MESSAGE

We are devastated by the decesion of the Executive of the Army Board (ECAB) to divide the Regiment between The Light Division and The Queen's Division. I believe that the coherence of the Regiment and the proven fighting effectiveness of the 1st Battalion developed over the past 10 years, as well as our support for the necessary move to larger regiments, should have been recognised by a more sympathetic view on how best to decide our future.

I reproduce the ECAB decision:

The Prince of Wales's Division will reduce by one Battalion. This will be implemented by merging the (prior) GLOSTERS element of 1RGBW with 1 D&D and the LI simultaneously within the Light Division, and the (prior) DERR element of 1 RGBW merging into PWRR within the Queen's Division. ECAB was very conscious that this decision will be difficult for the RGBW; however, ECAB was ruthless in their scrutiny of the available options and concluded that this was the solution that offered the least overall disruptive change and the most coherent regional and structural outcome for long term manning sustainability, whilst retaining as much possible of the golden thread; a prerequisite ECAB agreed was particulary important. It has therefore directed that the recipient divisions would present their proposals for how they intend to safeguard the heritage of the (Prior) GLOSTERS and the (prior) DERR elements when they merge within their respective new divisions.

However, the decision has been made and we now need to ensure that the way in which it is implemented adheres to the principles on which we fought this battle; equity of treatment for the men of the 1st Battalion, continued links with our counties (manifested inpart by our TA and Cadets), and maintenance of our heritage. Brigadier Patrick Davidson Houston will lead in taking forward all that is involved in this work and he will need your support if we are to retain that which we must, if we are to do justice to those past and present members of our very fine Regiment.