The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment is
almost the youngest regiment in the British Army, but was formed from the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment whose 300 years of history and traditions it has inherited. It has gained 209 battle honours, sixteen Victoria Crosses and one George Cross; its record is second to none.
Most recently the regiment completed a demanding and most
successful tour of Bosnia. There is much inspiring history to this regiment but there are five great pillars:
The Origin
In 1694 Colonel Sir John Gibson raised a regiment which later became the 28th of Foot (North Gloucestershire). they fought against the French at Ramillies. Fifty years later Edward Trelawny raised the 49th of Foot. In 1756 three more new regiments were formed, the 61st (South Gloucestershire), 62nd (Wiltshire) and 66th (Berkshire). Finally in 1824 the 99th were raised for service in Mauritius.
Brandywine
During the American War of Independence in 1776, the 49th made a successful night attack at Brandywine Creek which so angered the Americans that they vowed revenge upon those involved. In an act of defiance the 49th dyed their green hackles red so that they could be recognised. This is the origin of the red patch worn behind the front badge to this day.
Back Badge
At the battle of Alexandria during the Napoleonic Wars on 21 March 1801 the 28th fought so bravely back to back in the face of heavy French Cavalry that they were awarded the unique distinction of wearing a badge at the back of their berets. the Back Badge, still worn by the regiment today, is their finest honour.
Korea
In Korea in 1951 the Glosters, at the Battle of the lmjin River, stood firm against heavy Chinese communist attacks for four days. their tenacity allowed the United Nations to establish a second line of defence. For this feat they were awarded the American Presidential Citation by President Truman, still worn proudly by the regiment today.
Formation
The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment was formed on 27 April 1994 at Catterick in Yorkshire, taking forward the reputation and traditions of both the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment. They have already served in Bosnia, Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Canada, and Oman. They have a great advantage in being able to recruit the young men of Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire and the City and County of Bristol.
Infantrymen on patrol in Bosnia in a Warrior.
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