The Mercian Regiment

06/06/2026

in 1944, the largest seaborne invasion in history took place, as Allied forces began the liberation of German occupied Europe during World War II.

On 6th June 1944, the Allies landed around 156,000 troops in Normandy. Estimates vary, but it is believed that 425,000 Allied and German troops were killed, wounded or went missing during the Battle of Normandy.

During D-Day, soldiers from our antecedent regiments were involved. 2nd Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment landed at Gold Beach. Elsewhere, a number of Sherwood Foresters soldiers were part of 4 Commando, the first British Army unit to land at Sword Beach.

04/06/2026

Following a very successful quarter final in Cyprus, and a semi final in Bulford, the 1 MERCIAN Football team are now gearing up for the Infantry Cup final. ⚽

The team will be playing in three weeks time on Thursday 25th June 2026 - keep the date in your calendar if you wish head over to show your support, and we'll share further details closer to the date. 🏆

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02/06/2026

Last week, members of The Mercian Regiment and The Band of the Mercian Regiment said farewell to the Band's Director of Music, Captain Ian Johnson, as he leaves Wolverhampton to move north and take up the post of Director of Music (DOM) for The Royal Signals (Northern) Band in Darlington.

Captain Johnson joined the Regiment seven years ago when he transferred from Regular to Reserve and settled in his home town.

During his tenure as DOM, the Band of the Mercian Regiment have performed at many prestigious events around the UK and further afield, and its various ensembles have featured in events around the world.

As part of his send off, Captain Johnson received a regimental presentation as a memento of his time with the Mercian Regiment.

He is moving areas to be closer to his family and everyone wishes him good luck with his new post, house move, and future musical endeavours.

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01/06/2026

1st June 1794: Today marks the 232nd Anniversary of the ‘Glorious First of June,’ the first and largest fleet action of conflict between Great Britain and the French Republic during the French Revolutionary Wars.

Under command of Admiral Lord Howe, the British were attempting to prevent the passage of a vital French grain convoy, which was protected by the French Atlantic Fleet.

Due to a shortfall in marines, the 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot served as marines aboard the Royal Navy ships HMS Brunswick and HMS Ramillies amongst others. Despite suffering the heaviest casualty toll of any Royal Navy ship to date, the HMS Brunswick sunk French ship Vengeur du Peuple and disabled the Archille.

The French are believed to have lost seven ships in the battle and over 4,000 men with the British suffering an estimated 1,200 casualties.

Awarded with a naval crown for its courageous involvement within the battle, the Regiment of Foot became the 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment in 1881.

28/05/2026

The Mercian Regiment would like to congratulate the following on being selected for promotion to Colour Sergeant & Staff Sergeant:

SGT BOTHAMLEY
SGT FOSTER
SGT KIRTON
SGT NEALE
SGT ROSS
SGT TOOBY
SGT WARD
SGT WOOD

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27/05/2026

Congratulations to Pte Carty of C Company, 4 MERCIAN, for running the London Marathon back in April - he raised an incredible £2,750.00 for charity!

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12/05/2026

06/05/2026

Saturday 18th April 2026 saw the rededication of a memorial bench for 21 veterans who died on active service in Malaya in the 1950s.

The bench, which was originally placed at the National Memorial Arboretum, has been relocated to Gheluvelt Park in Worcester.

2Lt Budden from 4 MERCIAN read out the Roll of Honour at the ceremony, and a wreath was laid by Malaya veteran Mr Ron George.

01/05/2026

Earlier this month, soldiers from 4 MERCIAN HQ (Eagle) Company in Wolverhampton received an introduction to the Javelin anti-tank weapon system during one of their Tuesday training evenings.

The lesson was delivered by qualified Javelin gunners, who demonstrated the Javelin's use in pre-made defensive positions outside.

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27/04/2026

Saturday 11th April 2026 saw the unveiling of The Staffordshire 3 and Watchman memorials at Tamworth Castle Grounds in Staffordshire.

The Staffordshire 3 memorial (Oaths Taken, Oaths Fulfilled) primarily honours three soldiers of the 1st Bn The Staffordshire Regiment who were killed in action in July 2005: 2Lt Richard Shearer, Pte Leon Spicer, and Pte Phillip Hewett.

The Watchman memorial, which was also unveiled on the same day, sits alongside the Staffordshire 3 memorial, and is dedicated to the tradition of Watchman, and all Watchman serving the Staffordshire Regiment and its association.

The memorials were officially unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, following a touching service and moment of remembrance.

The two memorials are affixed to the Mercian formation bench, which sits on the lower lawn of Tamworth Castle Grounds and marks the location of the formation of The Mercian Regiment on 1st September 2007.