Regimental History
1741-The Regiment is formed
Colonel Houghton raises a new regiment, and is known as Houghton’s Regiment
1751- A change in number
Under the command of Colonel Warburton, numerical titles were introduced into the British Army. The Regiment became the 45th Regiment of Foot
1808 – 1814 The Peninsular War
In April 1812, at the siege of Badajoz Captain James MacPherson and his unit raises his red jacket up the flag pole to signel the fall of the Castle.
Once the war is ended, the Regiment return to Nottinghamshire.
1823-The 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment
The 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment is formed, in response to a growing threat from the French. It is the 6th Regiment to hold the numerical title 95th.
1854 The Crimean War
During the Crimean War, at the Battle of Alma, Private Keenan carriers the Queen’s Colour and plants it in the redoubt.
Normally held by an officer, Private Keen took it upon himself to pick up the Colour from the Battlefield after the Regiment suffered severe casualties.
1881- The Sherwood Foresters are formed
Under the Cardwell-Childers reforms to the British Army, the 45th (Nottinghamshire) Regiment & the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment are merged to form The Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire) Regiment
1899 – 1902 The Boer War
1914 – 1918 The First World War
- 33 Battalions raised (20 served overseas)
- 140,000 served.
- 11,409 KIA or missing
- 57 Battle honours
1939 – 1945 Second World War
- 26,940 officers and men served
- 1,520 were killed or died of wounds
- Awarded 25 Battle Honours
1970 Amalgamation with the Worcestershire Regiment
The Sherwood Foresters amalgamated with the Worcestershire Regiment to form The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (WFR).
2007 The Mercian Regiment is formed
In 2007 The Cheshire Regiment, The Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regiment and the Staffordshire Regiment are brought together to form The Mercian Regiment. Known as the heart of England’s Infantry, the Regimental motto is ‘Stand Firm, Strike Hard’.
In 2007 there were four battalions:1 Mercian (Cheshires), 2 Mercian (Worcesters & Foresters), 3 Mercian (Staffords) & 4 Mercian (Reserves). In 2014 this changed with the disbandment of 3 Mercian ( Staffords). Today the Regiments title is ‘The Mercian Regiment (Cheshires, Worcesters & Foresters & Staffords).