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The Mercian Regiment

Composed of one regular and one reserve battalion, The Mercian Regiment utilises the devastating power and speed of the armoured role to fearsome effect on exercise and operations.

The Mercian infanteer is at the heart of the action, providing the fighting element of the British Army's forces.

Ready to decisively engage the enemy in close quarter combat, Mercians are highly skilled with sophisticated weapon systems ranging from the SA80 A2 rifle through to the Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle with its 30mm cannon.

Professional, courageous and fiercely proud of our regiment, Mercians are highly regarded throughout the British Army and we are regularly called upon for operations both in peacetime and during armed conflict.

ACTIVE FROM

1 September 2007

ROLE

Infantry

SPECIALISM

Armoured Infantry

Professional, determined, and fierce. Mercian soldiers are renowned for their professionalism and courage when deployed, and our reputation marks us out as one of the most effective and modern Infantry units in the British Army.

  • Professional
  • Determined
  • Fit
  • Skilled with weapon systems
  • Adaptable
  • Resourceful
  • Courageous
  • Work in close knit teams

Previous deployments:

  • Operation Telic 11 (Iraq)
  • Operation Herrick 6, 10, 12, 14, 15 & 17 (Afghanistan)
  • Operation Orbital (Ukraine)
  • Operation Cabrit (Estonia) 
  • Operation Tosca (Cyprus) 
  • Operation Shader (Iraq)
  • Operation Trenton (South Sudan)
  • Operation Firic (Falkland Islands)
  • Operation Toral (Afghanistan)
  • Operation Serval (Mali)

Based in Lichfield, the Regimental Headquarters of The Mercian Regiment administrates the Regiment and acts as a ‘home headquarters’ for the wider MERCIAN regimental family. When not deployed 1MERCIAN are based in Bulford, and 4MERCIAN in the Midlands.

  • Regimental Headquarters

    RHQ Mercian, Heath Avenue, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9TJ

  • 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment

    1 MERCIAN Battalion Headquarters, Picton Barracks, Bulford, Wiltshire, SP4 9NY

  • 4th Battalion the Mercian Regiment

    Battalion Headquarters

    4 MERCIAN, Army Reserve Centre, Wolseley House, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, WV10 9QR

  • 4th Battalion the Mercian Regiment

    Other Locations

    Burton-on-Trent, Ellesmere Port, Kidderminster, Mansfield, Nottingham, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, Widnes & Worcester

Being a Mercian really is belonging

Jack, 23

Through the Years

Historically recruited from the five counties that formed the ancient kingdom of Mercia and known as The Heart of England’s Infantry, the regiment was formed on 1st September 2007. The Mercian Regiment has deployed on more than fifteen operational tours since its formation, making it one of the most operationally experienced.

  • Formed from the Cheshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiments.
  • Operation Telic (Iraq)
  • Operation Herrick 6 (Afghanistan)
  • Operation Herrick 10 (Afghanistan) (2009)
  • Operation Herrick 12 (Afghanistan) (2010)
  • Operation Tosca (Cyprus) (2010)
  • Operation Herrick 14 (Afghanistan) (2011)
  • Operation Herrick 15 (Afghanistan) (2011)
  • Operation Herrick 17 (Afghanistan) (2012 - 2013)
  • Operation Serval (Mali) (2013)
  • Operation Tosca (Cyprus) (2014)
  • Operation Tosca (Cyprus) (2015)
  • Operation Orbital (Ukraine) (2016)
  • Operation Shader (Iraq) (2017)
  • Operation Trenton (South Sudan) (2017)
  • Operation Firic (Falkland Islands) (2017)
  • Operation Toral (Afghanistan) (2018)
  • Operation Rescript (UK) (2020)
  • Operation Cabrit (Estonia) (2021)

Explore our equipment

Used in the reconnaissance role to find and mark targets to destroy. Equipped with their own anti-armour weapons, they can also pack a punch.

They are designed to achieve a first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out to 1,100 metres.

The rifle fires a 7.62mm round and has enhanced accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights.

High explosive, smoke and illuminating rounds to a maximum range of 5650m.

The general purpose machine gun (GPMG) can be used as a light weapon and in a sustained fire role.

The Javelin anti-tank weapon and the Next-generation light anti-tank weapon.

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Contact Us

Email: [email protected]

Address: Whittington Barracks, Heath Avenue, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9TJ

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