Home front recognised as 1 Lancs soldiers get set to take up vital Nato duties

The 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, has formally marked a new chapter in its operational history – while recognising the vital contributions of the families and support networks behind its soldiers.

A celebration held at the battalion's base in Weeton Barracks in Preston coincided with a Waterloo Day commemoration, a date of historical significance to the regiment.

It provided an opportunity to honour not just the achievements of the serving personnel, but also the unwavering commitment shown by their partners, children and extended families.

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The event carried particular significance.

From July, 1 Lancs will assume a pivotal new responsibility within Nato, becoming the alliance's designated strategic reserve battalion.

In the event of a major crisis or conflict on Nato's eastern flank, it will be the unit called forward to reinforce frontline forces.

In recent months, the battalion has been rigorously preparing for its new role.

In May, its soldiers deployed to Estonia for a large-scale operational rehearsal, where they conducted defensive training just 35 miles from the Russian border.

The exercise saw troops dig trenches and prepare positions under battlefield conditions, in line with Nato's collective defence posture.

Back home in Lancashire, however, attention turned to celebration and reflection.

The Waterloo Family Day parade – which paid tribute to the regiment's forebears who fought in the pivotal 1815 battle – saw the battalion form up in four sides of a square, mirroring the historic battlefield formation used at Waterloo 210 years ago.

Leading the ceremonial proceedings was Brigadier Rob Singleton, Colonel of the Regiment, who inspected the battalion's ranks and later joined in family activities.

The event drew a wide cross-section of the regimental family, including veterans, Army Cadets and civilian supporters – many of whom have long-standing ties to the King's Division and the North West.

After the parade, an open day took centre stage, offering a relaxed atmosphere for soldiers and their loved ones to enjoy time together.

Children climbed aboard military vehicles, including the Foxhound, while families had the chance to view displays of drones, weapons and other kit used by the battalion.

Personnel also hosted interactive demonstrations and sports competitions, with soldiers taking part in football and rugby matches.

The occasion also featured performances from the Corps of Drums and musicians from the 4th Battalion band, providing a festive backdrop to the day's events.

The battalion has had a busy 12 months. Alongside preparations for its Nato duties, 1 Lancs has played a key role in Operation Lazorite, supporting the resettlement of eligible Afghan citizens in the UK.

It has also conducted a major exercise on Salisbury Plain, testing its readiness for operations in Europe and beyond.

Recently, approximately 60 soldiers from the battalion travelled to the site of the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium, where the personnel learned more about the famous battle and their regiment's role in it.