(28th, 49th, 61st, 62nd, 66th and 99th Foot)

This is a temporary page put here by 'Mac' the site Historian to inform 'Farmersboys' about the Regiments future.

In the lead up to the proposed merger I intend to place on this page any news I can that relates to us. Anything that happens to 1 RGBW, is in effect happening to 1 DERR. The views expressed below are mine and mine alone. I have added extracts from the other units involved and you can draw what conclusions you wish. I will make comment when and where necessary.

My understanding is that the RGBW after the tour of Afghanistan will  'Merge' into the Light Infantry, the D& Ds already having arrived (i.e. having taken the high ground). The three Battalions of Light Infantry will then be joined by the two Battalions of Royal Green Jackets to form a five battalion Light Division. I'm not sure but I think they will be called the Royal Rifle Regiment (Unconfirmed). I am sure the planners are having a right nightmare trying to tie this lot together in insignia terms. The only hope I get from this arrangement is the RGBW are in the same boat as everybody else now they are not being dismembered (i.e. disbanded) so they must have a equal say in all matters. Looking to the future beyond this I see this as an exercise to get the Infantry arm into a position whereby the 5th Battalion of the 'Blankshire' regiment will drop of the end of the table on the next reorganisation with the minimum of fuss. The precedence has already been set in the past when the 4th LI (formerly Durham Light Infantry) and the 4th Queens (Formerly the Middlesex) got the chop. Both those battalions were splendid outfits so history and service appears to only play a small part.

§       Strongly supported the creation of a large regiment to be called The RIFLES.

MAC....Should have supported 'The Royal Rifles'
 

§       Welcomed the retention of strong links with our Counties and the appointment of a Deputy Colonel Commandant for Gloucestershire, Bristol, Berkshire and Wiltshire.
 

§       Welcomed the recent appointment of Lt Col David Brown, RGBWLI to be the first Commanding Officer of 1RIFLES to be based in Chepstow on its formation in 2007.
 

§       Welcomed the decision to wear the Back Badge across the new regiment on No 1 Dress Hats but urged the Colonel of the Regiment to continue to argue for the Back Badge to be worn on all forms of dress within all battalions of The RIFLES, and affiliated Cadet detachments.

MAC...See comments below, the back badge will disappear when they drop the No 1 dress hat.
 

§       Argued for the Brandywine Flash to be incorporated into the uniform of The RIFLES.

MAC...If the Light Infantry have dropped the red backing from behind their present cap badge which is for the same action this will not happen.
 

§       Noted with disappointment that The RIFLES would not carry Colours; however, it was recognised that Colours would not be compatible with the new regiment which is to be founded on a Light/Rifle regiment ethos.

MAC...Only the Green Jackets carried no colours and that came from the 5/60 Rifles. I suspect the issue was numbers. Of course that means any link to  the battle of Ferozeshah is now dead
 

§       Acknowledged that the Regimental Headquarters of the new regiment would be in Winchester, but welcomed that Gloucester and Salisbury would be outstations.

MAC..For how long. Will this new formation positively support the regimental museums ?. and furthermore will Salisbury because of a defective decision in 1994 be disadvantaged.
 

§       Stressed the importance of the continued support of the Branches and members of our Regimental Association.

The Regimental Council recognised that the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry was but one element of the new regiment.  This made it difficult for our negotiating teams to carry the day on many things that we held to be important.

MAC..So were the other elements only one part. The bottom line is Berkshire and Wiltshire have no representation left. So much for the 'Golden Thread' Whilst accepting the difficulties why does DERR always come out of these situations in a weak position ?.

Finally, the Regimental Council acknowledged that there was much still to be done.  The RGBWLI Future Working Group will be consulting and making recommendations to the Colonel of the Regiment on such matters as customs and traditions, dress and the implementation plan over the coming months.
 

(I have placed my observations in red, they are mine and mine alone)

THE FORMATION OF THE RIFLES 

You will be aware of the Army Board’s initial decision on 16 December 2004 to split the RGBW back into its prior parts and across two separate Infantry Divisions.  We won that argument and the Army Board agreed that the RGBW would merge with the Devonshire & Dorset Regiment (D&D) to form the 1^st Bn Light Infantry.  As part of the transition, we became the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry on 22 July 2005.  I am now writing to tell you that we have decided to form a new regiment, consisting of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, The Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets.  Subject to the approval of the Army Board and Royal assent, the new regiment will be formed in 2007 and will consist of five regular and two TA battalions.  It will be called The RIFLES; it would be for Her Majesty The Queen to decide whether the regiment should be granted the title “Royal”. 

MACS COMMENT

My reading of the above is that the designation 'ROYAL' will disappear. It would been better to have read something like We are recommending very strongly to Her Majesty that the new Regiment be called 'The Royal Rifles' thus ensuring the 'Golden links' we have been referring to over the past year are maintained. I suspect the 'Black Buttons' have clearly knocked this one into touch.

RGBWLI and the DDLI will form 1^st Bn The Rifles [1RIFLES] based at Chepstow, the other battalions will be based as follows: 

·        2^nd Bn The Rifles - Ballykinler

·        3^rd Bn The Rifles - Edinburgh

·        4^th Bn The Rifles - Bulford

·        5^th Bn The Rifles - Paderborn

·        6^th Bn The Rifles - TA battalion, with HQ in Exeter

·        7^th Bn The Rifles - TA battalion, with HQ likely to be in Brock Barracks in Reading 

The cap badge of The Rifles will be a Light Infantry style Bugle, and the Back Badge will be carried forward into the new regiment and worn on No 1 Dress Hats of all battalions; we will continue to argue to wear the Back Badge on all forms of dress. 

MACS COMMENT

As already indicated this is a Light Infantry formation. The Light Infantry have agreed to dispense with the Red Backing to the bugle horn cap badge as currently worn by them. This of course puts paid to 'The Brandywine Flash' which will disappear when the regiment forms. As for the Back Badge (Glosters) I think it is a small victory that will not stand the test of time. If it is being retained for the No 1 Dress hats it will soon disappear when the wearing of these hats is discontinued in favour of berets. This of course will be introduced as a cost cutting exercise. The telling comment above is 'We will continue to argue to wear the Back Badge on all forms of dress'. This to Farmersboys is somewhat academic as it has nothing to do with DERR.

Despite our preference, to be consistent with Rifle history, the Rifles will not have Colours.  Battle honours will be incorporated in a Maltese Cross, inscribed with representational honours from the four founding Regiments, to be worn on the Cross Belt (officers) or Belt Buckles (soldiers) as appropriate. 

MACS COMMENT

I anticipated this as a solution. I think it has more to do with ease of progression (i.e. No research and/or arguments due to Battle Honour numbers) than it is to following the 'Light ' tradition. It will be very interesting to see what Battle honours are selected and whether Berkshire and Wiltshire (DERR) will be properly represented. Based on what's happened so far I will not hold my breath.

The Rifles will have a single Colonel Commandant – a senior serving officer.  He will appoint Deputy Colonels Commandant to assist him in his duties in respect of the battalions and counties.  There will be a Deputy Colonel Commandant specifically for RGBWLI and our four counties. 

Regimental Headquarters of The Rifles will be at Winchester.  However, The Rifles will continue to have a number of outstations, including Gloucester and Salisbury; thus, the formation of the new regiment is likely to have little effect on our museums – the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, and the RGBW Museum at The Wardrobe in Salisbury will continue to be the homes of our heritage. 

MACS COMMENT

Lets hope they keep their word. Salisbury has played second fiddle to Gloster from day one. The Museum at Salisbury took on the name of the RGBW straight away and should remain as its Museum. If someone somewhere does not get a grip of this one the RGBW history will scatter to the four winds.

We shall continue to maintain close links with our counties, cities and towns; the ending of arms-plotting will mean that 1RIFLES will be based at Chepstow when not on operations.  However all soldiers currently serving with 1RGBWLI, if they wish, may find a place in any of the regiment’s battalions.  With regular battalions based at both Chepstow and Bulford, we will be able to provide close support to our TA battalions, affiliated ACF detachments and CCF contingents. 

MACS COMMENT

It matters not that 1 RIFLES are based at Chepstow, my understanding is that when formed they will become a national organisation and any individual links between battalions and counties will disappear.

The Regimental Association will, in due course, be part of a much larger association.  It is hoped that branches in the same town or city will attend each other’s functions, but change will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.  We will retain our branch standards which will continue to be of great importance in carrying forward our heritage.                                                                                                                               

The future is clear; we are now set on course to merge with 1DDLI in Chepstow in 2007 to form 1RIFLES.  We have the opportunity to take with us into the new regiment, the professionalism and excellence that has made the RGBW so successful in the last few years, whether on operations or in sports.  Much work needs to be done to sort out the detail, but I am confident that our excellence will be carried forward into the 1^st Bn The Rifles, and that all who serve in The RIFLES will have an even greater opportunity for a rewarding, fulfilling, and enjoyable career.   

Colonel of the Regiment

MACS COMMENT

I am sure those serving will move on. But it is very clear that DERR and the Berkshire/Wiltshire Element have been treated very badly. Everything seems to have gone which makes a total nonsense of Hoon's statements in parliament about maintaining the Regiments 'golden thread'.   Having said all that, you get what you pay for and I am afraid we have been deafened throughout by DERR silence which elsewhere is seen as acceptance. It happened in 1994 and this time the final nail was firmly banged into the DERR coffin. The only bit we have left now is the Museum. The only way forward it to contribute to the new formation in a positive way ensuring DERR traditions are included.  

(This section has been taken from a Light Infantry site who appear to be far better informed than we are)

Royal Assent has been given by Her Majesty The Queen for new regimental titles in the Infantry, UK Defence secretary, John Reid announced today.
The changes are part of the Future Army Structure (FAS) which is developing a more deployable, agile and flexible Army. This new structure is now reflected in the titles of the new multi-battalion regiments.
After months of consultation with the regiments, the agreed title changes evolved from those announced on 16 December 2004 are: 

The King's Own Royal Border Regiment, The King's Regiment and The Queen's Lancashire Regiment will form a new regiment to be known as The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border). On formation in July 2006 the new regiment will have 3 regular battalions with the TA battalion known as 4 LANCS, until the 3 regular battalions merge to form 1 LANCS and 2 LANCS in March 2007 allowing 4 LANCS to assume the vacant title of 3 LANCS. 

.The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, The Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets will form a new regiment, to be known as The Rifles. The Rifles will comprise five Regular battalions and two TA battalions. 

.The Scottish Division consists of the new Royal Regiment of Scotland; The King's Division will now be made up of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border) and The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th/19th and 33rd/76th Foot); The Prince of Wales' Division will now comprise The Mercian Regiment and The Royal Welsh. 

.In accordance with the Territorial Army (TA) restructuring announcement made in December 2004, the King's and Cheshire Regiment will be merged. The companies will be re-allocated to neighbouring TA battalions.

Mr John Reid, said: 

"This restructuring is part of our strategy to provide a truly robust and expeditionary Army. 

It is the next step in modernising the Army into a fully deployable force.
It is essential to ensure that we are structured to provide the most powerful capability possible from the resources available."There has been a constant process of change and regeneration in the Army, in which new organizations have been created, drawing from previous military renown, while developing their own traditions and reputations.
"The planned changes to the infantry are well underway to ensure the Army is fit for the challenges of the 21st Century and remains amongst the best in the world." 

General Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of the General Staff, said: 

"The Army has consulted extensively to find the best names for the new regiments, taking into consideration history and their role in the Army. 

"I am confident that these changes will contribute significantly towards our ability to deliver a truly robust and expeditionary Army. 

It will also provide for better career management for the infantry, and greater stability and predictability of life for their families." 

The Light Division  
The Rifles  
  
Formation Arrangements: Regimental Formation 2007.
  
Regular Battalions
  
  
1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Light Light Infantry.
And
1st Battalion The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire
and Wiltshire Light Infantry 

 1st Battalion The Rifles 

 1 RIFLES
1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets
 2nd Battalion The Rifles 2 RIFLES
2nd Battalion The Light Infantry
 3rd Battalion The Rifles 3 RIFLES
2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets
 4th Battalion The Rifles
 4 RIFLES 1st Battalion The Light Infantry 

 5th Battalion The Rifles 5 RIFLES

Territorial Army Battalions  
The Rifle Volunteers
 6th Battalion The Rifles 6 RIFLES
The Royal Rifle Volunteers
 7th Battalion The Rifles
 7 RIFLES 

'
53.
Q.
What plans have the Light Division made? 

A. The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI), The Light Infantry (LI), The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI) and The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) have elected to join and make a wholly new regiment called The Rifles. The Rifles will be comprised of seven battalions, five Regular and two Territorial, as well as other Territorial elements, Cadets and Associations. The Rifles will take their inspiration from the Founding Regiments' Light Division roots, including their Line Regiment history. The Rifles will hold the qualities advanced by General Sir John Moore and displayed by the finest of Infantry regiments. They will demonstrate the values of independent thought and action, leadership, self-discipline, fortitude and steadfastness. The Rifles will strive for excellence and be known for their fighting spirit and strong sense of decency. They will be forward-looking, at the forefront of military thought, and determined to set the standards to which other regiments aspire. 

54. 

Q. Why did the Regiments elect to merge? 

A. A merger was one of a series of options ranging from evolutionary to more bold choices. The merger offers a number of advantages. First, it a bold forward-looking option - it 'seizes the high ground' in embracing inevitable change. Second, it will create five regular battalions, supported by a strong T A element, that cover a wide range of the operational roles envisaged. Third, it is a union of famous names who feel that they have common aspirations and a shared ethos. It will benefit from the combined resources and span of our regional bases as well as offering a better potential career structure for our Regulars and Reservists. We believe with more choice within a single unified capbadge there is the opportunity to create the best regiment of infantry. 

55. 

Q. Why will the new Regiment be named "The Rifles"?
A. "The Rifles" was selected as a distinctive and forward-looking name, true to the Light Division heritage and the ethos of the new regiment. 

56. 

Q. Why is there no mention of Royal or Regiment in the name? 

A. The possibility of The Rifles earning the title 'Royal' in the future remains an option for the
Monarch and The Rifles. The Royal patronage enjoyed by the founding regiments has not been affected by this choice of name. As a single large regiment, it was felt that adding "Regiment" after The Rifles was superfluous and its omission more distinctive. 

57. 

Q. Which date will be chosen for formation day - what is the significance of this date? 

A. A date will be selected in early 2007 based around the Operational Commitments Plot. This reflects the fact that The Rifles will form to better meet the operational and organisational demands of the future. 

58. 

Q. What will be chosen as the capbadge? 

A. This is still to be decided by the Army Dress Committee and is likely to be based upon a silver bugle. 

59. 

Q. How will the 'golden threads' of the antecedent Regiments be preserved?
A. 'Golden threads' will be preserved on No 2 Dress. It is proposed that the DDLI 'Croix de
Guerre' will be worn on the sleeve, the LI bugle and RGBWLI back-badge will be displayed on the forage cap and the RGJ thread will be preserved in the black buttons, cross belt and whistle cord. . This is still subject to Army Dress Committee approval. 

60. 

Q. What seniority will The Rifles adopt? 

A. 

This issue is still being addressed. 

61. 

Q. How have the numbers been allocated to Rifles battalions? 

A. The seniority of the DDLI and RGBWLI has been recognised in their merging to form 1 RIFLES. The remaining battalions have been allocated on an alternate basis between the LI and RGJ in recognition of the values and partnership underlying the formation of The Rifles2. 

62. Q. How will The Rifles maintain links with their founding Regiments recruiting areas? 

A. These regional links are essential to underpin the national outlook and ethos of The Rifles. The Rifles will maintain a central RHQ supported by a network of area offices across the country. Additionally, T A units, affiliated Cadet organisations, associations and recruiting areas will be
better aligned to the UK based Regular battalions now that Arms Plotting has ceased. 

63. 

Q. Will The Rifles carry Colours? 

A. To be consistent with Rifle history, Colours will not be carried. Battle honours will instead be celebrated by a Maltese/Waterloo Cross inscribed with representational battle honours in each quarter.  

64. 

Q. How will The Rifles be governed?
A. A single serving Colonel Commandant will be appointed to The Rifles; he will be supported
by a number of Deputy Colonels Commandant. 

65.

Q. Does the merger have the unanimous support of the founding regiments? 

A. Yes it does and a Rifles Charter has been signed by the four Regimental Colonels and Colonel Commandant, which reflects this. There is wide recognition of this forward-looking agreement.

(Info from Light Infantry Site.)

1 st Battalion initially being the place where DDLI and RGBWLI bring their treasure, and proud successful history, to The Rifles.
6. The capbadge of The Rifles will be The Light Infantry’s bugle. The RGBWLI back badge will be worn on the No 1 Dress hat; wider display is a matter for further discussion.
7. Despite the preference of some for Colours we agreed that to be consistent with Rifle history we should not have Colours. Our battle honours will be celebrated by a Maltese Cross inscribed with representational battle honours in each quarter, to be worn on the Cross Belt or Waist Belt as appropriate.
8. The Rifles will have a single Colonel Commandant - a senior serving officer. He will appoint Deputy Colonels Commandant to assist him in his duties in respect of the Battalions and Counties. Initially, there will be a Deputy Colonel Commandant DDLI and one for RGBWLI.
9. We shall be writing to the Chief of the General Staff to seek Army Board approval and Royal Assent of our agreement with a view to forming The Rifles in 2007.
10. I believe this decision is both exciting and sad. All regiments have given up elements we hold dear. The title ‘Light Infantry’, proudly earned and determinedly, loyally, upheld is a case in point. We shall not forget it nor those who for generations have represented it. We have been exceedingly lucky.
11. But we have the opportunity to build an even more powerful regiment. The Rifles will be relevant to the future and proud of its rich history. Regimental Associations will uphold that history and be an important part of the new regiment.
12. I commend the historic decision to form The Rifles to all Light Infantrymen. God’s speed and God bless you all.

In addition to above our own HQ has published the following.

the RGBWLI will merge with D & DLI in 2007 and then become 1st Bn The Rifles

1st Bn - Chepstow

2nd Bn Ballykinler

3rd Bn Edinburgh

4th Bn Bulford

5th Bn Paderborn

6th Bn (TA with HQ at Exeter)

7th Bn (TA with HQ at Reading - Possibly)

Macs observations on above

If we thought that 1 DERR disappeared in 1994, it sure as hell will in 2007. Based on the information given to date there is nothing there from our old Mob. They have stated that the back badge will be worn on the service dress hat. I have no doubt this will slowly disappear over the next few years as the beret takes precedence and the back badge will go with it. If they placed it on the beret (As they should have done) it would be a different matter. I think our Gloster comrades might see this as a victory, it will be short lived.

Despite all the spin the county links will disappear in 2007, and although on paper the RGBW and D & D form 1 The Rifles the links with the counties are very cosmetic.

The bit missing is the 'Royal' which for us comes from the Royal Berkshires. All they have said is they have put it before HM The Queen to decide, they are not stating that they are recommending that it remains a Royal Regiment. If they fail to do this, then there will be no links with Berkshire or Wiltshire.

They have said that the 7th (TA) Bn might have their HQ at Reading, I read that as they won't and it will end up in London where the influence is located. If they pull the plug on Brock Barracks, that's it for our County links. So much for the waffle stating our 'Historical Golden threads' would be safeguarded.

FROM MAC - The following was sent from RHQ Gloucester today (25.7.2005) for the information of all. For those of you that believe that life as we know it stopped in 1994, read no further. For the rest who believe as I do that the DERR golden Thread is tied up in this latest mess then read on and you will get a flavour of what's happening. As you will see below they have used Salamanca day as the focus for the merging of the names. This is nothing to do with DERR or the former Regiments so it will be interesting to see what develops. If they move into the LI saving the Back Badge and nothing from our Regiment then questions will have to be asked.

For those of you who take an interest in our history I advise you to view some Light Infantry Websites where it it clear the LI lads want this merger no more than we do, and in some cases they are stating that nothing historically should come over from the D & Ds or the RGBW. I am not picking up the same vibes from elsewhere, but it remains to be seen.

Message from

HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Colonel in Chief, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire

AND Wiltshire Light Infantry

The British Army has had to endure a number of major changes in recent years.  The creation of a large Light Infantry Regiment brings together the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.  I hope it is a good omen that this change takes place on the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca on 22 July, when the Regiments fought side by side in that famous battle, along with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.

I send my best wishes for the future to all the members of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment as you become Light Infantrymen.                                 

Message from

General Sir kevin o'donoghue

Colonel, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire

AND Wiltshire Light Infantry

to

All members of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry

Today, on the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca, we become The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry.  At the same time our friends in The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment - who like us joined The Light Division earlier this year - become The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry.

 
The RGBWLI will wear the rifle green beret of The Light Infantry but, in all other ways, we will continue as we have since 1994.  This step is significant as it illustrates our becoming Light Infantrymen; late next year, after 1 RGBWLI returns from operations in Afghanistan, we shall form a new Battalion within The Light Infantry.

 
Throughout our long and glorious history our forebears have served alongside those of the DDLI within the Wessex Brigade, within the Prince of Wales's Division and on the battlefield.  At the Battle of Salamanca in 1812 the 61^st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment fought alongside the forebears of The Devonshire Regiment and those of The King's Shropshire Light Infantry and The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.  We are joining Regiments with whom we have enjoyed success in battle and with whom we will be well placed to face the challenges of the future.

 
It is quite natural that these changes can appear unsettling, but we can take much reassurance from the outstanding success that was our last amalgamation and the fine reputation that this Regiment has built for itself in just 11 years.  In moving forward I send you my best wishes in the certain knowledge that this Regiment's future is bright as well as Light - we will continue to serve and represent both the country and our counties with distinction.

Message from

General Sir kevin o'donoghue

Colonel, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire

AND Wiltshire Light Infantry

to

Lieutenant General Sir Cedric Delves KBE DSO
Colonel, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry
 

Today, on the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca, we commemorate the brave deeds of former members of both our Regiments.  Our close friendship continues from 22 July 1812 when remnants of our two battalions, both of which had suffered heavy losses, formed for a while one victorious battalion.  Since then, our soldiers have taken part in many campaigns together and have, of course, served together in the Wessex Brigade and the Prince of Wales's Division.  All officers and soldiers of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry join me in sending heartfelt greetings to all ranks of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry as we embark on the next chapter of our history.  We look forward to our bright future together as Light Infantrymen.

MESSAGE FROM

THE COLONEL OF THE DEVONSHIRE AND DORSET LIGHT INFANTRY

TO

THE COLONEL OF THE ROYAL GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BERKSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY

SALAMANCA DAY

FRIDAY 22 JULY 2005

The Colonel of the Regiment and all members The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry send their warmest greetings to you and all members of the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry on this the One Hundred and Ninety Third anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca when our forebears fought shoulder to shoulder in Hulse's Brigade.  Today as we start our moves to join fully in the Light Infantry we look back to our shared experiences in many campaigns, and on many battlefields, and as members of the Wessex Brigade and Prince of Wales's Division.  And we also take comfort in our long and true friendship.  It all lends the utmost confidence.  We look forward with optimism to our future together.

MESSAGE FROM THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT [DDLI]

SALAMANCA DAY

FRIDAY 22 JULY 2005

To all members of the Regiment, past and present, and our friends in the two Counties.

Today, the One Hundred and Ninety Third anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca, we formally adopt the title The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry; and, as an outward symbol of that change, we wear for the first time the Green Beret of the Light Infantry.  We do this at the same time as our friends and comrades of the RGBW whose forbears of the 61^st Foot fought shoulder to shoulder with us in Hulse's Brigade on that same bloody battlefield, a battle honour held also by the Light Infantry. 

So, shoulder to shoulder we make our move to join our friends and comrades of the Light Infantry, a move that will see us becoming in time their First Battalion, an honour generously given, an honour with responsibilities willingly accepted, warmly received. 

Of course this has undertones of sadness for us all.  But any dynamic and successful organization must by definition undergo constant adjustment.  The Regiment has changed and prospered in the past, always meeting the demands placed upon it.  I am so proud of the way that you have all faced up to the challenges and needs of today.  I am confident that the changes upon which we are now embarked will ensure that we will preserve the best of our Regimental heritage while equipping ourselves to face the challenges of the future.  Let us go forward with pride, confidence and indeed optimism.

Lieutenant General Sir Cedric Delves KBE DSO
Colonel, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry

MESSAGE FROM

THE COLONEL, THE LIGHT INFANTRY

SALAMANCA DAY

FRIDAY 22 JULY 2005

I send you and all ranks, serving and retired, greetings on Salamanca Day.  We share this history, and I know all ranks of The Light Infantry look forward to sharing our future.

Today you add Light Infantry to your regimental titles; this is the start of a journey of transformation.  The Light Infantry recognises your sacrifices, salutes your past and looks forward to marching swiftly to our bright future.

The 61^st at the Battle of Salamanca - Spain

22^nd July 1812

The Duke of Wellington described Salamanca as the battle of the Peninsular War of which he was most proud, and the 61^st Regiment could certainly make the same claim, although during the early stages of the battle it was in reserve with the rest of the 6^th Division of which it formed part.

The battlefield was dominated by two steep-sided hills known as the Greater and the Lesser Arapiles, the former in French hands and the latter in British.  During the course of the battle our 4^th Division was sent to attack the Greater Arapile, but scarcely had they reached it when the French launched a successful counter attack with a fresh formation against their flank.  Immediately the 6^th Division was ordered to regain the ground thus lost, and the 61^st with the 11^th Foot (later the Devonshire Regiment) on its right, was directed to capture the feature.  After three ringing cheers they advanced steadily on their enemy and gradually drove them backwards up the slopes of the hill.  The men of both British regiments went down by scores as battalion after battalion of Frenchmen attempted to halt their progress.  Having at last gained their objective they came under the fire of a battery of twelve guns and a swarm of sharpshooters, but they stood awaiting further orders with perfect discipline in the gathering darkness.

Elsewhere the French were withdrawing, leaving a division as rearguard along the top of a steep escarpment, and once more the 6^th Division was called upon to attack.  As it came within the range of the French muskets the 61^st received a devasting volley, but closing its ranks to fill the gaps thus made, it pressed on, answering shot for shot.  In the gathering darkness the hill was one vast sheet of flame, for the dry grass had caught fire, and it looked to an observer as though the British were attacking a burning mountain.  During the final charge all the officers and the sergeants with the Colours fell together under the enemy's fire but they were seized by two privates.  Crawford and Coulston, who bore them triumphantly to the summit.

No less than six reliefs of officers and sergeants had been shot under the Colours during this fierce day of battle.  The Regiment went into action with a strength of 27 officers and 420 men, and of these 24 officers including Colonel Barlow, the CO and 342 men were either killed or wounded.  The Regiment received unstinted praise for its gallantry on this occasion and an officer of the 32^nd Foot who was present throughout wrote "The 61^st which was almost annihilated in this severe action, was by far the finest Regiment in the 6^th Division".

Capt [Retd] Ian G Spence
Regimental Secretary
Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry

Today, 22 July 2005, Salamanca Day, RGBW become The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBW LI). This title will be retained until such time as they join with the Devon and Dorset’s LI to become a battalion in the Light Division, sometime in late 06.

MESSAGE FROM
THE COLONEL, THE LIGHT INFANTRY
TO
1 D&D LI and 1RGBW LI
SALAMANCA DAY
FRIDAY 22 JULY 2005

I send you and all ranks, serving and retired, greetings on Salamanca Day. We share this history, and I know all ranks of The Light Infantry look forward to sharing our future.

Today you add Light Infantry to your regimental titles; this is the start of a journey of transformation. The Light Infantry recognises your sacrifices, salutes your past and looks forward to marching swiftly to our bright future.

MESSAGE FROM
COLONEL, THE ROYAL GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BERKSHIRE & WILTSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY
TO
THE COLONEL, THE LIGHT INFANTRY
SALAMANCA DAY
FRIDAY 22 JULY 2005

Today, on the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca, we become the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry and adopt the rifle green beret. We do this in recognising that our predecessors fought alongside brave Light Infantrymen on this day, 193 years ago. All officers and soldiers of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry join me in sending heartfelt greetings to all our fellow Light Infantrymen as we join them to embark on the next chapter of our history. We look forward to our future within the Light Infantry with confidence

MESSAGE FROM
THE COLONEL OF THE DEVONSHIRE AND DORSET LIGHT INFANTRY
TO
THE COLONEL, THE LIGHT INFANTRY
SALAMANCA DAY
FRIDAY 22 JULY 2005

Today as we adopt our new title of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry and wear for the first time the outward symbol of the green Light Infantry beret my Regiment and I send to you our warmest greetings. It is particularly appropriate that this should happen on the One Hundred and Ninety Third anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca and we remember particularly the reputation of the Light Division in that glorious campaign. We appreciate the honour that you have given us in ultimately forming your 1 st Battalion and are confident that we will live up to the expectations that your Regiment has of us.

Semper Fidelis!

NOTE FROM MAC - Salamanca is a Gloucestershire Battle honour carried over to RGBW. DERR did not carry it as a battle honour. Our only involvement was via the Provisional Battalion of which the 2nd/66th formed part.

Just to make sure that you are aware that in July the 1st Battalion will wear the Light Infantry green beret, as part of the ongoing merger with the Devon & Dorset's to form 1LI. The image is of a 1st Battalion soldier. The Regiment has already moved to the Light Division for administration, as did the Devon & Dorset's some time previously. The change to the green beret in July will also mean a name change to The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Light Infantry. This will be the Regiment's name until the formal merger in 2006.

General Sir Mike Jackson GCB CBE DSO ADC Gen

Chief of the General Staff

NOTE FROM MAC...This is the latest (14th June 05) from the Chief of the General staff. This is clear confirmation if we ever needed that the county name is lost, or will be when we become the 1st Light Infantry. Some of you might have seen an article in the Mail on Sunday where supporters of the D & Ds including the Widow of Col 'H' Jones VC were claiming they had saved the D & D name. They have clearly got it wrong the D & Ds title along with the RGBW is going for good in the near future. This proposal to bolt on the LI title at the end of the Regimental title for a short period of time is a good example of 'Smoke and Mirrors'

FUTURE INFANTRY STRUCTURE (FIS)

THE DEVONSHIRE AND DORSET REGIMENT (D and D) AND THE ROYAL GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BERKSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE REGIMENT (RGBW) - TRANSITIONAL REGIMENTAL TITLES

1.       In my last Message to the Army about FIS[1], I explained that the Director of Infantry, together with the Colonel Commandant of the Light Division and the Colonels of The Light Infantry (LI), D and D and RGBW, would be examining the detailed mechanism by which the D and D and RGBW will amalgamate to become a battalion in the Light Division. 

2.       The Director of Infantry has recently proposed to ECAB that, as a critical step in this process, both Regiments should adopt transitional titles: The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (D and D LI) and The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBW LI) respectively.  These titles would be adopted on 22 July 2005, when D and D, RGBW and LI will all be celebrating Salamanca Day, and retained until such time as the D and D LI and RGBW LI join to become a battalion[2] in the Light Division, sometime in late 06.  These transitional titles would afford these Regiments an early opportunity to demonstrate, to their regimental families and wider county communities, the direction of their futures in the Light Division. 

3.       After taking into account the wider implications of the use of these titles, including the Light Division’s response, ECAB decided to endorse the proposals.  I have informed Ministers of our decision.  Finally, I am pleased to report that Her Majesty has graciously approved the adoption of these transitional titles. 

CGS

To all members of the Regimental Family
A Letter from the Colonel Of The Regiment

From:  General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue KCB CBE

            Colonel of the Regiment 

THE FUTURE OF THE ROYAL GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BERKSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE REGIMENT

The Regimental Council met on Mon 9 May to discuss implementation of the Secretary of State’s announcement of 9 Mar and the Chief of the General Staff’s subsequent direction.  Before I outline the details of the above discussion, I would like to recap on the changes of structure we will undergo during the coming months: 

• The RGBW has already moved administratively from the Prince of Wales’s Division to join the Light Division, alongside the D and D, the LI and the RGJ.

• We are currently seeking approval for the RGBW to formally join the LI under the transitional title of The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI).  We hope to action the change from RGBW to RGBWLI on the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca[1] (a Battle Honour shared by the RGBW, the D and D, the LI and the RGJ) this year.

• In the autumn of 2006, 1 RGBWLI will merge with the 1^st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (1 DDLI) to become the 1^st Battalion The Light Infantry (1 LI).  The LI will then consist of 3 battalions.[2]

NOTE FROM MAC....It is clear from this, that when the RGBW join the D & Ds and become 1LI all references to the counties will disappear as already happens with the LI.

It is intended that the RGBWLI will wear the rifle green beret of the Light Division as a clear symbol of the direction in which we are heading.  This change of headdress will also demonstrate our willingness to embrace the ‘light/rifle’ ethos espoused by the Light Division which will, in turn, embrace and henceforth carry forward the proud history of the RGBW, just as the RGBW celebrates the heritage of the GLOSTERS and the DERR. 

Throughout these changes, our lineage will be clear and the RGBW (then RGBWLI, then LI) will continue to support our wider regimental family, including the TA, the 4 ACF Battalions and our 12 CCF Contingents, just as we will continue to be the county infantry Regiment of Bristol, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire.  We will ensure that the TA, ACF and CCF will continue their affiliation to the Regiment and will also adopt the rifle green beret of the Light Division. 

Although no decisions have been taken on future plans for the Regimental Association, it is likely that there will be little change.  The LI Regimental Association continues to have branches in all their counties – RGBW branches will be no different and would be welcomed into the LI. 

A review is to be undertaken this year on the future role of RHQs.  No decision is likely before December at the earliest, but it is likely that we will retain a presence in Gloucester and Salisbury following our merger. 

As for the future of the Light Division, it is likely that the LI and the RGJ will choose at some point to merge the whole Division to form a regiment of 5 battalions.  The LI and RGJ are discussing this possibility at present and are aware of our strong preference that to minimise disruption any such merger should be coincident with the formation of the new 1 LI in autumn 2006.  The RGBWLI would then move straight into the new ‘light/rifle’ regiment without taking the step from RGBWLI to LI en route. 

Of course, the eventual future of the Light Division has a bearing on how we might seek to take forward the RGBW’s ‘Golden Thread’ and the Future Working Group (FWG) is mindful in its consideration that it must plan for all possible scenarios.  It is important that we bear in mind that the ‘Golden Thread’ comprises the totality of our heritage and celebration of key Battle Honours (particularly Ferozeshah); our counties and affiliations; our Association; our soldiers; and the iconography that represents all this.  The FWG is considering carefully our iconography and has provided an early idea of what they believe may turn out to be our priorities to be taken forward into our future regiment including the Back Badge, the Brandywine Flash and the US Presentational Citation.  Whatever we take forward will, of course, symbolise the RGBW and therefore all of our antecedent Regiments. 

I know that there are those amongst our Regiment’s retired members who feel that the RGBW should be spared further amalgamation so soon after our last.  This unfortunately is not possible, given the large regimental structure that the Infantry has decided to adopt to best equip it to meet future operational commitments.  That the Infantry should reduce in size while reorganising is a decision over which we have no influence, and I am certain that, given the circumstances, we have reached the best deal we could have hoped for.  Indeed, the Regimental Council is clear that the RGBW will be much better placed for its future in the post-Arms Plot Infantry within the Light Division, whether as part of a 3-battalion Light Infantry or a 5-battalion large regiment.  The LI (and RGJ) will ensure that the RGBW is able to demonstrably carry forward its ‘Golden Thread’ into the Light Division and the Light Division’s future roles and locations will guarantee broader career opportunity and greater operational diversity than will be available to many Infanteers in other Divisions.

Historic Regiments To Merge

Friday, May 20, 2005

Source: The Army

From Mac - This is the latest from the MOD Oracle Website

Now that the election is over, changes to the organisation of the South West’s Infantry will advance speedily. The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment and The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment will join The Light Infantry, the South West’s other Infantry Regiment, which recruits in Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol south of the River Avon and also in Durham, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.

The 1st Battalions of The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment (D and D) Regiment and The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW) will merge to become the 1st Battalion The Light Infantry in late 2006 or early 2007, whilst the existing Light Infantry battalions will renumber to become the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. Before then the D and D and RGBW will take on interim Light Infantry titles and become part of the famous Light Division as a first step towards the formation of a new and more effective Regiment at the heart of which will be Sir John Moore’s founding ideals in ethos, character and appearance. But the Regiment will also be sensitive to the heritage of the D and D and RGBW and will celebrate the history of all the constituent parts of the new Light Infantry.

Plans for the Regiment’s future TA structure have yet to be announced, but it is almost certain that the South West’s TA Regiment, The Rifle Volunteers, will become the 5th Battalion The Light Infantry, thus confirming a strong link between the regular and TA elements of the Regiment, which will enable the Regiment to support its Light Infantry badged cadet battalions, its affiliated Combined Cadet Force Detachments and its Regimental Associations more effectively.

As the restructuring goes ahead all Light Infantrymen extend a very warm welcome to their new brothers in arms.

Comment from Mac - This press release mentions the 1st (RGBW & D&D) LI, and the 2nd and 3rd Bns of the LI, and then goes on to mention the TA battalion which according to this will be the 5th Battalion. Where is the 4th Battalion ?, could it be that the two RGJ battalions will merge and become the 4th ????

From Mac - This is an extract from Hansard which may assist with some of the backgroud information

Army Recruitment

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were recruited into the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire regiments in each of the last five years; and how that affected establishment in each case. [204908]

Mr. Caplin: Individual regiments are not allocated on recruitment, but during or on completion of training. Therefore the information in the following tables refers only to the trained strength of the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment. The numbers recruited into the regiment are represented in terms of gains to the trained strength of the regiment.

Note:
Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and therefore totals may not always equal the sum of the parts.

From Mac - This is a copy of the evidence presented to Parliament, it is repeated in some places by comments below, but still worthy of insertion for your information.