The Battalion takes its heritage from the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, and still draws most of its soldiers from Cheshire and the Wirral. It is this legacy that makes it such an effective Unit within the Mercian Regiment, built from the merger of 3 former proud county regiments.

The 1st Battalion is based in Catterick in North Yorkshire. We are just a 10 minute drive from the Infantry Training Centre where all new recruits to the Infantry complete their 6 month training package.

The Battalion consists of 5 companies. Three are rifle companies excelling in close combat skills. Each of these is about 100 men strong. These rifle companies are supported by Support Company.

Support Company consists of Mortar Platoon, Reconnaissance Platoon, Sniper Platoon, Anti-Tank Platoon (equipped with the JAVELIN missile system) and Fire Support Platoon (equipped with heavy and medium machine guns and trained in the use of the grenade machine gun for use on combat operations).

We also have a Headquarters Company who provide our administrative staff, our Communication and Information Systems Platoon, our Motor Transport Platoon and the Battalion Headquarters itself.