Post-1915 Badge

The regimental badge was changed during World War One because of the association of the Prussian Eagle of Princess Frederike with the German nation. The King's Dragoon Guards faced the same problem with their badge, the double-headed eagle of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor. So in 1915 the 'Hawk' was replaced with the Royal Crest which in fact was the principal badge of the 14th Hussars. The regiment had been reluctant to have this as their badge because two other regular British cavalry regiments already used it as their cap badge: the Royal Dragoons and the 15th (the King's) Hussars.
Crests were derived from the ornament or device worn on the helmet by medieval knights. These subsequently formed the top of the coats of arms of the aristocracy, and the royal coat of arms has a helmet facing forwards with the crowned lion standing on the current monarch's crown. In heraldic terms: 'Upon the royal helm, the crown proper, theron a lion statant guardant or, crowned proper.' Statant means that the lion is standing with all four paws on the ground, and guardant means facing us.
This badge was worn on caps and collars up until the amalgamation with the 20th Hussars in 1922. Some squadrons may have continued wearing it until 1926 when the Prussian eagle was unofficially restored.

Regimental Details | Badges