By George – regiment marks its birthday with Tommy
Army veterans have marked the birth of their regiment formed on St George’s Day with a gathering at the foot of Seaham’s Tommy statue.
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was established on April 23, 1968, from four former English Fusilier Regiments.
They included the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
– formerly the 5th of Foot – which can be traced back 300 years and has its roots here in our region.
Until recently the Regiment consisted of three Regular Battalions and two Reserve, and today consists of one regular battalion and one reserve battalion, with the Fusiliers involved in nearly every conflict since the end of the Second World War.
Around 25 of members of the Sunderland Branch of the Fusiliers Association joined in the event on the eve of the milestone day, reading the regiment’s prayer and holding a two-minute silence to remember all those who have served and been lost.
They added red and white roses in their berets to celebrate the day and were joined by other supporters, friends and family.
It was organised by the branch’s secretary Captain Alex Hendry, who is now a full-time employee of Durham Cadet Force.
He said: “It’s the regiment’s birthday, so obviously we recognise that day to celebrate it and be proud of what we are a part of and remember those who went before us.
"The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is family regiment with the saying ‘Once a Fusilier always a Fusilier’, therefore, when a Fusilier leaves the regiment they don’t leave the family.
"They become association members and can join one of the many association branches over the country.”
Sunderland’s branch meets on the first Thursday of each month in the Gunners Club in Mary Street, gathering at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
It is aiming to return to its meetings from June and increase its activities as the lockdown continues to ease.
A Fusilier can be identified by the red and white hackle worn in the beret in all forms of uniform and is a battle honour won with distinction at St Lucia 1778 by the 5th of Foot.