The Ringwood Light Dragoons were raised on 12 May 1798, commanded by Captain R Hicks. This excellent specimen of an early guidon is in the possession of the National Army Museum. It is embroidered on white silk and has King George III’s cypher in the middle of a garter inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE. In each corner is either RLD or a White Horse of Hanover. RLD is for Ringwood Light Dragoons. The Union Wreath of thistles and Roses is embroidered, but shamrocks have been added in paint. Ireland was added to the Union in 1800 and the maker of the guidon must have spent many months working on this beautiful item, probably planning it out before 1800. The ‘shamrocks’ look nothing like real shamrocks, however. A three part scroll at the base of the wreath has the motto DIEU ET MON DROIT, and there is a fine Georgian crown above. The guidon is unusual in that the maker has signed it. The reverse bears the following: This Standard was worked by M A Cleeves’ on the side seen here is: ‘by her presented on the 22 October 1802’.
