“The Royal Highland Fusiliers were formed in 1959 by the amalgamation of two of the British Army’s  most distinguished  Regiments the Royal Scots Fusiliers, 21st of Foot and the Highland Light Infantry 71st/74th of Foot"

 "The Battle Honours of the present Battalion and its distinguished predecessors reflect the many campaigns throughout the world in which the British Army has fought from 1678 to the present day, from India to the Americas, from South East Asia to Europe our reputation as a fighting force is second to none”

News Report

Presentation of New Colours to 2 Scots by HRH The Duke of York KG - 8th June 2008 in Afghanistan

Address by HRH The Duke of York KG

On the morning of 8 June 2008 in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan HRH The Duke of York KG presented the last stand of Royal Highland Fusiliers Colours to the Battalion. This is the first time since 1856 that Colours have been presented in the 'field'; the last occasion having been in India.

In a very simple but poignant ceremony conducted on the disused HLS, the old Colours were marched on with pipes and drums playing in the presence of HRH The Duke of York, Brigadier M P S Carleton-Smith OBE, Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade and 300 other members of the Battalion, Battle Group and base troops.

The Colour party were received by the Deputy Chaplain General, The Revd J Woodhouse QHC CF, The Revd N Cook, Task Force Senior Padre and Padre Abeledo, Padre to the Battalion. Under the Quartermaster the new Colours were marched onto parade and after the consecration ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Chaplain General, HRH The Duke of York made a short speech to those assembled. Shortly after the new Colours were handed over to the Ensigns and following the Royal Salute were marched off parade to take pride of place in Battle Group Headquarters.

HRH The Duke of York then spent the morning with the Battalion being briefed on the Battle Group area of operations and meeting the Jocks. Lunch with members of the Battalion followed before HRH The Duke of York left Lashkar Gah for further theatre visits.

I have attached a message from Major General W E B Loudon CBE, Representative Colonel, which was read to the Battalion. Some photos and footage of the parade will be forwarded to Home Headquarters in the next few days and will be available on the Battalion website, but it is hoped that you will see some of the photos in the national press first.

ADDRESS BY MAJOR GENERAL EUAN LOUDON CBE
REPRESENTATIVE COLONEL THE ROYAL HIGHLAND FUSILIERS
8 JUN 2008

Between 150 and 200 years ago our forefathers were involved in difficult and dangerous operations in this region of the world. They always fought with distinction and, as one generation passed on to another, they were determined to uphold the legacy of heroism and sacrifice that had been handed down to them. In those days men rallied round their Colours, telling friend and foe alike who they were and what they stood for.

Today you all find yourselves the contemporary custodians of that proud heritage which stretches back to the seventeenth century. Since the old colours were presented to the battalion by our Colonel in Chief at Redford Barracks, the Royal Highland Fusiliers have seen operational service in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, the Balkans, and here in Afghanistan. Nowhere in this recent fine record of service have the pressures on commanders, and on the men, been greater than are here and now. And I want you all to know that your professionalism and courage is respected and appreciated on the home front.

HRH The Duke of York KG

God speed and return safely.

Major General W.E.B. Loudon CBE


From the Regimental Secretary of the Royal Highland Fusiliers

A historic moment for the Battalion well done everyone.

RLS

The CO & Colour Party