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The Royal Welsh

We are The Royal Welsh, loyal to our Royal Welsh family and proud of our history. We live by our motto, Gwell Angau na Chywilydd: Death rather than Dishonour. We are selfless in spirit, inspiring each other to achieve the extraordinary. We are determined to succeed, courageous in adversity, never failing in our duty. We are ferocious in battle, always ready to stand up, step forward and serve our nation. We are Welsh Warriors.

The Royal Welsh is Wales’ oldest and most decorated regiment.  As the Army’s most experienced armoured infantry unit, The Royal Welsh are a key part of the only warfighting division at continual operational readiness in the UK; ready to protect the UK and project its influence across the globe.

Active from

16 March 1689

Role

Infantry

Specialism

Armoured Infantry

Becoming a Welsh Warrior is not just a career move; it develops your potential through world class training. You'll join a Platoon as an Infantry soldier and as you gain experience you can build on your skills and become a specialist:

  • Combat Infanteer
  • Armoured Fighting Vehicle Gunner, Driver or Commander
  • Reconnaissance
  • Sniper
  • Machine Gunner
  • Mortar Operator
  • Anti-Tank Operator
  • Combat Communications Specialist
  • Assault Pioneer
  • Physical Training Instructor
  • Intelligence Specialist
  • Combat Team Medic

Most recently the Royal Welsh took a leading role on Operation Cabrit in Estonia and have personnel deployed on operations around the world including:

  • Estonia
  • Ukraine
  • Afghanistan
  • Iraq
  • Somalia 

Previous deployments:

  • Operation Herrick - Afghanistan
  • Operation Telic - Iraq

We are a Welsh Regiment and recruit from across Wales; many soldiers serve with relatives or close friends in the same Battalion. 

The Royal Welsh emulate the fine standards and traditions of its gallant forebears, to make it one of the finest Regiments in the British Army. Welsh Warriors are all part of one Welsh Regimental family. 

The Royal Welsh has been on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently Estonia on Operation Cabrit. Welsh Warriors have also been on operations in Somalia, Estonia, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Beyond operations, Welsh Warriors have the opportunity to deploy abroad on exercises in Canada, the USA, Germany, Cyprus, Brunei, Kenya and many more.

Adventurous training, sports and Short Term Training Teams further increase the chances for motivated men and women to fulfil their potential as part of a close-knit, family regiment.

  • 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (1 R WELSH)

    Lucknow Barracks, Lowa Road, Tidworth, SP9 7BU Email: [email protected]

  • 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh (3 R WELSH)

    Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, CF14 3YE Email: [email protected]

  • RHQ The Royal Welsh (Cardiff)

    Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, CF14 3YE Email: [email protected]

  • B Company (3 R WELSH)

    Army Reserve Centre: Alamein Rd, Morfa, Swansea, SA1 2HP Email: [email protected]

  • B Company Detachment

    Boulevard St, Brieuc, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PH Email: [email protected]

  • C Company (3 R WELSH)

    Army Reserve Centre: Broadway, Pontypridd, CF37 1BW Email: [email protected]

  • C Company Detachment

    Detachment: Drill Hall, Bethesda St, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8LF Email: [email protected]

  • D Company (3 R WELSH)

    Army Reserve Centre: Groes Rd, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd, LL29 8PU Email: [email protected]

  • D Company Detachment

    Detachment: Hightown Barracks, Kingsmills Rd, Wrexham, LL13 8RD Email: [email protected]

  • HQ Company (3 R WELSH)

    Army Reserve Centre: Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff, CF14 3YE Email: [email protected]

  • The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh

    Army Reserve Centre: Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff, CF14 3YE Email: [email protected]

Through the years

The history of the Royal Welsh covers over 330 years, including nearly every major campaign that the British Army has participated in. Its antecedent regiments, the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Wales amalgamated in 2006, uniting into one family Regiment the 23rd, 24th, 41st & 69th Regiments of Foot.

The 23rd and 24th Regiments of Foot were raised only 8 days apart on the 16th and 24th of March.

The Battle of Alma was one of the first major battles of the Crimean War. During this engagement, the Royal Welch Fusiliers distinguished themselves on the field of battle. Their bravery and valour was recognised with the awarding of the first Victoria Crosses (VCs) to members of the Regiment.

The 24th of Foot (later known as the South Wales Borderers), fought at Isandhlwana and Rorke’s Drift where it would be awarded seven Victoria Crosses.

The South Wales Borderers are the only Welsh unit to land at D Day. They would proceed to liberate the city of Hertogenbosch and later participate in the liberation of Arnhem.

During the Korean War Welsh Warriors once again fought together: 1 WELCH were sent to Korea accompanied by a company of Royal Welch Fusiliers and a platoon from the South Wales Borderers.

Since 2000 the Royal Welsh have deployed to Iraq on Telic 10, Afghanistan on Herrick 11 & 16 and most recently to Estonia on Operation Cabrit 2. The Royal Welsh are a key element of the UK’s only warfighting division and contribute soldiers and officers to the Army's new Ranger Regiments.

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Contact us

Email: [email protected]

Address: Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF14 3YE

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