Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and the Duke of Wellington attended a special parade at Battlesbury Barracks today to mark the name change of Warminster-based battalion 3 Yorks to 1 Yorks.

The 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment in Warminster was renumbered, as it reorganises as part of Army 2020, to become the 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, following an exchange of colours parade.

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond announced the changes back in March this year, with the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment (2 YORKS) remaining in Cyprus.

The Army 2020 future force structure positions the Yorkshire Regiment at the heart of the Army’s capabilities, with 1 Yorks based in Warminster on a high-readiness rotation to react to any future conflict.

It will be equipped with the battle-proven Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle, which is the beneficiary of a £1 billion upgrade over the next 10 years.

Lt Col Zac Stenning OBE, Commanding Officer of the 3 Yorks, said: "It's a unique day in our history and it is also an emotional day as we become the 1st Battalion following the symbolic exchange of the colours.

"The memory of 3 Yorks remains and that history will be brought forward to the new regiment. There is very little change with regards to operations, many things will remain the same, but we now have 166 more soldiers from Cyprus.

"There are obviously mixed emotions, but this merger means that we will get bigger and stronger as a battalion and we will get to stay at Battlesbury Barracks in this wonderful town.

"Experiencing change is challenging and while our focus is on the future, we will never forget about the soldiers who lost their lives last year, as shown by the memorial in their honour unveiled in a private ceremony on Monday."

The Duke of York presented the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service to Warrant Officer Eric Whitehouse and the Queen's Commendation for Bravery to Private Lewis Murphy following the flag exchange ceremony.

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