Herefordshire Light Infantry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herefordshire RegimentHerefordshire Light Infantry |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1861–1967 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Regiment |
| Engagements | World War I World War II |
The Herefordshire Light Infantry was a special group of soldiers, like a team, in the British Army. They existed for over 100 years, from 1861 to 1967. This regiment was an infantry unit, meaning their soldiers fought mainly on foot. It's important to know they were not connected to an older regiment called the 36th (Herefordshire) Regiment of Foot, even though their names sound similar.
Contents
History of the Herefordshire Regiment
How the Regiment Started
The Herefordshire Regiment began in 1861. It was first known as the 1st Administrative Battalion, Herefordshire and Radnorshire Rifle Volunteers. This group was part of the Volunteer Force. This force was made up of regular citizens who volunteered to train as soldiers. They formed after the Crimean War to help defend Britain.
At first, the regiment included several smaller groups called "Corps." Each Corps was about 100 men, like a company today. In 1880, the name changed to 1st Herefordshire (Hereford and Radnor) Rifle Volunteers. The smaller "Corps" became "Companies."
In 1881, the regiment became linked with another army group, The King's (Shropshire Light Infantry). Later, in 1908, it joined the Territorial Force. This was a new part of the army for volunteers. The regiment was then called the Herefordshire Battalion, The King's (Shropshire Light Infantry). Its main office was in Hereford. In 1909, it got its final name: the 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Regiment.
Fighting in World War I
During the First World War, the Herefordshire Regiment grew much bigger. It expanded to have three battalions, which are large groups of soldiers.
The 1st Battalion of the regiment played a part in the war. In August 1915, they landed at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli. After fighting there, they were moved to Egypt in December 1915. Later, in June 1918, the battalion was sent to the Western Front in Europe.
The Regiment in World War II
In the Second World War, the 1st Battalion was divided into two parts. These became the 1st and 2nd battalions.
The 2nd Battalion stayed in Britain. Their job was to help defend the country and train new soldiers throughout the war. They mainly worked with the 114th Infantry Brigade.
The 1st Battalion joined the 159th Brigade. In May 1942, they became part of the 11th Armoured Division. This battalion took part in the important invasion of Normandy in France. They also fought in other parts of Northwestern Europe. Sadly, 223 soldiers from the 1st Battalion lost their lives during these battles.
After the Wars
In 1947, the regiment was renamed again. It became the 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Light Infantry.
However, in 1967, the army decided to change how the Territorial Army was organized. Because of these changes, the Herefordshire Light Infantry was officially disbanded. This meant it stopped existing as a regiment.
Herefordshire Regimental Museum
If you want to learn more about the Herefordshire Regiment, you can visit its museum. The museum is located in Suvla Barracks, Harold Street, in Hereford.
The museum shows the history of the regiment. You can see old uniforms, photographs, medals, and other special items. If you wish to visit, you usually need to make an appointment first.
Regimental Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to military units. They recognize brave actions and important victories in battles. The Herefordshire Regiment earned many battle honours for its service. Some of these include:
- South Africa 1900-02
- The Great War: Suvla, Gallipoli 1915, Egypt 1916-17, Jerusalem, Palestine 1917-18, Marne 1918, Ypres 1918, France and Flanders 1918
- The Second World War: Odon, Defence of Rauray, Normandy, Falaise, Antwerp, Rhineland, North-West Europe 1944-45
