Germany

The Regiment stood up in Germany on 15 June, 1970. For the next 17 years, The RCD would be the armoured backbone of Canada's NATO Brigade. The Regiment also inherited the Helicopter Recce Troop, equipped with Hiller CH-112 "Nomad" helicopters. These were retired in 1972, however, and the personnel from the Troop joined 4 Service Battalion in anticipation of the formation of 444 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. Life continued for the Regiment, punctuated by a move from northern Germany to Lahr, in October of 1970. For the next few years, the annual routine of Gun Camps and Fall-Ex continued, with the aging Centurions growing more unreliable. Finally, the decision was made to replace the Centurions with German-made Leopard-1. The first rented Leopards showed up in the spring of 1977, to the great appreciation of the crewmen who had struggled to keep their ageing predecessors mobile. The Dragoons went on to win the Canadian Army Trophy for Tank Gunnery in June of 1977, after having the leased Leopards for only 16 weeks.

Germany 1951 - 1987

RETURN TO REGIMENTAL HISTORY

1978 saw C Squadron rise again from its ashes in Gagetown, equipped with brand new Leopards and given the role of "fly-over" reinforcements of the Regiment. They would continue in this role until 1985. June 1985 saw the Recce Squadron of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) arrive in Lahr, lock, stock and barrel. The Hussars quickly found themselves rebadged as Recce Squadron, RCD. The personnel from Recce S quadron moved across the North Marguerite to become C Squadron. This is probably the first time that a single Regiment has had two squadrons with the same name on the go at the same time. This continued until 1987, when the Regiment rotated back to Canada. This was not a full rotation, however, as approximately 250 crewman and Armour officers remained behind to provide a firm foundation for the 8th Canadian Hussars as they stood up in Lahr."

RCD Ferret and a Hillier CH-112