Which was the last line regiment to go?

[cbuehler]

All,
Which line regiment was actually the very last to be retire their colors? I am thinking possibly the Cheshires? I know the KOSB, RS, RWF and Green Howards were all around the same time as well.

CB

[Wmr-RHB]

The answer may depend on your definition of "line regiment".

I assume that todays The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (Queen’s and Royal Hampsires), ..... will all see themselves infantry regiments of the line, contrary to the Foot Guards.

[cbuehler]

I am referring of course to the old British line infantry regiments now all gone.

CB

[MH331]

From memory 2007 was the deadline for all mergers ( we were not allowed to use the word amalgamation) The Mercian Regiment was formed 1st September of that year so that is when 1 Cheshire ceased to exist. I can’t speak for the other surviving Regiments.

[Mark McClelland-Jones]

Hi CB,

I hadn't really reflected on the demise of the original line infantry until your post - but I am surprised that so many lasted without amalgamation until 2007. Particularly when others had seen mergers thrust upon them. But that's what makes this hobby so fascinating.

Mark