The oldest tank regiment in the world in celebrating 100 years of royal distinction and its relationship with King George V.

The Royal Tank Regiment, named the Royal Tank Corps until 1939, was granted Royal status on October 18, 1923 by the king, which ensured its future.

Following the events of the First World War, the newly created Tank Corps found itself in a vulnerable position as fewer tanks were required post war leading to a fear of disbandment or absorption which befell other long-established Corps.

At the time, the War Office was considering splitting the Corps in two - one for infantry, and another for exploitation which involves maintaining pressure on a retreating enemy.

The demise of the Machine Gun Corps in 1922 due to cost cuts added to the fear of folding for the corps.

In the early 1920s, the remaining tank units and newly formed armoured car companies were on a mission to emphasise their capabilities in domestic issues, civil unrest, Ireland, and overseas deployment. 

The Tank Corps were supported by King George V, who had visited the tanks on numerous occasions, noting 'Our Tank Corps splendid work’ during the Great War, becoming the Tank Corps Colonel-in-chief in October 1918.

The Tank Corps first turreted tank, the Vickers Medium tank Mark I entered service in 1923, and the Royal Tank Corps' design for a new item of headgear was royally approved, becoming the Tankies famous black beret that was worn from March 1924.

The Army confirmed the Tank Corps as a permanent institution in 1923, the same year the king did. This was significant for those serving and for tank advocates such as J.F.C. Fuller to the future of the Royal Tank Regiment.

As a powerful advocate of the Tank Corps, King George V’s visit to Bovington Camp in April 1928 was met with a joyous response, and the appreciation of his support was cemented with the naming of the main road to Bovington Camp as King George V Road.