The Mercian Regiment Quarterly Newsletter - Q4 2025 - Part 1

Members of the Regimental family gathered outside of Lichfield Cathedral to witness the Regiment conduct a Freedom of the City parade, where the Colours of the 2nd Battalion were paraded one last time.

After the parade had finished, the Colours were stood outside of the Cathedral main doors with Private Derby XXXIII.

During the service, the Colours were officially handed over to Lichfield Cathedral, where they will remain in the Cathedral's care.

The visit to Parliament saw Private Derby XXXIII greet The Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, outside of the Speaker's House. He is known for his love of animals and was excited to meet Private Derby.

The Mercian Regiment would like to thank Sarah Edwards MP and her team for everything that they did to facilitate this reception, ensuring that Members of Parliament had the opportunity to hear from soldiers about life as a soldier in the British Army.

As part of Training Level A (TL -A Section) the Coy conducted Armoured Fighting in Woods and Forests (FIWAF). Here you can see the break in with 1 x WARRIOR 510 dismounting a Section onto the enemy held wood.

As part of the start state requirements for a busy collective training year in 2026, A (GRENADIER) Company conducted LFTT ranges up to Section by night. Here you can see one such attack on SPTA.

LCpl Kennedy delivering a detailed lesson on night navigation.

He guided soldiers through the fundamentals of map reading to maintain accuracy and confidence in low‑light conditions during Ex KUKRI COMPASS.

LCpl Kennedy carried out a fast, precise check of his grids and bearings.

His sharp fieldcraft and map reading skills shone through during night moves on Ex KUKRI COMPASS.

As part of the build up to Castlemartin ranges, where DRAGON Company will conduct Live Fire Tactical Training, Anti-Tank platoon ran section attack lanes for our junior soldiers to hone their low-level skills and to practice leadership in the field. 

Members of Anti-Tank, Mortar and Assault Pioneer platoons rehearse their patrolling skills on Salisbury Plain Training Area.  Sometimes only a GPMG will do.

The Colour Party, proudly marching the colours of 2 MERCIAN to Lichfield Cathedral.

C (KOHIMA) Company dominating the log carry during the 1 MERCIAN Gauntlet in December.

The highlight from Q4 was unquestionably a trip to eastern Croatia in early October where I had the pleasure of joining over 90 members of 4 MERCIAN for NATO Exercise SAVA STAR. With the Exercise designed to improve joint operational capabilities between NATO allies, as well as strengthening cultural understandings, I was proud to see the Mercians display great prowess at the conclusion of the Exercise in front of the assembled guests and media, including the British Ambassador to Croatia, the Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia and the Army’s Director of Reserves.

Pte Ladyman on the Cenotaph in Victoria Park in Widnes on Remembrance Sunday.

In October, 4 MERCIAN C (Kohima) Company deployed to Croatia on Exercise SAVA STAR. Ex Sava Star is an annual training event hosted by the Croatian Armed Forces (CAF). The exercise is designed to strengthen cooperation between the CAF and the UK Armed Forces, building closer ties and improving joint operational capabilities.

Ex FROSTED BLADE Pte Foster Before Christmas, a team of eight keen skiers from 4 MERCIAN headed to Val d’Isere in France to train for the 40th annual Infantry Alpine Championships (Ex FROSTED BLADE). Divided across the A Hill for more experienced skiers, and the B Hill for those new to racing, skills were developed in Slalom and Giant Slalom in preparation for the competitions at the start of the New Year.

In October, The Band of the Mercian Regiment were honoured and proud to stand side by side with serving soldiers, veterans, families and friends of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment as their Regimental Colours were given into the care of Lichfield Cathedral. Exercising the Mercian Regiment’s freedom of the city, they marched with Colours flying, led by The Band, before gathering in solemn reflection for the ceremony inside the cathedral.

Congratulations on an excellent result for Musician Katie Jenner, gaining a well deserved distinction on her CEQ1 performance on clarinet. The CEQ1 is the highest level of the professional performance qualifications Army musicians can work towards and involves a lot of dedication, effort and preparation. You may have heard Musician Jenner’s stunning solo in the cathedral earlier in the year.

Congratulations to Musician Andrew Elwood who has been competing in the Army Inter Corps Orienteering Championships, held in Bovington. He was placed 3rd in his age class for the night racing, and was placed 2nd overall and 2nd in his age class for the day race. He hopes to represent the Army again this season as part of the orienteering team. A lot of hard work and training – well done.

PART TWO

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