 2003' will henceforth publicly and officially commemorate those achievements and sacrifices, which add lustre to the already proud history of your regiment."

The WDs had been earlier honoured for their efforts during the 2003 Iraq war by the award in April 2004 of a Joint Commander’s Commendation to a member of the squadron “for distinguished service in the Iraq theatre of operations.”

At the end of 2006, the Westminster Dragoons sent another group of soldiers to serve six-months' operational duty on Operation Telic in south east Iraq under the command of H Squadron of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR)."

The WDs continue to train for the variety of tasks they are expected to be able to perform, with a new role supporting the Jt CBRN Regt (as it is now called), the Light Dragoons and the Household Cavalry Regiment. For more information on our current roles and training, click here.