Free Republic

Scottish-based regiments are among those poised to be in the front line of the war in Iraq. Challenger tanks of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards will help to spearhead the move into Iraq, backed by the 1st Battalion, the Black Watch. Both are part of the 7th Armoured Brigade, better known as the Desert Rats. Among the tasks of the Dragoon Guards is reconnaissance, sniffing out Saddam Hussein's initial lines of defence. Sergeant Frank Mack, from Leith, is leading a section into Southern Iraq to collate information vital to commanders as they decide how and where to deploy Challenger 2...

SCOTLAND'S cavalry will fly the Lion Rampant as they roll into battle in Iraq. The honour of carrying our nation's ancient emblem is given by the Queen to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. And the tank troops of Scotland's most senior regiment were proud to show the colours yesterday as they trained in the Kuwaiti desert for the looming war against Saddam Hussein. Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Blackman, the regiment's commanding officer, watched as the Lion Rampant was fixed to the top of his Challenger II tank. It will inspire his men if the order comes to cross the Iraqi border....