The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment celebrates its 15th birthday today.
The infantry regiment’s association with the North West stretches back to 1680.
In the First World War it raised 176 battalions from the cities, towns and villages from across the North West’s counties.
Today’s regiment was formed on July 12006 from the merger of three regiments of the North West: The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, The King’s Regiment and The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment.
Since its formation, the regiment has served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and has deployed to many other countries.
It has also provided assistance to the civilian authorities.
During the storms of 2015/2016, the regiment was employed in Cumbria and Lancashire assisting with the evacuation of residents, warning others of what action to take to protect their properties and delivering supplies to those made homeless by the floods.
During COVID-19 its soldiers, Regular and Reserve, have helped set up the NHS Nightingale Hospital North West in Manchester and recovery centres in Penrith, Carlisle, Whitehaven, Kendal and Barrow.
Its soldiers also manned mobile COVID testing units across the region.
Were you a member of the regiment or the regiments that came before it? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos – email [email protected]
