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http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/NewriflesCapBadgeRevealed.htm
New 'Rifles' cap badge revealed
21 Jun 06
On Wednesday 21 June 2006, the Light Division announced the future cap badge for ‘The Rifles’, a new regiment that will be formed in February 2007.
The Rifles cap badge - bugle horn surmounted by Soveriegn's crown
[Picture: British Army]
The cap badge is simple and yet summarises the famous history of the four Regiments that now comprise the Light Division.
The Rifles cap badge 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.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Balls of the Light Division HQ Infantry said:
"The new cap badge is simple and striking. It follows the association of the bugle with light infantry companies and rifle regiments that was established over 200 years ago.
"At the centre of The Rifles philosophy is an understanding of the partnership, collective identity and unity of purpose that are all implied in the term Rifleman – a title bestowed upon all the soldiers who serve in this Regiment irrespective of whether they are the most senior General or the newest recruit. In their Rifle Green uniforms, The Rifles will be proud to be recognisably distinct and will live up to their motto 'Swift and Bold'."
The formation of The Rifles will create a modern and forward looking Regiment that will be the biggest Infantry Regiment in the British Army. The Rifles will be formed from the merger of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI), The Light Infantry (LI), The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI) and The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ).
The formation of The Rifles is taking place as part of the creation of the Future Infantry Structure announced by the Secretary of State on 16 December 2004. These changes are designed to deliver an Infantry fit for the challenges of the 21st Century, whilst preserving the traditions and ethos of the regimental system.
The Rifles is the direct descendant of the Rifle Regiments and Light Infantry Light Companies brought to television screens in the series "Sharpe’s Rifles", starring Sean Bean. Andy McNab also served in one of the former regiments before joining the SAS.
All four of the Former Regiments of The Rifles fought with distinction during the Battle of the Somme and representatives from across the Regimental Family will be attending the Annual Remembrance Service in Thiepval (France) on 1st July 2006 to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the start of the Battle.
The battle honour, "Somme" will be carried forward into The Rifles and worn on a belt-badge by all ranks as part of ceremonial dress. Members of the Former Regiments were also the first troops to land in Normandy, some years later, when inserted in gliders at Pegasus Bridge at the start of D-Day.
Between them the four Regiments have amassed a staggering 913 battle honours and 123 Victoria Crosses (the highest award for gallantry in The British Army).
One of The Light Division’s battalions has recently returned from Afghanistan, two are currently deployed in Iraq and the remaining three battalions are scheduled to go on operations before the middle of next year.
New 'Rifles' cap badge revealed
21 Jun 06
On Wednesday 21 June 2006, the Light Division announced the future cap badge for ‘The Rifles’, a new regiment that will be formed in February 2007.
The Rifles cap badge - bugle horn surmounted by Soveriegn's crown
[Picture: British Army]
The cap badge is simple and yet summarises the famous history of the four Regiments that now comprise the Light Division.
The Rifles cap badge 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.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Balls of the Light Division HQ Infantry said:
"The new cap badge is simple and striking. It follows the association of the bugle with light infantry companies and rifle regiments that was established over 200 years ago.
"At the centre of The Rifles philosophy is an understanding of the partnership, collective identity and unity of purpose that are all implied in the term Rifleman – a title bestowed upon all the soldiers who serve in this Regiment irrespective of whether they are the most senior General or the newest recruit. In their Rifle Green uniforms, The Rifles will be proud to be recognisably distinct and will live up to their motto 'Swift and Bold'."
The formation of The Rifles will create a modern and forward looking Regiment that will be the biggest Infantry Regiment in the British Army. The Rifles will be formed from the merger of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI), The Light Infantry (LI), The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI) and The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ).
The formation of The Rifles is taking place as part of the creation of the Future Infantry Structure announced by the Secretary of State on 16 December 2004. These changes are designed to deliver an Infantry fit for the challenges of the 21st Century, whilst preserving the traditions and ethos of the regimental system.
The Rifles is the direct descendant of the Rifle Regiments and Light Infantry Light Companies brought to television screens in the series "Sharpe’s Rifles", starring Sean Bean. Andy McNab also served in one of the former regiments before joining the SAS.
All four of the Former Regiments of The Rifles fought with distinction during the Battle of the Somme and representatives from across the Regimental Family will be attending the Annual Remembrance Service in Thiepval (France) on 1st July 2006 to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the start of the Battle.
The battle honour, "Somme" will be carried forward into The Rifles and worn on a belt-badge by all ranks as part of ceremonial dress. Members of the Former Regiments were also the first troops to land in Normandy, some years later, when inserted in gliders at Pegasus Bridge at the start of D-Day.
Between them the four Regiments have amassed a staggering 913 battle honours and 123 Victoria Crosses (the highest award for gallantry in The British Army).
One of The Light Division’s battalions has recently returned from Afghanistan, two are currently deployed in Iraq and the remaining three battalions are scheduled to go on operations before the middle of next year.
