The Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial
Whilst there are individual memorials around the county there has never been one celebrating the whole life of the Regiment from 1694-1994, the proposed memorial at The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) seeks to rectify that.
The Regiment first came into being in 1694 when colonel Gibson was asked to form a regiment of foot in Portsmouth. This regiment subsequently became the 28th Foot (North Gloucestershire) and the second part of the regiment, the 61st Foot (South Gloucestershire) joined them in 1881 to become a two battalion regiment. In 1884 the two battalions amalgamated into a one battalion regiment.
During the time up to 1948 both battalions were engaged in various conflicts around the world and no other line regiment has carried more battle honours. Their service to crown took them to every continent and their commanders, among whom wer Sir John Moore and the Duke of Wellington, placed them, with confidence, in positions or honour.
The 28th of Foot fought with outstanding bravery during the Egyptian at Alexandria and following on from the rear-guard action on 21st March 1801 they were awarded the privilege of wearing what become known as the "Back Badge" on their headdress and is still worn by the Gloucestershire Army Cadet Force and The Rifles.
Following on from the amalgamation the 1st Battalion, in the Korean War, fought with such gallantry that they were awarded the honour of wearing The US Presidential Citation and the Solmari Streamer was carried on the Regimental Colour.
Since Korea the Regiment has served in "hot spots" around the world and has been recognised as a unit of great merit and it was with great sadness that another amalgamation was forced upon it in 1994.
Whilst there are individual memorials around the county there has never been one celebrating the whole life of the Regiment from 1694-1994, the proposed memorial at The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) seeks to rectify that.
It is hoped that due recognition will be given on a national and international scale to the contribution paid by the Gloucestershire Regiment for 300 years
If you would like to donate to the Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial, you can do so by sending a cheque made payable to "The Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial" to either;
Len Keeling, 13 Sunnyside Park, Caines, Worcester, WR3 7SP
or
Richard James, Picton House, Waterloo Rd, Caythorpe, Linconshire, NG32 3DX
If you would prefer to donate via Bank transfer, then please email Len here L
