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From: Major General K Skempton CBE
Colonel, The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment
Regimental Headquarters, The Castle, Chester, CH1 2DN
Telephone: Military, Chester (94555) 2926
Civil, Chester (01244) 327617
CRA 19 October 2005
UPDATE ON THE FUTURE INFANTRY STRUCTURE AS IT AFFECTS THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT AND THE FORMATION OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT
I feel that I owe you an update on the task of forming The Mercian Regiment, although some of the issues are still to be resolved. I have been asked numerous questions by members of The Association and I will try and answer them in this note.
First of all, I need to make it clear that no decision on this subject is going to be met with popular approval. I fully understand the passion, loyalty and heritage which drive the feelings of all members of The 22nd, and I understand how this justifiable emotion and real support is being taxed by the introduction of the Future Infantry Structure. Nevertheless, the decision has been made and it is incumbent upon us to create something in which we can be proud, and in which the golden threads of our ever glorious Regiment’s culture and history can be preserved and enjoyed by the present and future serving generations.
Please try and understand that we are bid to form a new Mercian Regiment from its 3 antecedent regiments. This is a ‘merger’ or ‘amalgamation’ (call it what you will), only we should be grateful for the present generation that there is no cut in the number of battalions. CGS has been unambiguous in his direction, even concerning details such as dress. Some of the ‘golden threads’ from antecedent regiments can be preserved in the new uniforms where practical and desired, but battalions are to have the same base uniform, with only minor variations such as lanyards etc, and those minor differences must not cause significant expense to the individual or the Army. To this end the triumvirate of Colonels, the Regimental Councils, the RHQs and a number of co-opted regimental experts are working on a solution which we hope we can rule or agree in the very near future (bearing in mind, everyone has a different view!). We have also been given direction over RHQs and their manpower, as well as the locations of the regular and TA battalions.
I will endeavour to answer some of your questions.
Name. The new regiment is to be called The Mercian Regiment.
a. The battalions will be called:
1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)
2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters)
3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords)
4th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Volunteers)
b. The names are now fixed, save for an Army Board decision on whether or not there should be an ‘air gap’ between regular and TA units, thereby calling the volunteer battalion, the 5th. The decision on names has been made despite protestation over the precedent created for the Scottish battalions retaining their antecedent names first. The Cheshire Regiment was also in a minority, raising this protest.
Formation. We have asked that the Mercian Regiment be formed on 24 August 2007, the last of the Future Infantry Structure changes to take place. It is anticipated that there will be a formation event followed by KAPE marches through the county capitals.
Locations. The locations will settle following the next round of Arms Plot moves:
1 CHESHIRE to form as 1 MERCIAN on arrival in Catterick (light role but within 4 Bde) in August 2007.
1WFR to form as 2 MERCIAN whilst in Public Duties from Hounslow, then to move to Holywood in Northern Ireland in the light role as part of 19 Bde in 2008.
1 STAFFORDS to form as 3 MERCIAN in Tidworth in 12 Bde with a planned move to Fallingbostel in 2009.
4 MERCIAN to form from WMR and elements of KCR and EER with Battalion Headquarters in Wolverhampton. The TA organisation is still requiring endorsement. However, we anticipate a large establishment with rifle company locations based upon:
Warrington (& Stockport)
Crewe (& Stoke)
Mansfied (& Burton)
Wolverhampton (Kidderminster)
Shrewsbury (LI Coy)
Birmingham (RRF Coy)
nb. I am of the belief that the likely permanence of the locations of the light-roled battalions is questionable, as the likely demand from individuals to leave unpopular locations will enforce an unsustainable turbulence within the system. This can be overcome without undue operational penalty, by the rotation of such battalions. At this point, we have no choice in locations (indeed, we are regarded as having a good deal). Our protest at not having Chester (currently destined for the Royal Welsh) has not been accepted by The Prince of Wales’s Division or Director of Infantry, although the subject is not yet closed.
Colonel in Chief. We await Her Majesty’s decision on the Colonel in Chief. Without prejudice or offence, we have made it known that we would wish regimental precedent to be a decision factor.
Badge, Dress and Colours. We have decided to use the double-headed Mercian Eagle with its Saxon Crown as the emblem and cap badge. It represents the brigade heritage that binds the antecedent regiments. The cap badge is to be larger and heavier than the brigade badge which some of us well remember. The decision on uniforms, colours, music and ceremonial issues will be promulgated as soon as our agreed intentions are known.
RHQs. A separate but concurrent RHQ Review is causing difficulties in our planning, both for the new Regiment and the decision concerning its RHQ. The lack of resources to deliver the required infantry changes is a real bone of contention. We wish for a Main RHQ and outstations to represent our large Mercian footprint. Lichfield provides the geographic centre (and capital of Mercia!), whilst Chester provides prestige and better accommodation with public access. Despite our preference, the likely outcome is Lichfield as the Main RHQ with Chester as one of the outstations.
Regimental Funds. No decision has yet been made on Regimental Trusts, Funds and Property. The Mercian Regiment must have a fund which is primed by its antecedent Regiments. It will start a Mercian Regiment Association which will take on the ‘Day’s Pay a Year’ income for benevolence. We wish to have an organisation which embraces all the elements of the antecedent regiments’ assets, where if necessary, it can have separate management and accounts imposed within the structure. It is envisaged that the Cheshire Regiment Association will be able to carry on in function and activity as it is now, until such time as it will be desired or necessary for it to come under the Mercian Regiment Association due to the wish for combined activity or due to reduced CRA numbers or funds.
In making these decisions, we are “under orders” from The Army Board, through the Director of Infantry, and we need to accommodate the mutual, balanced and ultimately agreed wishes of all 3 antecedent regiments. Notwithstanding the requirement, and in addition to any regimental ‘golden thread’ being included in the formal uniform, we anticipate that the best traditions of the old may be maintained within each of the battalions. I refer to issues which might be retained within 1st Battalion such as:
· 1st Priority posting for Cheshire recruits.
· Use of “22nd” on the parade ground or in support of sports fixtures.
· Use of the Cerise & Buff diamond as the tactical recognition flash
· Battalion traditions – Pearson, Khyber Key?
· Sporting Prowess (athletics, football, rugby)
Whilst we may not agree with the decisions imposed upon the infantry, I ask for your support to make it work. I say this, having concluded that there is unlikely to be any reversal of decision. Recruiting is not as good as it should be and we need to be forward looking. Criticise the decision if you must, but please do not criticise the embryo Mercian Regiment. It can be made to work and work well for the future. I can fully understand the passion and loyalty when a colleague says that he would never wear a Mercian Eagle badge in his hat or on his blazer, rather than the CHESHIRE, WFR or STAFFORDS emblem, but I would hope and encourage you to embrace the man who does as “a best friend”, for he is a member of the same club and our heritage is in his trust.
Keith Skempton
Major General
Colonel of The Regiment | 
