The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire (PWO) was formed on 25 April 1958 by two old and famous Regiments being joined together as a result of Army reorganisation. The great traditions and spirit of these old Regiments continue in the new Regiment, so their story is part of the history of the PWO. These two former Regiments are The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own) being the 14th Regiment of Foot, and the East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York's Own) being the 15th Regiment of Foot.
The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own).
The Regiment was raised on 22 June 1685 as the 14th Regiment of Foot. King George III granted it permission to wear the White Horse of Hanover in 1765 after returning to Windsor in 1759. On 23 May 1793 the Regiment took part in the battle of Famars, and beat the French while the drummers played the French tune `Ca Ira'. This has since become part of the Regiments quick march. After distinguished service in India it was granted the badge of the Royal Tiger superscribed `India', in 1831. The Prince of Wales conferred the title of `The Prince of Wales's Own' on the Regiment, when presenting new colours in 1876, after further distinguished service abroad. On 22 June 1945 the 1st and 2nd Battalions fought together at Imphal and earned the Battle Honour of the same name. The Regiment celebrates Imphal day each year.
The East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York's Own).
This Regiment was also raised on 22 June 1685. It was part of General Wolfe's Army and fought on the Heights of Abraham, above the city of Quebec on 13 September 1759. This decisive battle helped win Canada for Britain. This is the other Battle Honour that is still celebrated every year. The black band on Forage Caps, and the black background to the silver rose on Officers' collar badges, are worn as a mark of mourning for General Wolfe, who was killed in this battle. The Regiment became titled the 15th, or Yorkshire East Riding Regiment of Foot in 1782. It then was further honoured by being granted the additional title of `The Duke of York's Own' in 1935. The Regiment was the only Infantry Regiment to have two Battalions (the 2nd and the 5th) in the initial assault on the Normandy beaches in 1944.
The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.
Since amalgamation in 1958 the Regiment has served in Germany, Aden, Britain, Northern Ireland and Bosnia. In May 1985 Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent was appointed Colonel-in-Chief. Apart from `Ca Ira' the rest of the quick march is `The Yorkshire Lass', and the slow march is made up from `XV Von England' and `The Duke of York'.
The Prince of Wales's Regiment on Arctic exercise.
Regimental march - "Ca Ira".
Regimental march - "The Yorkshire Lass".
