THE Rifles celebrated its Regimental Day with a reception and the Sounding of Retreat in the Salisbury Cathedral Close last Wednesday.
The Rifles was formed on February 1, 2007 from four regiments: The Royal Green Jackets, The Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry and the Devon & Dorset Light Infantry.
All were present and fought together, for the first time, at the Battle of Salamanca on July 22, 1812 - the pivotal battle of the Peninsula campaign against Napoleonic armies.
Today the Regiment comprises five regular and two reserve battalions.
The 4th Battalion, previously in Bulford Camp, today raises its Flag in Normandy Barracks, Aldershot and the 5th Battalion currently in Paderborn, Germany, will move to Bulford Camp in 2016.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here