Lions of England mark two decades since reorganisation of infantry battalions

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has paraded in Preston to mark the 20th anniversary of its formation in July 2006.

Two decades ago, a significant reorganisation of the British Army's infantry battalions resulted in the formation of a number of 'new' regiments, including The Rifles, The Royal Welsh, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Mercian Regiment, The Yorkshire Regiment and "The Lancs."

At the time, it was seen as a controversial move, but 20 years on, the units involved are celebrating the achievements of their personnel, which have included significant experience on operations in locations like Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Talking to BFBS Forces News, Brigadier Rob Singleton, Colonel of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, said the regiment's personnel were rightly proud of their achievements over the past 20 years.

"I'm really proud of what we've built," the brigadier said, adding: "The antecedent regiments really matter – of course they do – but the Duke of Lancaster's now has its own proud and rich heritage too.

"I think we're a strong, modern and vibrant regiment. We're proud of our history; we're proud of the last 20 years and we're also looking forward to the next 20 years and the challenges that will bring."

Among the hundreds of people who turned out to support the regiment in Preston were veterans who served in the three regiments that merged to create the Duke of Lancaster's in 2006. One such supporter was John Heesom, who joined the Queen's Lancashire Regiment in 1977.

"My heart always belonged to the QLR; it was all I ever really wanted," Mr Heesom said.

"They were the best years of my life; I was born and bred in Lancashire."

But the loss of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment was a matter of regret for Mr Heesom, who said he wouldn't have been happy had he still been serving when the change occurred.

Mr Heesom said: "You'd have gone from being a Private to a Kingsman. It's things like that; but its progress and its inevitable."

The parade in Preston involved soldiers from the regiment's 1st (Regular) and 4th (Reserves) battalions, as well as personnel from 3 Ranger, the unit that was formerly known as the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Also on parade were veterans from the three regiments that merged in 2006, which alongside the Queen's Lancashire Regiment also included the King's Regiment and the King's Own Royal Border Regiment, and teenagers from the Army Cadet Force.

It was all led by the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Russell-Blackburn, who was in fact the last officer to commission into the Queen's Lancashire Regiment before the 2006 amalgamation.

"The regiment was born of the previous three, and it's managed to create all of its own history for the last 20 years.

"We've had lots of success; we've got lots of operational experiences as a regiment and we've very proud of all of the operations we've been a part of."

Colonel Russell-Blackburn also outlined what the 1st Battalion will be up to for the next couple of years.

"At the moment we are stood by on 25 days' notice to move to go to Estonia as part of the Forward Land Forces; it's a standing mission for the next couple of years. We're also on a pathway to go on Operation Cabrit next September.

"This September, we're going to Kenya for a three-month period and then into next year we will be doing all the individual training to ensure we can go on that winter tour in Estonia."

Saturday's parade was followed by an invitation-only regimental fun day, giving personnel and their families an opportunity to celebrate the regiment's birthday.

Speaking at the event, 24-year-old Kingsman Lewis Travers, originally from Bolton, said the day had been a great opportunity to show loved ones what the regiment was all about.

He added: "Getting your family around and showing them what we do, it's nice."

He was joined by 23-year-old Kingsman Daniel Clayton, originally from Blackpool, who had brought his father along for the day.

"Where I'm based is like a 15-minute drive to my house, which I think is perfect," Kingsman Clayton said, adding: "But wherever my regiment is based, that's where I want to be."

Since 2006, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has lost 38 soldiers in service. Their names were read out during Saturday's parade, which was also attended by regional officials and dignitaries.