The Royal Welsh Reserves

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The Royal Welsh Reserves

3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh are the only Army Infantry Reserve Battalion in Wales.

To learn more about becoming an Army Reservist and maximising your spare time, download your free information pack here:

https://armyreserve.co.uk/units/3rwelsh/ The outcome of recommendations of the FR20 Commission, to examine the future shape and role of the UK's Reserve Forces, predicts an integrated, trained Army of 112,000 by 2020, comprising 82,000 full-time and 30,000 part-time soldiers.

17/10/2026

🇬🇷 🧗‍♂️ EXERCISE DRAGON SPARTA 2026

Taking training to new heights!

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh have deployed to Sparta, Greece, for Exercise DRAGON SPARTA, an adventurous training expedition designed to challenge individuals both physically and mentally.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Greek mountains, personnel have been developing their rock-climbing skills, with opportunities for beginners to achieve their Rock Climbing Foundation qualification and more experienced climbers to progress their technical abilities.

Throughout the week, soldiers have been challenged to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, develop leadership skills and strengthen teamwork.

Adventurous Training is more than just climbing. It develops the resilience, determination and leadership qualities essential to being an effective soldier.

🐉 Courage. Comradeship. Challenge.

Interested in opportunities like this? The Army Reserve offers much more than you might expect. Get in touch to find out how you can become part of The Royal Welsh.

AdventurousTraining RockClimbing Leadership Resilience Teamwork ArmyLife Greece

12/10/2026

Add some colour to your career.

From the greens and browns of Multi-Terrain Pattern to the unmistakable reds, golds and blues of Number One Dress, our uniforms represent the Regiment's rich history and evolving future.

Joining The Royal Welsh means becoming part of that story, carrying its traditions forward and wearing its distinctive colours and symbols with pride.

06/10/2026

Battlefield Study – Germany 🇩🇪

Members of 3 Royal Welsh embarked on a journey to Germany to study the offensive and defensive actions of Allied and Axis forces during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest in the Second World War.

Having prepared their presentations the night before, Saturday saw the team set off on foot towards the town of Schmidt and later Vossenack, taking on the challenges of the terrain while learning about Axis positions along the Siegfried Line during a 30km hike.

Along the way, each syndicate presented their research, allowing members of the team to analyse the battle and apply its lessons to modern conflict.

Syndicate Four examined the types of Axis defensive positions and the challenges they presented. Syndicate Three explored the impact of complex terrain, while Syndicate Two discussed how both American and German forces managed their casualties. Finally, Syndicate One explained the American advance through the surrounding areas of Vossenack.

One notable moment came when the team arrived at a location along the Kall Trail where American and German troops reportedly stopped fighting to assist each other’s wounded. It served as an ever-present reminder of the importance of humanity during times of heightened tensions and conflict.

Sunday saw the team return to Vossenack to visit the 1944 Hürtgen Forest Museum and the Field Hospital Bunker in Simonskall, before travelling to a German war cemetery and later exploring the remnants of bunkers that formed part of the defensive lines.

02/10/2026

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE ROYAL WELSH

Each regiment of the British Army adorns its uniform with distinctive and symbolic items that highlight the unit’s story. The Royal Welsh is no exception.

The White Hackle:

The custom of wearing the white hackle originated when, in 1702, the 23rd Foot was formed into a regiment of Fusiliers and the Grenadier company-style headdress was introduced.

Around 1709, officers began to adopt the wearing of feathers in their hats, and this was officially sanctioned in 1789, when the colour of the hackle was laid down as white.

The Flash:

In the days when soldiers wore pigtails, they were powdered and greased. In order to protect their jackets, the pigtails were enclosed in what was known as a ‘queue bag’.

In 1808, hair was ordered to be cut close to the neck and the queue was abolished. The officers of the Royal Welch Fusiliers decided to retain the ribbons with which the queue was tied.

King William IV was pleased to approve the Flash as a peculiarity by which to mark the dress of the distinguished regiment.

The Stable Belt:

The colours of the regimental stable belt are the adopted regimental colours and are subdued hues of the colours of the former Welsh Brigade.

The Cap Badge:

The feathers and motto ‘ICH DIEN’ are thought to have originated with Edward, the Black Prince, eldest son of Edward III, who, according to legend, defeated John of Bohemia at the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

After the battle, the Prince is said to have gone over to the body of the dead king, whom he admired for his bravery, and taken his helmet, which was lined with ostrich feathers. This, together with the motto, formed the Prince’s new badge and came to be used by subsequent Princes of Wales.

This badge was granted to the 23rd Foot in 1714, on the change of title of the regiment to “The Prince of Wales’s Own Royal Regiment of Welsh Fusiliers.”

28/09/2026

MILITARY PRECISION

Whether performing in the Corps of Drums or leading a platoon in the field, precision is at the heart of everything we do.

From the parade square to the battlefield, every detail matters. Every movement has purpose. Every soldier plays their part.

Part-time roles. Full-time opportunities.

Ready to find your role?

Join Today!

25/09/2026

Well-done, B Coy! 💪

On Sunday 20th September, members of B (Rorke’s Drift) Company participated in the Swansea Bay 10km while carrying 20kg of kit!

This was in a bid to increase the Battalion’s exposure within the local area and engage with the public, while endorsing fitness within the unit.

This is their 4th year completing the event — and they’re still going strong!

21/09/2026

20 Years of The Royal Welsh | Cardiff Castle 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

We’re not quite over the celebrations just yet.

If you missed it, here’s a look back at a fantastic day in the castle grounds as friends, families, soldiers and veterans came together to celebrate 20 years of The Royal Welsh.

14/09/2026

20 YEARS OF THE ROYAL WELSH

Cardiff Castle played host to a fantastic day of celebrations as we marked the 20th Anniversary of The Royal Welsh.

Crowds gathered in the castle grounds to explore a wide range of interactive displays and activities, from weapons and military equipment to rock-climbing, historical re-enactments and musical performances.

It was a great opportunity to celebrate the Regiment’s history, heritage and future with the people of Wales.

From all of us at The Royal Welsh, thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day one to remember. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

11/09/2026

CARDIFF CASTLE TOMORROW!

Will you be there?

Bring the whole family for an action-packed day featuring military parades, thrilling re-enactments, live music, interactive equipment displays, and so much more.

📍 Where: Cardiff Castle
📅 When: Saturday, 12 September 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE

Everyone is welcome—don't miss out on a fantastic day celebrating with The Royal Welsh!

09/09/2026

Bringing out the big guns! 💪

Over the weekend, reservists from HQ Company honed their skills on the L7A2 GPMG, lovingly referred to as "Gimpy" or "The General".

This belt-fed, 7.62mm machine gun can reach targets up to 1,800m away.

Do you fancy being a machine gunner?

Get in touch today!

Address

Cardiff
CF143YE

Telephone

+447971927495

Website

https://armyreserve.co.uk/units/3rwelsh/, http://www.theroyalwelsh.co.uk/

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