EXACTLY 200 years after Bulford based 3rd (United Kingdom) Division took part in the Battle of Waterloo, it has celebrated the launch of its new role as the British Army’s high-readiness ‘Reaction Force’ – with a spectacular parade in Tidworth.

The colourful event reflected the rich heritage of ‘The Iron Division’, and involved ceremonial horses from The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment as well as modern and vintage military vehicles.

Hundreds of soldiers had travelled to the Division’s home on Salisbury Plain from their garrison bases in Germany to take part in the event including men and women who will be redeployIng to the UK in the next coup[le of years.

The Tidworth event was designed to reflect on past glories – and look forward to the Division’s new Reaction Force role. Following the latest ‘Army 2020’ restructuring of the military, the 3rd Division’s troops and armour are now ready to deploy on future overseas operations at short notice.

The General Officer Commanding 3rd (UK) Division Major General Patrick Sanders addressed the Formation Day parade.

, saying

He told the assembled troops: “We are here today for two reasons. First, to celebrate 3rd Division’s distinguished record as the oldest fighting British Division.”

“It is to remind us of the honours our forebears won that we might live up to their legacy when it comes to our turn - and it will.”

“And secondly, of equal importance, to foster the sense of Divisional cohesion that The Iron Division has always enjoyed and that is so important to success on operations.”

Major General Sanders was arrived on the parade square accompanied by the Mayor of Salisbury in the original Second World War staff car belonging to Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery. ‘Monty’ had commanded 3rd Division at Dunkirk in 1940.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

During the Battle of

Waterloo on 18 June 18, 1815 3rd Division helped to win the day by holding the

centre of the Allied line at La Haye Sainte against

relentless French attack.

3rd Division itself was founded on the very same day only six years earlier, during the Peninsular War in Spain, as part of a reorganisation that saw the British Army formed into divisions for the first time.