The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot)

Origins

Like all the units formed by amalgamations in 1970, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment lasted fewer than 40 years. But it had an eventful life.

As its name suggests, it was created by merging The Worcestershire Regiment and The Sherwood Foresters, making it the successor to four 18th-century line infantry regiments.

Deployments

It deployed to Northern Ireland five times in its first 20 years. It was also frequently sent to West Germany, with two years in West Berlin from 1972 to 1974, and periods with 6th Armoured Brigade at Hemer between 1979 and 1984.

Deployments further afield came in 1978 to Belize, and in 1987 and 1991 to Cyprus with United Nations forces.

Final postings

The regiment served as peacekeepers in Bosnia in 1996 and 1998, before returning to Northern Ireland in 1999 and 2003. Its final overseas postings as an independent unit were to Helmand Province in Afghanistan (2001-14) in 2004 and 2007.

On returning to England in 2005, it served as a ceremonial and public duties battalion.

Legacy

In 2007, it was amalgamated with The Cheshire Regiment and The Staffordshire Regiment to form The Mercian Regiment, whose 2nd (Worcesters and Foresters) Battalion continues its traditions.