The Mercian Regiment Quarterly Newsletter - Q4 2025

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.

It was also an honour to represent the Regiment and antecedent regiments at the opening of the Field of Remembrance in November at Westminster Abbey alongside Brigadier Simon Banton and Lt Col Dean Canham OBE as well as WO2 (retd) Greg Hedges and Sgt Watchman VI.  The event has been held every year since 1928, marking the start of the UK’s Remembrance commemorations, and was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen, who seemed especially taken with Sgt Watchman VI!

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.

Op CABRIT Mobilisation LCpl Killen On the 11 November Pte James and I began our IPDT at MOD Bassingbourn, this consisted of an ITR sweep up and some broader serials including several briefs, foreign weapons awareness, anti-ambush drills and a vehicle rolling simulator. We then deployed onto the last week of Ex IRON CYCLONE where we were introduced to our new platoon and introduced to the armoured way of operating. This was an exciting change from my light role experience.

The Christmas period saw a few cold nights on guard and an epic food fight, some traditional fancy dress PT up red brick hill then some well-earned leave. Very quickly we were into the preparation to deploy with several kit and document checks. The start of the six months in Estonia was cold with our first battlegroup exercises in snow and -13 degrees. I was lucky to get plenty of experience deploying as a Section 2IC in a FSP platoon and got hands on with GPMG, Sharpshooter, NLAW, ASM and more pyro than you could shake a stick at. I was selected to do the regular PJNCO cadre, this included a weeklong beat up followed by six weeks of training, PT tests and a two-week field phase. Under the mentorship of some very professional Mercian JNCOs and SNCOs I achieved a top third placement and was selected to promote on return to 4 Mercian. I enjoyed a two-week R&R trip home and some AT in Estonia sea kayaking and mountain biking. We returned to the UK in September where I left 1 Mercian and enjoyed 6 weeks of leave before returning to reserve life.

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.

October began with the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire’s awards evening and saw Cadet Corporal Alexander Kirke invested as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet. The appointment is a significant honour, recognizing outstanding character, leadership, and commitment to the cadet movement. Sea, Air and Army Lord-Lieutenant Cadets support Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill, who represents the monarch in Derbyshire at formal events including parades, awards ceremonies, and official engagements.

In November, the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was supported by hundreds of cadets giving up their weekends to stand in supermarkets, high streets and a very rainy evening at Derby County’s Pride Park football stadium!

In December, detachments were counting down the days to Christmas and celebrating a successful year by way of parties with games and food. But it was the Band and Corps of Drums that truly got everyone in the festive spirit with their annual public concert. The talented musicians entertained with a series of Christmas carols, Regimental music, modern songs and opportunities for audience participation. An exceptional evening that should be experienced by everyone! £500 of the money raised through ticket sales, refreshments and the raffle was donated to The Army Cadet Charitable Trust - the official charity of Army Cadets UK, which makes life-changing opportunities accessible to all young people.

Journey through the history of Worcestershire's regiments on a virtual tour of the Worcestershire Soldier Gallery, which was in place in Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum from 2003 to 2025.

In January 2024 it was announced that The Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire) had been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop the Worcestershire Soldier at The Commandery Project in partnership with Museums Worcestershire and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Museum.

The project will relocate The Worcestershire Soldier Gallery from within the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum to the ground floor of The Commandery, one of the city’s oldest buildings which tells the story of Worcester’s role in the English Civil War.

EAST CHESHIRE REUNION The East Cheshire Reunion was held in Stockport on Saturday 25th October 2025. Members of the Southern Region supported this event and General Keith Skempton CBE was the presiding Officer. It is always an excellent event and the Bollington Brass Band made for a memorable evening.

FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE   Due to the continuing refurbishing works at Westminster Abbey, we were limited to only four tickets. As always, the Last Post and Reveille were immaculately observed at 11 am. This year HM The Queen inspected the plots and chat to the appointed representatives for each plot. This year Brigadier Tony Twiss presented the Cheshire Regiment plot to HM The Queen. Tim Park QGM, George Szwejkowski and Trevor Taylor gave support. It was also nice to see Charles Highett, who was there with the Poppy Factory

HALTON BRANCH RALLY NIGHT 2025   Rally night has been held on the Friday night before Remembrance Sunday for the last 50 years. Vinnie Morris and other members of the Rally section presented the evening.   The night started with the concert room filling up nicely with smartly dressed veterans, family and friends before they were asked to stand to receive the Guests. This year they included the mayor and consort of Halton, Officers from TS Ashanti, Runcorn Sea cadets and one of our oldest Legion Members, who is 93. The special guests were our very own Mr Peter Gresty and his lovely wife Lynne.

Chesterfield Branch The branch has had a busy quarter with a mixture of social events and representing the WFRA.  On 25 October, a coach load of members when on an outing to the Leeds Armorers. On Armistice Day, the branch organised the Remembrance Day service at Crich.  Those attending has grown over the years and yet again we were joined by two local schools.  It is heartening to see the younger generation remember.

On 14 November, the branch also commemorated the fallen with a communal branch meal held at a nearby community centre. We also celebrated Christmas with our annual branch Christmas meal on 14 December.  

Worcester Branch On 11 October, a mini-bus with 12 members went to Lichfield Cathedral to take part in the Laying Up of 2 MERCIAN Colours. Our 3 Standards were there with Allan Poyner and Rob McCarthy carrying the Area and Branch standards on the Freedom March.    Later in the month, on the 24th, we were at the Poppy Launch at Worcester Guildhall. In the evening, we attended the Maple Leaf pub in Canada Way, Lower Wick for a social with Mike Jones and the other members of the Welsh Regts Assoc who came over for the Gheluvelt service.   The following day, on the 25th, was the Annual Gheluvelt Service and it went well and we were blessed with good weather. We had the usual VIP guests and Pte Derby and also a very good turnout from the public.  Afterwards we held the buffet at Barbourne Ex Services Club where there was a video presentation of the Battle of Gheluvelt. The Lord Lieutenant did us the honour of cutting the Gheluvelt Cake.      On 8 November the branch was represented at two venues, in the morning some of us attended the 'Woodbine Willie' service at the grave of Geoffrey Anketell Studdert Kennedy MC. He was nicknamed "Woodbine Willie" during WWI for giving Woodbine cigarettes to the soldiers he met, as well as spiritual aid to injured and dying soldiers. In the afternoon, Allan Poyner and Rudi Heaume carried the Area and Branch  standards at the WCFC Remembrance match at the Warriors  Ground at Sixways. Branch members Neil Cale and Rob Atkinson laid a wreath.

On Armistice Day it was an early start for some of us that attended Foregate St train station to hand over a wreath for the poppy train that takes all the wreaths it collects on its way to Platform 1 at Paddington Station. Afterwards we went to Wetherspoons for breakfast, we sang happy birthday to Kipper and he enjoyed his birthday cake.  We followed a branch breakfast by attending the War Memorial, outside the cathedral, for the annual Armistice Ceremony. For Christmas we met at the Coffee morning at the Sgts Mess, Norton Bks which had a male choir singing.

78th East Cheshire Reunion On Saturday 25th October, members of the Association took part in the 78th East Cheshire Reunion for veterans of The Cheshire Regiment, along with Veterans and Serving members of The Mercian Regiment. Bollington Brass Band and the Drums of Cheshire Police provided the musical entertainment, while members enjoyed a hotpot supper. In attendance we had as our guests Lord and Lady Evans of Rainow along with Maj Will Rose, OC B Company 4 Mercian, who briefed the members on the Regiment and Trustees of Stockport Volunteer Armoury.

8th November – Stockport County Edgeley Park Saturday saw Peter Gresty, with Steve Whaite, Dave Willis, and Mike Rogers carrying standards take part in the annual remembrance at Stockport County FC. Joined by Veterans, it was a fitting tribute, and thanks to Stockport County FC for organising the event, as well as the hospitality enjoyed by all, and thanks must also go to both fans of Stockport County and Luton Town for their respect

11th November – Armistice Day – Stockport War Memorial   Tuesday saw Mike Rogers carrying  standard, representing the association for the two minute silence in the presence of The Mayor and local dignitaries, the parade carried out with exceptional skill by the Parade Commander Capt Lesley Oldham of 206

Main Service Charities

SSAFA Forces Help Tel: 0800 2606780 - 9am to 5:30pm The Royal British Legion Tel: 0808 8028080 - 8am to 8pm The Royal Commonwealth Ex Services League Tel: 020 32072413 - For veterans living overseas          Help for Heroes Tel: 0300 0398883 - 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri Veterans UK Op Valour Tel: 0808 1914218 - 8am to 4pm Mon to Fri. Option 6 on calling in BLESMA Tel: 0208 590 1124 - Limbless Association 9am to 5pm The Not Forgotten Association Tel: 0207 7302400                    Veterans Aid Tel: 0207 8282468 - Discharged F&C veterans Blind Veterans UK Tel: 0800 3897979 - Blind or partial loss of vision National Gulf Veterans Association Tel: 0148 2808736 The Charity for Civil Servants Tel: 0800 056 2424           The Chaseley Trust (Physical disabilities) Tel: 01323 744200

Mental Health

Veterans Gateway Tel: 0808 8021212 Combat Stress Tel: 0800 1381619 Op Courage (Via web site only) Togetherall (Mental Health)                (Anonymous web support - Online support only) The Samaritans Tel: 116 123 NHS Mental Health Services Tel: 999 or 111

Families Help

Army Families Federation Tel: 01264 554004 - 8:30 to 5pm Mon to Fri Forces Pension Society Tel: 0207 820 9988 - Help with MOD Pensions Regular Forces Employment Association Tel: 0121 2623058 The War Widows Association Tel: 0845 2412189 The Army Widows Association Tel: 0300 6660136