Updated 22nd Nov 2011
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The Regiment - 1968 to Present Day
The Light Infantry as always prided itself as a family "From the Cradle to the Grave" (is just one of many motos) and over the years has grown into a large family with Regular Battalions, TA Companies, Army Cadet Detachments and Regimental Associations across the whole of the United Kingdom.
As with all families the Regiment has been required to adapt and adjust in many ways as its role within the British Army changes.
Recently on the 1st February 2007 the 2 Battalions of the Light Infantry Regiment has amalgamated with the 2 Battalions of the Royal Green Jackets, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry to form a new Regiment called The Rifles.
The History behind the The Rifles
The Rifles cap-badge (as illustrated) consists of the bugle horn surmounted by the Sovereign’s Crown. The silver bugle with its cords and tassels has long been the symbol of light infantry troops who first used the clarion call of the bugle instead of the drum to deliver messages and orders across the battlefields of the late 18th century.
The horn itself is derived originally from the jagdhorn or hunting horn of the German Jaeger regiments. This tradition, based on a combination of formed line infantry and a screen of more freely manoeuvring light infantry, employing skirmishing tactics and marksmanship skills, constituted a radical evolution to battlefield tactics.
The silver bugle has formed part of the cap-badges of light infantry and rifle regiments throughout history. While the new cap-badge will be worn on all Rifles head-dress, the back-badge of the RGBWLI will also be worn on the back of ceremonial head-dress and by some cadets and Territorial elements of the Regiment.
The Rifles Belt Badge (as illustrated). Unlike other regiments The Rifles Battalions do not carry colours. Instead all Riflemen and are trusted to carry a representational number of battle honours on their person. This takes the form of the wearing of the Belt Badge incorporating 34 representative battle honours.
The forming regiments of The Rifles have amassed a total of 913 battle honours since their various formations. A series of criteria were used to select 34 honours that represent all of those earned over the years. These criteria included: shared battle honours or those battles where more than one founding regiment fought; geographical spread of honours from campaigns across the globe; unique honours; and chronological spread of honours throughout the regiments’ histories. The Rifles motto “Swift and Bold” is at its heart.
Significantly, the 34 representational battle honours leave one intentionally blank space which symbolises The Rifles relevance and forward looking nature in anticipating the award of future honours.
For further information on the Rifles please visit:
Website: www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regts/the_rifles/index.htm
- Durham Light Infantry Museum
- The County Regiments
