Merger update and identification of long range key regimental activity

[Bob Bacon]

10 Oct 13

MERGER UPDATE AND IDENTIFICATION OF LONG RANGE KEY REGIMENTAL ACTIVITY

Introduction

1. As the battalions continue to formulate the detail of the forthcoming merger it is prudent to provide an update on both the key regimental activity and the latest plans for the merger. The 2^nd Battalion have recently successfully completed their exercise in BATUS and recover shortly. Most of the merger activity will commence on their return with the intent that the battalion is fully established in Tidworth by 31 Mar 14.

Merger Update

2. Background. Whilst the A2020 announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence on 5 Jul 13 was a bitter pill for us all, we now have a clear direction of travel. We have a good role as an armoured infantry battalion, a good firm base in Tidworth and excellent raw material, our soldiers, to create an outstanding infantry battalion. Much of the planning is complete and some of the key points are outlined below.

3. Reactive Force. On 30 Nov 12 The Army HQ Implementation Order (IO) was released where it was agreed that the date of the merger would be on 31 Mar 14 and that the 1^st Battalion The Royal Welsh would form part of the Reactive Force undertaking the role of the Interim Lead Armoured Battlegroup (iLABG) on 1 Apr 14. The IO has allowed both battalions’s to develop a detailed plan and this has been formalised in an OpO and ‘live’ synchronisation matrix.

4. Personnel. The first Tranche of 115 soldiers departed for Tidworth on 22 Jun 13 and are currently in BATUS. The next tranche of 137 will depart in Jan 14 whilst a rear party of 38 will remain in Chester before joining the battalion in Tidworth having handed over The Dale to 2 MERCIAN next summer. The remainder of the Chester based battalion will either move to Tidworth individually, be posted, be leaving the Army, or transferring to another regiment. When we form we will, as near as possible, be 50 / 50 split 1^st and 2^nd Battalion and a Battalion of 729 men and women.

5. Heritage. The Colonel of the Regiment directed that “a committee of serving officers and soldiers convene and formulate a plan to preserve the heritage of the antecedent battalions” to be endorsed by the Regimental Committee. This meeting convened on 6 Nov 12 and after a day of discussions a unified view was quickly developed. The key decisions have already been made public but by way of reminder:

a. Regimental days. The Immortal Defence of Rorke’s Drift, St David’s Day and The Battle of the Alma.

b. Clothing. All soldiers will continue to wear both the Flash and Hackle and the TRF will be a Red Dragon Passant on a Brunswick Green backing. All serving members of the regiment will wear the new TRF from 31 Mar 13.

c. Private soldiers. All private soldiers will be referred to as Fusiliers.

d. Regimental Goat. The Regimental Goat (to be known as Llewellyn) will be castrated and will wear a unique coat plus a Lichfield plate.

e. Companies. Alpha Company (Rising Sun Emblem) (Red), B (Rorke’s Drift) Coy (Navy Blue), Charlie Company (White Horse) (Light Green), Delta (Fire Support) Company (Sphinx) (Yellow & Black). HQ Company (Regimental Crest).

f. Sports clothing. All sports clothing will be in regimental colours with the regimental crest (Rampant Dragon).

6. Regimental property. The regimental property will move from Chester to Tidworth in the New Year. There is plenty of real estate and all 3 Messes will be ‘decorated’ with antecedent 1^st and 2^nd Battalion property. Similarly the Battalion sports club, to be known as the Red Dragon Club, will home both the current Dragon memorabilia and that of the 2^nd Battalion’s Prince of Wales Club. What is absolutely clear is that all antecedent Regimental property, which charts our rich history, will be brought together to provide a foundation for the ‘new’ battalion.

7. Regimental Day. The intent is to hold a regimental day in Tidworth on 3 Apr 14 to mark the merger. The aspiration is to see all the regimental family there, from cadet to comrade, as we start this latest chapter in our history. Further detail will be disseminated in the coming months.

Key Regimental Activity

8. The key regimental activity identified below is activity incorporating both regular and, in some cases, our reserve battalion.

Ser	Date	Activity	Remarks
1.	15 Nov 13	Regimental Dinner, Cardiff
2.	15 Nov 13	Lt Col Sir GD Inkin OBE Memorial Service	Cardiff
3.	14 Dec – 6 Jan 14	Christmas Leave
4.	20 Jan 14	Tr2 personnel depart The Dale Barracks for Tidworth
5.	11 Feb 14	House of Commons Reception
6.	8 Mar 14	Dedication of plaque CSM JH Williams VC DCM MM*, Medialle Militaire
7.	17 – 21 Mar 13	Prince of Wales Platoon Competition
8.	31 Mar 13	Merger of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh	Coord Cell to remain in Chester
9.	3 Apr 14	Regimental Merger Day
10.	5 – 28 Apr 14	Easter Leave Period
11.	12 – 31 May 13[1]	Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1/14	R WELSH led
12.	15 Jun – 20 Jul 14[2]	Ex PRAIRIE STORM 2/14	KRH led
13.	11 – 31 Aug 14	Summer Leave Period
14.	20 Oct – 20 Nov 14	Ex NORTHERN BARUNTSE	Regimental Adv Trg, Nepal
15.	27 – 31 Oct 14	Half Term Leave Period
16.	2015	Presentation of New Colours	Date TBC

Summary

9. The merger plans are on track and we have reached a consensus on all issues. With the recent success of the 2^nd Battalion in BATUS and with further deployments to follow next year, we are very well set to assume the mantle of the Interim Lead Armoured Battle Group and establish the new 1^st Battalion as the best in the infantry. Be under no illusion, the future is bright and we are well placed to tackle future challenges, please continue to support us as we embark on the next chapter of our journey.

CO 1 R WELSH CO 2 R WELSH

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[1] Ex PS 1/14. Activation window 23 – 30 Apr 13 (TBC) and Recovery window 1 – 10 Jun 14 (TBC).

[2] Ex PS 2/14. Activation window 9 – 30 Jun 13 (TBC) and Recovery window 1 – 10 Aug 14 (TBC).

[dcdl12976]

Whilst it is sad to see Regiments and Battalions disbanded and or merged i wish the new unit all the best for the future, im sure the serving soldiers and old comrades will do a fantastic job and make you all proud.

Gentlemen i salute you.

Dave

[RayO88]

I second that good luck boys