ThePrincess of Wales's Royal Regiment(PWRR), also known as theTigers,is the senior Englishline infantryregimentof theBritish Army,second in theline infantry order of precedenceto theRoyal Regiment of Scotlandand part of theQueen's Division.
| Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) | |
|---|---|
 Cap Badgeof the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment | |
| Active | 9 September 1992 – present |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Line Infantry |
| Role | 1st Battalion —Light infantry 3rd Battalion —Army Reserve 4th Battalion —Army Reserve |
| Size | Three battalions[a] |
| Part of | Queen's Division |
| Garrison/HQ | RHQ -London 1st Battalion -Woolwich,London,andEpiskopi Garrison 3rd Battalion -Canterbury 4th Battalion -Redhill |
| Nickname(s) | The Tigers |
| Motto(s) | "Unconquered, I serve" |
| March | Quick -The Farmer's Boy/Soldiers of the Queen Slow -The Minden Rose |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment | Major GeneralJames Martin |
| Insignia | |
| Tactical recognition flash |  |
| Arm badge |  Tiger From Royal Hampshire Regiment |
| Abbreviation | PWRR |
History
editThe Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment was formed on 9 September 1992 by the amalgamation of theQueen's Regimentand theRoyal Hampshire Regimentand holds the earliestbattle honourin the British Army (Tangier 1662–80).[1]Through its ancestry via theQueen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)(2nd Regiment of Foot), the PWRR is the most senior English line infantry regiment. The current regiment was named in honour ofDiana, Princess of Wales.[2]
Upon its creation, the Princess of Wales[3]and theQueen of Denmark[4]were Allied Colonels-in-Chief of the PWRR. When the Princess divorcedthe Prince of Wales,she resigned as Colonel-in-chief and the Queen of Denmark was appointed its Colonel-in-Chief.[4]
The 1st Battalion served a seven-month tour of Iraq in 2004 with a second tour following in 2006, and finally a tour in 2009 where the battalion was split between Afghanistan and Iraq (last combat operation in Iraq). Many of the operations carried out by the battalion during the first tour were named after stations on theLondon Underground.[5]Elements of 1 PWRR helped train the Iraqi National Army and oversaw the withdrawal of UK Forces from Basra.[6]1st Battalion was deployed to Afghanistan again in August 2011 to form the nucleus of the Police Mentoring Advisory Group (PMAG) with individual companies detached to other battlegroups around Helmand province.[7]During this time in Afghanistan, 1st Battalion would also achieve the most recent case in history of a successful bayonet charge, when Corporal Sean Jones lead a successful charge during an ambush in the village of Kakaran, for which he was award themilitary cross.[8][9]The 1st Battalion underArmy 2020will move from Paderborn, Germany to be stationed atBulford Camp.[10][11][12]
The regiment's 2nd Battalion were based inShackleton Barracks,Northern Ireland,the last resident battalion deployed in this role underOperation Banner.After two years at Alexander Barracks inDhekeliainCyprus,they moved toWoolwichGarrison,London,to take up apublic dutiesrole in August 2010, a role they performed for three years.[13]2nd Battalion deployed to Cyprus again in 2014.[14]It remains one of the infantry units rotating between the UK and British Forces Cyprus.[15]In August 2017, the battalion returned to the UK, based atKendrew Barracksin Cottesmore, where they reconfigured two companies into a Light Mechanised Infantry force.[16]
The regiment's 2nd battalion re-subordinated to theRanger Regimenton 1 December 2021.[17]
In October 2023, 200 soldiers from the 1st Battalion were deployed to northernKosovofollowing increased tensions and the build-up of Serbian military in the region.[18]
The Queen of Denmark served as the Colonel-in-Chief until her abdication on 14 January 2024. A new Colonel-in-Chief has not yet been appointed.[19]
Since August 2024, the 1st Battalion has been based atEpiskopi Garrison,replacing the1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regimentas the Regional Standby Battalion.[20]
Recruitment
editThe regiment recruits its soldiers fromLondon,Kent,Surrey,Sussex,Hampshire,theIsle of Wight,and theChannel Islands.[21]
Structure
editThe regimental headquarters (RHQ) is at theTower of London,whilst the regiment itself comprises three battalions:[a]
- 1st Battalion — Light Infantry based in Woolwich, London, or theSovereign Base AreasonAkrotiri and Dhekelia,on a two-year rotation[22]
- 3rd Battalion —Army ReserveLight Infantryserving with20th Armoured Brigade,paired with 1st BattalionRoyal Anglian Regiment[23]
- 4th Battalion —Army Reserveserving with11th Security Force Assistance Brigade,paired with 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment when in UK[24][25]
Regimental museum
editThe Queen's & Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment Regimental Museum is inDover Castle.[26]
Victoria Cross and other decorations
editMedals and awards awarded to the regiment's 1st Battalion for their service during operations in Iraq in 2004 included aVictoria Cross,two Distinguished Service Orders, two Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses, one Member of the Order of the British Empire for gallantry, tenMilitary Crosses,and seventeenMentions in Despatches.[5]
PrivateJohnson Beharryof the 1st Battalion, PWRR was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during his unit's deployment toAmarah,nearBasra.[27]
Whilst attached to the 1st Battalion,Michelle Norrisof theRoyal Army Medical Corpsbecame the first woman to be awarded theMilitary Crossfollowing her actions on 11 June 2006.[28]
Battle honours
editThe forebear Regiments of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment were awarded over 550 Battle Honours including "Tangier 1662-80", the oldest on any Colour,[29]the following are emblazoned on the colours:
- King's Colour:Mons,Retreat from Mons,Aisne 1914,Ypres 1914'15'17'18,Hill 60,Festubert 1915,Somme 1916'18,Albert 1916'18,Arras 1917'18,Cambrai 1917'18, Hindenburg Line,Italy 1917–18,Doiran 1917–18,Landing at Helles,Gaza, Jerusalem,Palestine 1917–18,Kut al Amara 1915'17,Mesopotamia 1915–18,North West Frontier India 1915 1916–17,Dunkirk 1940,Normandy Landing, Caen, Rhine,North-West Europe 1944-45,Abyssinia 1941,El Alamein, Tebourba Gap,Hunt's Gap,Longstop Hill,North Africa 1940–43,Sicily 1943,Salerno, Anzio, Cassino, Gothic Line, Italy 1943–45,Malta 1940–42,Malaya 1941–42,Hong Kong,Defence of Kohima,Burma 1943–45
- Regimental Colour:Tangier 1662–80, Namur 1695, Gibraltar 1704–5, Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet, Dettingen, Minden, Louisburg, Guadeloupe 1759, Quebec 1759, Belleisle, Tournay, Barrosa, Martinique 1762, Seringapatam, Maida, Corunna, Talavera,Albuhera,Almaraz, Vittoria, Peninsula, Punniar, Moodkee, Sobraon, Inkerman, Sevastopol, Lucknow, Taku Forts, Pekin 1860, New Zealand, Afghanistan 1879–80, Nile 1884–85, Burma 1885–87, Relief of Ladysmith, Paardeberg, South Africa 1899–1902, Korea 1950-51
The Regimental Colour is particularly distinctive. The Colour is yellow and there is a unique combination of five badges displayed; the cap badge, theNaval Crown,the Tiger, theSphinxand the cypher ofCatherine of Braganzaall linked to Regimental history:[30]
- The Naval Crown superscribed "1st June 1794" – from the Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
- The Sphinx superscribed "Egypt 1801" – from the Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) & Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
- The cypher of Queen Catherine "1661", (wife of Charles II), intertwined/reversed letter "C" at the base of the laurel wreath from The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey), in memory of the raising of the Regiment in 1661 when sent to garrison Tangier, part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry
- The Royal Tiger superscribed "India" – from the Royal Hampshire Regiment
Colonels-in-Chief
editColonels-in-Chief have been as follows:[31]
- 1992–1996:Diana, Princess of Wales
- 1997–2024:Queen Margrethe II of Denmark
Order of precedence
editLineage
editAlliances
edit
Canada-The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment)- Canada-The South Alberta Light Horse
- Canada- 49th (Sault Ste Marie) Field Regiment,Royal Canadian Artillery
- Canada-The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
- Canada-The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment
- Canada-1st Battalion, Royal New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton and York)
- Canada-The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment
Australia-The Royal New South Wales Regiment- Australia-The Royal Western Australia Regiment
- Australia-University of New South Wales Regiment
New Zealand-Hauraki Regiment- New Zealand-Waikato Mounted Rifles
Pakistan- 12th, 14th, 15th, and 17th Battalions,The Punjab Regiment
Royal Navy-HMSExcellent- Royal Navy-40 Commando Royal Marines- Bond of friendship
France-Le 35e Régiment d'Infanterie- Bond of Friendship
Denmark-Den Kongelige Livgarde- Bond of Friendship
Footnotes
editNotes
editCitations
edit- ^"The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment".Ministry of Defence.Retrieved23 May2014.
- ^"Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment retraces its history".BBC. 28 April 2012.Retrieved30 April2016.
- ^"No. 52834".The London Gazette(Supplement). 13 February 1992. p. 2581.
- ^ab"No. 52834".The London Gazette(Supplement). 13 February 1992. p. 2582.
- ^abMills, Dan (2007).Sniper One: The Blistering True Story of a British Battle Group Under Siege.Penguin.ISBN978-0-7181-4994-9.
- ^"British soldier killed in Basra shooting".The Telegraph.12 February 2009.Retrieved23 May2014.
- ^"Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment sees Afghan Police progress".Ministry of Defence.Retrieved23 May2014.
- ^"Bayonet charge foils enemy ambush".GOV.UK.Retrieved17 November2024.
- ^Stilwell, Blake (19 August 2022)."British Soldiers in Afghanistan Counterattacked a Taliban Ambush with a Bayonet Charge".Military.Retrieved17 November2024.
- ^"Regular Army basing"(PDF).Ministry of Defence. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 14 August 2016.Retrieved30 April2016.
- ^"Basing plan"(PDF).p. 3.Retrieved30 April2016.
- ^"Transforming the British Army: An Update"(PDF).Ministry of Defence. p. 7.Retrieved30 April2016.
- ^"2 PWRR soldiers step down from ceremonial duties".Ministry of Defence. 11 February 2013.Retrieved23 May2014.
- ^"Meeting The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment in Cyprus".Sussex Life. 15 December 2014.Retrieved8 January2015.
- ^"Transforming the British Army: An Update"(PDF).Ministry of Defence. p. 9.Retrieved30 April2016.
- ^"Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment proudly holds 57 Victoria Crosses - and they're moving to Rutland".Leicester Mercury. 25 July 2017.Retrieved19 October2017.
- ^Message by the Colonel of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment regarding Remembrance Day for 2021 and upcoming Regimental Changes. Regimental Headquarters, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. London, United Kingdom. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^Hamblin, Andrea (2 October 2023)."Nato confirms 600 British soldiers will be deployed in Kosovo".The Telegraph.ISSN0307-1235.Retrieved2 October2023.
- ^"The PWRR's Colonel-in-Chief – PWRR and Queen's Museum".31 March 2023. Archived fromthe originalon 14 May 2024.Retrieved15 January2024.
- ^Cacoyannis, Sofie (9 August 2024)."End of an era: Duke of Lancaster's Regiment flag lowered in Episkopi after two years".forcesnews.Retrieved13 October2024.
- ^"Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment".army.mod.uk.Retrieved20 December2018.
- ^"Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment".Ministry of Defence.Retrieved23 August2022.
- ^"3 PWRR".Ministry of Defence.Retrieved30 April2016.
- ^"Regiments to change bases in major Army restructure".BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 15 November 2016.Retrieved16 December2016.
- ^"Information on the Army 2020 refine exercise"(PDF).Gov.uk. 10 March 2017.Retrieved20 June2017.
- ^"Queen's & PWRR Regiment Museum".1st Battalion the Queen's Regiment.Retrieved5 June2018.
- ^"No. 57587".The London Gazette(Supplement). 18 March 2005. pp. 3369–3370.
- ^Bunyan, Nigel (22 March 2007)."Big day for 5ft Army medic who won MC".The Daily Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 16 October 2007.Retrieved22 March2007.
- ^"Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment - History".pwrr.co.uk.
- ^"The two Colours of the PWRR | Army Tigers".armytigers.30 January 2019.
- ^"Connection with The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment".The Danish Royal House.22 April 2023.Retrieved30 June2023.
- ^abThe London Gazette, Page 3300-3301 (1 July 1881)."Childers Reform".No. 24992. Government of the United Kingdom.Retrieved27 October2016.
{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
Further reading
edit- Scott, Mike (2017).The Tigers at War: 25 Years in Front Line Modern Conflict.Helion and Company (Warwick).ISBN9781912174249.
- Riley, Jonathon; Goulden, Alasdair. (2022).The Longest Stag: The Queen's Regiment in Northern Ireland 1967 - 1992.The Queen's Regimental association, 2022.ISBN978-1-3999-2591-4.(see Chapter 13 The Tigers In Northern Ireland)
External links
edit
- Official site
- British Army Locations from 1945British Army Locations from 1945
- Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Museum- museum information
- 6/7 PWRR Regimental Association
- Victoria Crosses