Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, have commemorated Minden Day at Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore, continuing a tradition that stretches back more than 260 years.
Members of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian receive their Minden Day Rose from Major General Dom Biddick.
The parade remembers the Battle of Minden in 1759 and honours a proud regimental tradition, with soldiers wearing red and yellow roses in their headdress.
The parade remembers the Battle of Minden in 1759 and honours a proud regimental tradition, with soldiers wearing red and yellow roses in their headdress.
A tradition rooted in history
Minden Day marks the Battle of Minden, fought on 1 August 1759, when six British battalions defeated French and Saxon forces in northern Germany. Among them was the 12th Regiment of Foot, later the Suffolk Regiment, one of the Royal Anglian Regiment's predecessor regiments.
"The tradition of wearing roses on Minden Day reminds us of the soldiers of the Suffolk Regiment who fought through the fields of Minden and serves as a powerful and enduring symbol of sacrifice, bravery and duty."
The battle is also known as The Battle of the Roses, after soldiers are said to have picked wildflowers from the surrounding hedgerows and worn them in their headdress on the morning of the fighting.
Roses presented by the Colonel of the Regiment
In keeping with the Regiment's Minden Day tradition, soldiers were presented with red and yellow roses to wear in their headdress. This year's Minden roses were presented by the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Dom Biddick, a former Commanding Officer of the battalion.
Addressing the troops, he said the occasion provided an opportunity to honour those who had gone before them and recognise the achievements of soldiers serving today.
"We are part of the same red line that has protected our nation over centuries. We reflect on the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of our predecessors and we commit to uphold them."
He said: "The tradition of wearing roses on Minden Day reminds us of the soldiers of the Suffolk Regiment who fought through the fields of Minden and serves as a powerful and enduring symbol of sacrifice, bravery and duty."
Major General Biddick added that the battle honour reflected the values that continue to define the Regiment today.
"We are part of the same red line that has protected our nation over centuries. We reflect on the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of our predecessors and we commit to uphold them."
Tribute to families and organisers
"On behalf of the Regiment and the Army, I offer my sincere thanks for your continued support."
He went on to recognise the contribution of those who support serving soldiers: "Military service is not delivered solely by those who wear the uniform. It is shared and enabled by the support and spirit of parents, spouses, partners, children and friends. Your resilience, patience and encouragement allow our soldiers to succeed. On behalf of the Regiment and the Army, I offer my sincere thanks for your continued support."
He also paid tribute to those behind the day's events: "I offer my sincere thanks to all those who worked so hard to organise today's event. These occasions do not happen by default. They require commitment, planning and a great deal of unseen effort."
A living legacy
The 12th Regiment of Foot was awarded the battle honour "Minden", alongside the five other British battalions that took part in the battle. Today, soldiers of the modern-day 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as "The Vikings", wear red and yellow roses in their headdress on Minden Day in remembrance of those who fought. The word "Minden" is embroidered on the Battalion's Colours and Battle Honours.
The tradition was strongly upheld by the Suffolk Regiment before passing to the 1st East Anglian Regiment and, later, to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, which continues to mark the occasion with pride wherever its soldiers are serving.
The Battalion marked Minden Day ahead of the official anniversary on 1 August, before soldiers begin a period of well-deserved summer leave.
For more information about working for the Army, visit the Army Jobs website.
Army Reservist of the Year records Remembrance song
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend VJ80 commemoration in Edinburgh Castle
