Queen wearing blue right next to group of soldiers (8)
I believe the answer is:
squadron
'group of soldiers' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'queen wearing blue right next' is the wordplay.
'queen' becomes 'qu' (abbreviation for queen).
'wearing' is an insertion indicator.
'blue' becomes 'sad' (similar in meaning).
'right next' becomes 'ron' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'qu' placed into 'sad' is 'squad'.
'squad'+'ron'='SQUADRON'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for squadron that I've seen before include "Regiment division" , "Group of planes under one command" , "Cavalry unit" , "Air force grouping" , "Air or naval unit" .)