Jump to content

Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(21 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
| image = Royal Monmouthshire Militia Cap badge.png
| image = Royal Monmouthshire Militia Cap badge.png
| image_size = 150px
| image_size = 150px
| caption = Insignia of the RMRE
| caption = Insignia of the R Mon RE (M)
| dates = 1539–present
| dates = 1539–present
| country = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| country = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
Line 13: Line 13:
| command_structure = [[25 (Close Support) Engineer Group]]
| command_structure = [[25 (Close Support) Engineer Group]]
| garrison = [[Monmouth Castle]], [[Monmouth]]
| garrison = [[Monmouth Castle]], [[Monmouth]]
| ceremonial_chief = [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester|The Duke of Gloucester]]
| ceremonial_chief = [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester]]
| ceremonial_chief_label = Royal Honorary Colonel
| ceremonial_chief_label = Royal Honorary Colonel
| commander3 = Colonel Ian Thompson
| commander3_label = Honorary Colonel
| garrison_label = Regimental HQ
| garrison_label = Regimental HQ
| colors =
| colors =
Line 37: Line 39:
| anniversaries =
| anniversaries =
}}
}}
The '''Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)''' is the most senior regiment of the British [[Territorial Army (United Kingdom)|Army Reserve.]]<ref name=decision>{{Cite web|title=Seniority|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/historymenu/senioritydecision/index.html|website=www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref> The regiment was formed in 1539 during the reign of by [[King Henry VIII]], making it the second oldest regiment of the British Army (The [[Honourable Artillery Company]] was formed in 1537). The R Mon RE (M) became a [[Militia (United Kingdom)|militia unit]] in 1660 and then became a part of the [[Royal Engineers]] in 1877.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk/|title=Home|website=www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref>
The '''Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)''' is the most senior regiment of the British [[Territorial Army (United Kingdom)|Army Reserve.]]<ref name=decision>{{Cite web|title=Seniority|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/historymenu/senioritydecision/index.html|website=www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref> The regiment was formed in 1539 during the reign of by [[King Henry VIII]]. The R Mon RE (M) became a [[Militia (United Kingdom)|militia unit]] in 1660 and then became a part of the [[Royal Engineers]] in 1877.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk/|title=Home|website=www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 63: Line 65:


=== Militia and Militiamen ===
=== Militia and Militiamen ===
Militia historically were regarded as light infantry regiments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk/index.php|title=Home|website=www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk}}</ref> In recognition of its Light Infantry ancestry the regiment was afforded the right to wear the militia flash in 1943.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/historymenu/seniorityparade/index.html|title=The Seniority Parade|website=Castle and Regimental Museum}}</ref> A small, light infantry green rectangle, often referred to as the snooker table; worn at the top of the left arm. Soldiers of the regiment are Sappers but also militiamen and wear the militia flash in perpetuity, as observed by [[John Ridge (British Army officer)|Brigadier John Henry Ridge CBE]] when inspecting troops in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeslocalnews.co.uk/local-news/tunbridge-wells-soldier-praises-troops-in-caribbean-relief-effort/|title=Tunbridge Wells soldier praises troops in Caribbean relief effort|date=20 September 2017|website=Tunbridge Wells Local News &#124; Times Local Newspapers & Magazines}}</ref>[[File:Militia.jpg|thumb|The “Militia Flash” worn by Brigadier John Henry Ridge CBE]]
Militia historically were regarded as [[light infantry|light infantry regiments]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk/index.php|title=Home|website=www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk}}</ref> In recognition of its Light Infantry ancestry the regiment was afforded the right to wear the Militia flash in 1943.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/historymenu/seniorityparade/index.html|title=The Seniority Parade|website=Castle and Regimental Museum}}</ref> A small, light infantry green rectangle, often referred to as the snooker table; worn at the top of the left arm. Soldiers of the regiment are [[Sapper|Sappers]] but also militiamen and wear the militia flash in perpetuity, as observed by [[John Ridge (British Army officer)|Brigadier John Henry Ridge CBE]] when inspecting troops during the Sapper 300 celebrations in 2016.<ref> https://rmonrem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Aug-2016-R-Mon-REM-newsletter.pdf </ref> <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeslocalnews.co.uk/local-news/tunbridge-wells-soldier-praises-troops-in-caribbean-relief-effort/|title=Tunbridge Wells soldier praises troops in Caribbean relief effort|date=20 September 2017|website=Tunbridge Wells Local News &#124; Times Local Newspapers & Magazines}}</ref>


== Current organisation ==
== Current organisation ==
Line 82: Line 84:
[[File:Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers colours.jpg|thumb|Colours of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers]]
[[File:Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers colours.jpg|thumb|Colours of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers]]
The regimental museum of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers is in [[Monmouth Castle]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Castle and Regimental Museum|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/|publisher=Monmouth Castle Museum|access-date=31 December 2011}}</ref>
The regimental museum of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers is in [[Monmouth Castle]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Castle and Regimental Museum|url=http://www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk/|publisher=Monmouth Castle Museum|access-date=31 December 2011}}</ref>

==Charitable trust==
The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) Charitable Trust is a wholly voluntary charity that supports the wider life of the Regiment. It was registered in 2002 and is registered (Number 1093105) with the Charity Commission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3990301/governance |title= Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) Charitable Trust |publisher=Charity Commission|access-date=8 October 2024}}</ref>


==Notable Officers==
==Notable Officers==


* Maj Martha Fairlie, ITV news reporter. Currently OC 225 Field Squadron (Militia).
* [[Jules Hudson]], [[television producer]] and [[television presenter|presenter]], best known for presenting the [[BBC]] series ''[[Escape to the Country]].''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/stories/lead-follow-or-get-out-way-military-mantra-tvs-jules-hudson-lives|title=Lead, Follow, Or Get Out The Way - Military Mantra That TV's Jules Hudson Lives By|date=22 January 2020|website=Forces Network|accessdate=8 November 2021}}</ref>
* [[Jules Hudson]], [[television producer]] and [[television presenter|presenter]], best known for presenting the [[BBC]] series ''[[Escape to the Country]].''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/stories/lead-follow-or-get-out-way-military-mantra-tvs-jules-hudson-lives|title=Lead, Follow, Or Get Out The Way - Military Mantra That TV's Jules Hudson Lives By|date=22 January 2020|website=Forces Network|accessdate=8 November 2021}}</ref>

* [[John Ridge (British Army officer)|Brigadier John Henry Ridge CBE]] a troop commander within the regiment during the early 1990's prior to receiving a regular army commission<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rmonrem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Dining-Club-Newsletter-Sep-15.pdf|title=Dining Club Newsletter: More Members' News|publisher=Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers|date=1 September 2015|access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref>


==Notable Soldiers==
==Notable Soldiers==

Latest revision as of 16:42, 30 October 2024

Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)
Insignia of the R Mon RE (M)
Active1539–present
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeField Engineers
SizeRegiment
515 personnel[1]
Part of25 (Close Support) Engineer Group
Regimental HQMonmouth Castle, Monmouth
MarchAp Jenkyn (Regimental Quick March)
Engagements
Commanders
Royal Honorary ColonelPrince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Honorary ColonelColonel Ian Thompson
Insignia
Arm BadgeMilitia Flash

The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) is the most senior regiment of the British Army Reserve.[2] The regiment was formed in 1539 during the reign of by King Henry VIII. The R Mon RE (M) became a militia unit in 1660 and then became a part of the Royal Engineers in 1877.[3]

History

[edit]
The Royal Monmouthshire Light Infantry in 1855 at Pembroke Dock.

The two 'Royals'

[edit]

The regiment was formed as a posse comitatus in 1539 during the reign of by King Henry VIII; it went on to become a trained band and then a militia unit in 1660.[4] It is unique in having the word 'Royal' appear twice in its name. It gained the first Royal in 1804 when it was the Monmouth and Brecon Militia. The second was acquired in 1877 when the regiment transferred from an infantry unit into a Special Reserve section of the expanding Royal Engineers.[5]

On 1 April 1967, the existing regiment absorbed 43rd Wessex Division RE (TA), 48th South Midland Division RE (TA) and 53rd Welsh Division RE (TA).[6]

Seniority dispute with the Honourable Artillery Company

[edit]

The records of the Honorable Artillery Company (HAC) indicate that it was formed two years prior to the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia). However, in 1930 the Army Council (Army Board from 1964) reviewed the Army's precedence table and King George V agreed that, on account of its status as a militia unit, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) were the senior regiment.[2] In 1957 the matter was investigated further and Queen Elizabeth II also agreed that the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) were the senior regiment:[2]

From:-Lieut.-Colonel The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Adeane, K.C.B., K.C.V.O . Private Secretary to the Queen, Buckingham Palace, S.W.1. 12th March, 1957.

My dear Playfair, Thank you for your letter of 8th March which I have laid before The Queen and which Her Majesty has read with interest. I am to say that the recommendation of the Honours and Distinctions Committee with regard to the relative precedence of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers and the Honourable ArtiIlery Company meets with the Queen's approval.

Yours sincerely,

M. E. ADEANE

The Royal Jersey Militia

[edit]
The Death of Major Peirson by John Singleton Copley.

The Jersey Militia were brought under the command of the R Mon RE (M) in 2007. The Jersey Militia was formed in 1337 when Edward III ordered "all his faithful peoples of the islands" to be prepared - by forming a militia - for possible war with France.[7] The militia defended the island against several pirate raids, and in 1549 against a French invasion attempt.[8] The militia played a role in the Battle of Jersey, for which its actions gained it the 'Royal' title.[9]

Militia and Militiamen

[edit]

Militia historically were regarded as light infantry regiments.[10] In recognition of its Light Infantry ancestry the regiment was afforded the right to wear the Militia flash in 1943.[11] A small, light infantry green rectangle, often referred to as the snooker table; worn at the top of the left arm. Soldiers of the regiment are Sappers but also militiamen and wear the militia flash in perpetuity, as observed by Brigadier John Henry Ridge CBE when inspecting troops during the Sapper 300 celebrations in 2016.[12] [13]

Current organisation

[edit]

The current organisation of the regiment is as follows:[14]

Regimental museum

[edit]
Colours of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers

The regimental museum of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers is in Monmouth Castle.[22]

Charitable trust

[edit]

The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) Charitable Trust is a wholly voluntary charity that supports the wider life of the Regiment. It was registered in 2002 and is registered (Number 1093105) with the Charity Commission.[23]

Notable Officers

[edit]

Notable Soldiers

[edit]

Order of precedence

[edit]
Preceded by Order of Precedence Succeeded by

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Army – Question for Ministry of Defence". p. 1. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Seniority". www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Home". www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  4. ^ "Origins". www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  5. ^ "The Regimental Archive of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)". Monmouth Castle. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  6. ^ "Corps of Royal Engineers, Volunteer Regiments". Archived from the original on 22 September 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  7. ^ "Royal Jersey Militia: Castle and Regimental Museum - Monmouth". www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  8. ^ "Jardin D'Olivet (1549 Battlefield site)". History Alive. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  9. ^ "Royal Jersey Militia: Castle and Regimental Museum - Monmouth". www.monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  10. ^ "Home". www.monmouthcastlemuseum-archives.org.uk.
  11. ^ "The Seniority Parade". Castle and Regimental Museum.
  12. ^ https://rmonrem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Aug-2016-R-Mon-REM-newsletter.pdf
  13. ^ "Tunbridge Wells soldier praises troops in Caribbean relief effort". Tunbridge Wells Local News | Times Local Newspapers & Magazines. 20 September 2017.
  14. ^ "About us". R Mon RE (M). Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  15. ^ "The Castle, Monmouth NP25 3BS". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  16. ^ "Chapman House, Ty Coch Way, Swmbran NP44 7HB". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  17. ^ "The Artillery Grounds, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LG". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  18. ^ "John Chard VC House, Glamorgan Street, Swansea SA1 3SY". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  19. ^ "Gundolph House, Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury B68 8DH". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  20. ^ "Baskeyfield House, Anchor Road, Stoke on Trent ST3 5BL". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  21. ^ "156 Walsall Road, Bridgetown, Cannock WS11 0JB". Army Careers. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  22. ^ "The Castle and Regimental Museum". Monmouth Castle Museum. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  23. ^ "Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) Charitable Trust". Charity Commission. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  24. ^ "Lead, Follow, Or Get Out The Way - Military Mantra That TV's Jules Hudson Lives By". Forces Network. 22 January 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  25. ^ "Jon Latimer". The Times. 16 January 2009. Archived from the original on 23 May 2010.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Royal_Monmouthshire_Royal_Engineers&oldid=1254359772"