Dates: 1881 - 1969
The Welch Regiment (or "The Welch") was a British Army regiment from 1881 to 1969.
It was formed as part of the wholesale Cardwell reforms of the Army in 1881 from the 41st (Welsh) Regiment of Foot, recruited generally from south west Wales, and remained so until it was amalgamated with the South Wales Borderers (24th Foot) into the Royal Regiment of Wales in 1969.
It should not be confused with the Royal Welch Fusiliers (23rd Foot), recruited generally from Mid Wales and North Wales.
The Welch Regiment can trace its origins from its constituent regiments back to the Regiment of Invalids formed from - among others - Pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea (hence the name) in 1688.
Originally organised as the county regiment of Carmarthenshire, Glamorganshire and Pembrokeshire, the new regiment encompassed its Militia and Volunteer infantry and united two regular battalions:
* 1st Battalion, redesignation of 41st (The Welsh) Regiment of Foot
* 2nd Battalion, redesignation of 69th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot (1881-1948)
Militia and Special Reserve:
* 3rd Battalion, redesignation of Royal Glamorgan Light Infantry (1881-1953)
There were a further 50 battalions raised at various points in time for Territorial, Volunteer and War service. On St David’s Day 2006 the Royal Welch Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Wales amalgamated, with 1 RRW becoming 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welsh (The Royal Regiment of Wales).
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Welsh Regiment
" The fight continues! Yet again I wrote to Mr Reid, this time the reply came from Lord Drayson, the Duty Minister. (Seems like everyone else was away on their hols). Lord Drayson is the Minister for Procurement so I have no idea what knowledge he would have regarding the mergers etc. Anyway, ..."
Click For More
" The battle continues with me badgering the politicians and MoD with letters questioning their decisions! The replies I have received are all of the same ilk! I think they now have a standard reply for Alan Derbyshire? The online petition is still open :-www.wfr.org.uk All support is greatly ..."
Click For More
" Murray, Judging from the replies I have received from the MoD etc they have NO intention of changing the naming of the English or Welsh Regiments. We mortals have no say in what they have decided. Apparently, what happened was that when the mergers were being discussed it was agreed by all the ..."
Click For More
" Well there’s flak from me!!! I can’t believe the attitude of some members, and amazed by the insensitivity shown towards the death of a young soldier. “If you can’t take the heat” pun is the most disgusting remark I’ve seen in a long time!!! The crap uttered by Malcolm ..."
Click For More
" Quoting: Byron Smith Well there’s flak from me!!! I can’t believe the attitude of some members, and amazed by the insensitivity shown towards the death of a young soldier. “If you can’t take the heat” pun is the most disgusting remark I’ve seen in a long time!!! The crap uttered by ..."
Click For More
