Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry parade in Shrewsbury
A farewell parade by the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry yesterday took place in Shrewsbury town centre.
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Photos: Steven Oliver Photography
The parade by the Regiment and the Old Comrades Association followed a service at St Chad’s.
Those taking part in the parade marched via St Chads Terrace, Claremont Bank, Smithfield Rd, Castle Gates, Castle St, St Marys St, High St, Shoplatch, Barker St and Welsh Bridge.
The Government’s White Paper and Re-basing plan sees the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry being split up and loosing its Regimental Headquarters in Telford. The squadrons will remain largely unchanged in their current locations, with recruiting and training carrying on as normal.
Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry will hand over command of the squadrons who will now come under command of the following Regiments; Royal Yeomanry, Queen’s Own Yeomanry and 6th Battalion The Rifles. The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry’s affiliation with Shrewsbury is through B (Shropshire Yeomanry) Squadron, whose history with the county dates back to 1795. Through many guises and amalgamations the Shropshire Yeomanry fought in the Boer War, The Great War and World War 2; in places such as the South African Campaign, Gaza and Cassino.
The current Squadron has seen individuals support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. For over 200 years the Shropshire Yeomanry have had volunteers from across the County serving their Country with distinction. Despite the changes B Sqn will remain in Telford and will continue to enjoy links with Shrewsbury.
The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry’s new role will see them as a Light Cavalry Regiment.
