However, from 6 June 1942, the Corps changed to the cavalry descriptions of regiments, squadrons and troops.
The Reconnaissance Corps was charged with gathering vital tactical information in battle for infantry divisions, probing ahead and screening the flanks of main advances.
The training centre was established at Winchester in February 1941, until the home of the Corps moved to Catterick in Yorkshire.
Many failed and were sent to normal infantry battalions, but those who succeeded enjoyed the kudos of belonging to an elite unit and were determined to prove their own worth.
The assault troops were composed of lorried infantry and were called up when enemy resistance needed to be overcome.
Unit sign used to identify all reconnaissance vehicles attached to infantry divisions. (The same design with the number 45 identified recce vehicles with armoured divisions)
Men of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division, pose with a captured German
swastika
flag in
Littoria
,
Italy
, 25 May 1944. They are, from left to right: Corporal H. Seddon, Trooper R. Carslake and Trooper J. Callaghan.
Universal Carriers
of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment are welcomed by Dutch civilians on the outskirts of
Kampen
, 19 April 1945.
Men of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division wading through a stream during training in Scotland, 5 September 1942.
Troopers of the 78th Infantry Division's 56th Reconnaissance Regiment use a radio at an observation post overlooking the river Sangro, Italy, 7–8 November 1943.
The tactical recognition flash of the
1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards
is identical to the badge of the Reconnaissance Corps, except for the absence of the ribbon bearing the Corps' name
