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Hi, I’m a student at the University of Dundee currently in the middle of carrying out a dissertation on the regiments of Wales and I was wondering what peoples opinions are on the amalgamation of the regiments. I’m just wondering whether people believe that the amalgamation is a good thing or a bad thing.
J, there are quite a few past threads on the forum that were running during the time of the amalgamation and the fallout of that process. Im sure one of the other members may be able to give you the key words to search for them?
There were quite a few emotive responses, understandably the majority were from ex- Royal Welchmen. issues discussed were the actual almalgamation, the proposed new cap badge, uniform and Regimental colours.
Scouse
Welcome J, an interesting question, I think you may open up a can of worms here.
Personally, I switched to the RWF from the Welch Regiment when they were just about to amalgamate with the SWB (to become RRW). I changed mainly because my platoon commander at the time in JIB Shorncliffe was RWF. He encouraged me to change giving me several reasons but I think he just wanted me to play rugby for the RWF rather than the RRW. LOL
I think you will find that most people will be upset by the the fantastic history of a regiment coming to an end.
I eagerly await other peoples answers.
Dilwyn
Hi Jordan
Amalgamation, good or bad? Realistically, amalgamation has to better than total Disbandment and therefore (as a comparison) it must be a good thing. As in all matters Human however, few people like change and many will resist for as long as possible. When you have served with a regiment, you adopt a certain pride and loyalty that you do not find outside of the services, (that is my personal opinion) and once you have that feeling it does not leave you.
If you look at the Amalgammation, there are still Two Regular Welsh Infantry Regiments- no change, so why go through the process of changing Names, Colours, Capbadges, Belts etc . It must have been a very costly exercise which has achieved what? I served with the 1st Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers as did my father before me and we were both proud to do so. He is no longer with us but if he were, he (as I do) would still feel the same sense of pride in the Regiment as it is named today as he had when he served. Good luck with your Dissertation Jordan
Hia, J. I came to the RWF from a regiment that was disbanded in 1968 that was formed from the RWF (23rd) in 1756! Confusing I know but I was glad to have been allowed to do that and, although quite sad on that cold, blizzard day back in March 2006 in Cardiff, amalgimated regiments are surely better that disbanded ones. Good luck.
Neil Wilson. Former Durham Light Infantry and 1st Royal Welch Fusiliers.
J, The forming of The Royal Welsh was as a result of a 'merger' and not an 'amalgamation' of two fine Welsh Infantry Regiments (The Royal Welch Fusiliers and The Royal Regiment of Wales).Quote:
Originally Posted by J.Oliver
I personally as a serving soldier/officer see only positives in the merger.
Interesting that you prefer "Merger" Dave. To "Merge" - To cause to blend, fuse or to be absorbed so as to lose identity. " Amalgamate" -To mix so as to make a unified whole; Blend; Unite; Combine.Quote:
Originally Posted by davecrim
I have to say that think Amalgamate seems more appropriate and positive. For Jordans benefit (his dissertation) could you expand on the positives that you see as a serving officer and perhaps someone else on the Forum could give an alternative view - for balance.
Ive got to agree with you Gwyn, though i understand where Dave is coming from, i think the powers above wanted it seen as a merger but how much itentity did they want to loose? I personaly dont feel that either regiment has lost much identity, although it has confused a lot of the civpop. Good luck J.
may be you could post your dissertation on here when its finished for some intresting reading.
sox
I have to say that I am suprised at the response to this thread. A view on the "shade" of the New Colours almost started WWIII yet there have been 90+ hits on this thread and only 7 replies.
Jordan perhaps you could be more specific in the information you would like. For example the cost in personal financial terms to individuals who were serving at the time of the "Amalgamation". e.g Mess Dress, which is paid for by each individual. Leading questions may get a better response than "Good or Bad"(unless of course that is all you wish to know).
Hi Jordon
Well an interesting question but rather broad I would argue for a dissertation title!
Perhaps you would want to narrow your question to look at what was the rationale for the amalgamation in terms of the MOD's perspective. Was it driven by outside influences i.e. the Americanisation of institutions as a whole.
Or perhaps you would like to explore what traditions have been adopted by the new Royal Welsh that have come from both the antecendent regiments.
The title as you have expressed would be difficult to research even for a PhD thesis. Send me a personal message and I'll try and explain further as I have a lot of experience in writing both dissertations and indeed a thesis.
Paul Hinge