Merger parade tidworth 3rd april 2014

Fantastic day yesterday (Thursday, 3rd April). It was a day of very mixed emotions as the realisation the Royal Welch Fusiliers as we know it are finally retired into the history books. On a positive note it was good to see how many of the traditions our great Regiment are being encompassed into the new Battalion. The Hackle, Flash and the fact that the ordinary soldiers will be called Fusiliers are three significant traditions to mention.

It was a very inspiring speech by Brigadier Napier in which he envoked the histories of all the Regiments involved going as far back as India and Waterloo as he encouraged those on Parade to look forward to a brighter future in which the 1st Bn Royal Welsh will play a massive part.

On a personal note it was great to see so many RWF Comrades turn up to witness this historic day, far more turned up than those Comrades from the other Regiments involved I might add. Good to meet up with old friends some I haven't seen for 30 years.