What were the active years of the Wessex Regiment?

The Wessex Regiment was active from 1967 to 1995.

To which country did the Wessex Regiment owe allegiance?

The Wessex Regiment belonged to the United Kingdom, as indicated by the Union Flag associated with it.

Which branch of the British Armed Forces did the Wessex Regiment belong to?

The Wessex Regiment was part of the British Army, represented by the flag of the British Army.

What was the primary role of the Wessex Regiment?

The Wessex Regiment served as Line Infantry within the British Army.

What was the approximate size of the Wessex Regiment?

The Wessex Regiment was composed of two battalions.

When was the Wessex Regiment formed, and what was its initial designation?

The Wessex Regiment was formed on April 1, 1967, initially under the designation Wessex Volunteers.

What historical context led to the formation of the Wessex Volunteers?

The Wessex Volunteers were formed as successors to former Territorial Army infantry battalions of the Wessex Brigade. These units had been reduced to cadre following the 1966 Defence White Paper and the subsequent establishment of the TAVR (Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve).

What was the initial structure of the Wessex Volunteers upon its formation in 1967?

Upon its formation, the regiment consisted of HQ Company (Devon), A Company (Gloucester), B Company (Hampshire), C Company (Dorset), and D Company (Berkshire).

Which specific former Territorial Army battalions did the initial companies of the Wessex Volunteers succeed?

HQ Company succeeded the 4th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment; A Company succeeded the 5th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment; B Company succeeded the 4th/5th Battalion of the Royal Hampshire Regiment; C Company succeeded the 4th Battalion of the Dorset Regiment; and D Company succeeded the 4th/6th Battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment.

How did the designation of the 1st Battalion change in the early 1970s?

In 1971, the battalion was re-designated as the 1st Battalion, Wessex Volunteers. The following year, in 1972, it was renamed the 1st Battalion, Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers).

What structural changes occurred within the 1st Battalion in 1975?

In 1975, the 1st Battalion underwent another re-organisation, which included the two battalions exchanging their respective D Companies.

Describe the structure of the 1st Battalion after the 1975 re-organisation.

Following the 1975 changes, the 1st Battalion comprised HQ Company (located at Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes), A Company (Gloucester, Bristol, and Forest of Dean), B Company (Winchester), C Company (Dorchester and Weymouth), D (Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry) Company (Poole and Bournemouth), and E Company (Exeter, Plymouth, and Barnstaple).

With which regular army regiments was The Wessex Regiment affiliated in 1986 and 1987?

In 1986 and 1987, The Wessex Regiment was affiliated with the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment.

What was the unique operational role of the Wessex Regiment in the South West of England during the mid-1980s?

The Wessex Regiment was the only reserve regiment in the South West region with an active role as part of 1 Brigade (UKMF) NATO.

Why did the 1st Battalion lose several companies in 1986?

The regiment lost affiliated companies because the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment was raising its own territorial infantry battalion. E Company was transferred to become HQ and A Companies of this new battalion, while B and C Companies were also retained by the new unit.

How did the Cold War reductions starting in 1992 affect the 1st Battalion's structure?

Beginning in 1992, the 1st Battalion was reduced to a three-rifle company establishment. D Company was transferred to the Devon and Dorsets, and both B and C companies were transferred to the 2nd Battalion.

What was the final structure of the 1st Battalion after the Cold War reductions?

After the reductions, the 1st Battalion consisted of HQ Company (at Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes) with specialist platoons (Mortar, Anti-Tank, Reconnaissance, Pioneer), A Company (with platoons in Gloucester, Bristol, and Forest of Dean), and C Company (Cheltenham and Tewkesbury).

When was the 2nd Battalion, Wessex Volunteers, formed, and what was its subsequent designation?

The 2nd Battalion, Wessex Volunteers, was formed on April 1, 1971. It was re-designated as the 2nd Battalion, Wessex Regiment (Volunteers) a year later, in 1972.

What was the initial structure of the 2nd Battalion upon its formation in 1971?

The initial structure of the 2nd Battalion included HQ Company (Reading), B (Royal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry) Company (Bletchley), A (Duke of Connaught's) Company (Portsmouth), C (Royal Berkshire) Company (Maidenhead, Slough, and Newbury), and D (Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry) Company (Poole, Bournemouth, and Weymouth).

Which former units did the initial companies of the 2nd Battalion succeed?

B Company succeeded elements of the Buckinghamshire Regiment, Royal Artillery; A Company succeeded the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Territorials; C Company succeeded the Royal Berkshire Territorials; and D Company succeeded the Dorset Territorials.

What was the Home Service Force (HSF), and how did the 2nd Battalion participate?

The Home Service Force was a home defence force established by the British Army. The 2nd Battalion supported this initiative by raising E (HSF) Company, with platoons located in Reading, Maidenhead, Winchester, and Portsmouth.

How did the 2nd Battalion's structure change in 1992?

In 1992, reflecting territorial reductions at the end of the Cold War, the 2nd Battalion was reduced to a three-rifle company establishment. The Home Service Force Company was disbanded along with the rest of the HSF.

Which specific company from the 2nd Battalion transferred elsewhere upon its amalgamation in 1995?

C Company transferred to the Royal Yeomanry, where it became D (Berkshire Yeomanry) Squadron.

Who served as the Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion from 1967 to 1970?

Bt. Colonel Sir Joseph W. Weld, OBE, TD, JP served as the Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion during this period.

Who held the position of Honorary Colonel for the 1st Battalion between 1970 and 1975?

Colonel William Q. Roberts, CBE, DSO, MVO, TD, DL held the position of Honorary Colonel for the 1st Battalion from 1970 to 1975.

Who was the Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion from 1975 to 1981?

Major-General Glyn C.A. Gilbert, CB, MC served as the Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion from 1975 to 1981.

Who succeeded Major-General Glyn C.A. Gilbert as Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion?

Major-General Michael J.H. Walsh, CB, DSO succeeded Major-General Gilbert, serving from 1981 until an unspecified date before 1995.

Who was the final Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion?

Colonel M.S. Lee-Browne, CBE, TD, DL served as the final Honorary Colonel of the 1st Battalion, holding the position until 1995.

Who was the first Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion?

Captain William Harris, 6th Earl of Malmesbury, TD, DL, served as the first Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion from 1971 to 1973.

Who held the position of Honorary Colonel for the 2nd Battalion from 1974 to 1980?

Brigadier Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington, KG, LVO, OBE, MC, served as the Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion from 1974 to 1980.

Who succeeded the Duke of Wellington as Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion?

Brigadier John B. Oldfield, OBE, DL, served as the Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion from 1980 to 1983.

Who was the Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion between 1983 and 1985?

Bt. Colonel The Hon. Gordon W.N. Palmer, OBE, TD, JP, served as the Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion from 1983 to 1985.

Who held the position of Honorary Colonel for the 2nd Battalion from 1985 to 1990?

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir James Scott, Bt., served as the Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion from 1985 to 1990.

Who was the final Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion?

General Sir John H. Learmont, KCB, CBE, served as the final Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Battalion from 1990 to 1995.

Who served as the Deputy Honorary Colonel for A Company of the 2nd Battalion?

Lieutenant-Colonel Lawrence J. Verney, TD, DL, served as the Deputy Honorary Colonel for A Company of the 2nd Battalion.

Who was the Deputy Honorary Colonel for B Company of the 2nd Battalion?

Admiral of the Fleet The Rt. Hon. Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, PC, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO, served as the Deputy Honorary Colonel for B Company of the 2nd Battalion.

Who held the position of Deputy Honorary Colonel for C Company of the 2nd Battalion?

Major The Hon. David J. Smith, CBE, JP, served as the Deputy Honorary Colonel for C Company of the 2nd Battalion.

Who was the Deputy Honorary Colonel for D Company of the 2nd Battalion?

Bt. Colonel Sir Joseph W. Weld, OBE, TD, JP, served as the Deputy Honorary Colonel for D Company of the 2nd Battalion.

What was the significance of the 1966 Defence White Paper in relation to the Wessex Regiment's formation?

The 1966 Defence White Paper mandated reductions in the Territorial Army, leading to the former infantry battalions of the Wessex Brigade being reduced to cadre. This restructuring paved the way for the formation of the TAVR and subsequently the Wessex Volunteers.

What does TAVR stand for in the context of the Wessex Regiment's history?

TAVR stands for Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, a reserve military force established in the United Kingdom following the 1966 Defence White Paper.

What was the purpose of the Home Service Force (HSF) that the 2nd Battalion supported?

The Home Service Force was a component of the British Army established to provide a dedicated home defence capability.

What does the abbreviation TD signify in the context of military appointments?

TD stands for Territorial Decoration, an award recognizing long and meritorious service in the Territorial Army, which is a component of the British Army.

What does the abbreviation OBE signify in the context of military appointments?

OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry awarded for significant achievement or service to the country.

What does the abbreviation CBE signify in the context of military appointments?

CBE stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire, which is a higher grade within the Order of the British Empire, awarded for similar achievements.

What does the abbreviation JP signify in the context of military appointments?

JP stands for Justice of the Peace, a judicial role often held by individuals in positions of civic or military leadership, indicating a commitment to public service.

What does the abbreviation DL signify in the context of military appointments?

DL stands for Deputy Lieutenant, an official appointed to assist the Lord Lieutenant in carrying out their duties within a county, representing the Crown.

What does the abbreviation CB signify in the context of military appointments?

CB stands for Companion of the Order of the Bath, a British order of chivalry awarded for distinguished service in the civil service or armed forces.

What does the abbreviation MC signify in the context of military appointments?

MC stands for Military Cross, a military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces for acts of valour, service, or gallantry during active operations in the face of the enemy.

What does the abbreviation DSO signify in the context of military appointments?

DSO stands for Distinguished Service Order, a British military decoration awarded for meritorious service in action against the enemy.

Wessex Regiment Wiki: The Wessex Regiment: A Chronicle of Service

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A Brief History

Territorial Army Legacy

The Wessex Regiment was a significant component of the United Kingdom's Territorial Army, serving from 1967 until its amalgamation in 1995. It represented the continuation of infantry traditions within the Wessex Brigade's former units, adapted for the modern era of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve (TAVR).

Allegiance and Branch

As a unit of the British Army, the Wessex Regiment was loyal to the United Kingdom. It operated as a Line Infantry regiment, a crucial role within the army's structure, contributing to national defence and readiness.

Active Service Period

The regiment was active for nearly three decades, from its formation on April 1, 1967, through various reorganizations, until its eventual amalgamation on March 31, 1995. This period spanned significant geopolitical changes, including the latter stages of the Cold War and its aftermath.

Formation and Initial Structure

Genesis of the Regiment

The Wessex Regiment was established on April 1, 1967, as the Wessex Volunteers. It was formed to succeed the former Territorial Army infantry battalions of the Wessex Brigade, which had been reduced to cadre strength following the 1966 Defence White Paper and the subsequent restructuring into the TAVR. The initial structure comprised a single battalion, later expanded.

The regiment's initial structure was organized into several companies, each drawing lineage from specific former units:

HQ Company: Based in Exeter, drawing from the 4th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment.
A Company: Located in Gloucester, originating from the 5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment.
B Company: Situated in Winchester and Basingstoke, formed from the 4th/5th Battalion, Royal Hampshire Regiment.
C Company: Based in Dorchester and Poole, originating from the 4th Battalion, Dorset Regiment.
D Company: Located in Reading, formed from the 4th/6th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment.

Battalion Evolution

1st Battalion

The 1st Battalion underwent significant reorganizations throughout its existence. Initially designated as the Wessex Volunteers, it was re-designated as the 1st Battalion, Wessex Volunteers in 1971, and then renamed the 1st Battalion, Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers) the following year. Multiple detached platoons were established, and company subtitles were removed. Further reorganizations occurred in 1975 and again in the early 1990s as part of broader army reductions.

Following reductions in the early 1990s, the battalion was structured with three rifle companies:

HQ Company: Located at Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes, with specialized platoons for Mortars (Andover), Anti-Tank (Stroud), Reconnaissance (Cheltenham), and Pioneers (Cinderford).
A Company: Comprised platoons in Gloucester and Bristol, with a Recce Platoon in the Forest of Dean. The Bristol platoons were supported by 245 Ambulance Squadron, 155 Transport Regiment.
C Company: Based in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.

In 1995, the 1st Battalion amalgamated with the 2nd Battalion to form the 2nd (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.

2nd Battalion

The 2nd Battalion, Wessex Volunteers, was formed on April 1, 1971, from cadres of units affected by TAVR restructuring. It was subsequently re-designated as the 2nd Battalion, Wessex Regiment (Volunteers) in 1972. The battalion also raised a Home Service Force (HSF) company during the Cold War. Like the 1st Battalion, it underwent reorganizations, particularly in response to the end of the Cold War.

The initial structure of the 2nd Battalion included:

HQ Company: Based at Brock Barracks, Reading.
B (Royal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry) Company: Located in Bletchley, originating from the Buckinghamshire Regiment, Royal Artillery.
A (Duke of Connaught's) Company: Based in Portsmouth, formed from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Territorials.
C (Royal Berkshire) Company: Situated in Maidenhead, Slough, and Newbury, from the Royal Berkshire Territorials.
D (Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry) Company: Located in Poole, Bournemouth, and Weymouth, from the Dorset Territorials.
E (HSF) Company: Raised in Reading, Maidenhead, Winchester, and Portsmouth to support the Home Service Force.

In 1995, the battalion amalgamated with the 1st Battalion to form the 2nd (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, with C Company transferring to the Royal Yeomanry.

Honorary Colonels

1st Battalion Colonels

The role of Honorary Colonel is a ceremonial position, often held by distinguished military or civilian figures. The 1st Battalion had several distinguished individuals serve in this capacity throughout its existence.

1967–1970: Bt. Colonel Sir Joseph W. Weld, OBE, TD, JP
1970–1975: Colonel William Q. Roberts, CBE, DSO, MVO, TD, DL
1975–1981: Major-General Glyn C.A. Gilbert, CB, MC
1981–?: Major-General Michael J.H. Walsh, CB, DSO
?–1995: Colonel M.S. Lee-Browne, CBE, TD, DL

2nd Battalion Colonels

The 2nd Battalion also benefited from the patronage of notable figures, including members of the peerage and senior military officers, who served as its Honorary Colonels.

1971–1973: Captain William Harris, 6th Earl of Malmesbury, TD, DL
1974–1980: Brigadier Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington, KG, LVO, OBE, MC
1980–1983: Brigadier John B. Oldfield, OBE, DL
1983–1985: Bt. Colonel The Hon. Gordon W.N. Palmer, OBE, TD, JP
1985–1990: Lieutenant-Colonel Sir James Scott, Bt.
1990–1995: General Sir John H. Learmont, KCB, CBE

Deputy Honorary Colonels

For a period, individual companies within the 2nd Battalion maintained their own Deputy Honorary Colonels, continuing the traditions of their antecedent units.

A Company: Lieutenant-Colonel Lawrence J. Verney, TD, DL
B Company: Admiral of the Fleet The Rt. Hon. Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, PC, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO
C Company: Major The Hon. David J. Smith, CBE, JP
D Company: Bt. Colonel Sir Joseph W. Weld, OBE, TD, JP

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The Wessex Regiment

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Brief History ⏳

🛡️ Territorial Army Legacy

🇬🇧 Allegiance and Branch

📅 Active Service Period

Formation and Initial Structure 🏗️

📜 Genesis of the Regiment

Battalion Evolution ➡️

1️⃣ 1st Battalion

2️⃣ 2nd Battalion

Honorary Colonels 👑

1️⃣ 1st Battalion Colonels

2️⃣ 2nd Battalion Colonels

🤝 Deputy Honorary Colonels

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Brief History

Territorial Army Legacy

Allegiance and Branch

Active Service Period

Formation and Initial Structure

Genesis of the Regiment

Battalion Evolution

1st Battalion

2nd Battalion

Honorary Colonels

1st Battalion Colonels

2nd Battalion Colonels

Deputy Honorary Colonels

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

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Disclaimer

Important Notice