The Worcestershire Regiment dates back to 1782 when the 29th Regiment of Foot was officially linked with the county of Worcestershire. In 1877, the 29th and 36th (Herefordshire) Regiments established their depots in the new Norton Barracks and began a close association with Worcester.

Before the First World War the Regiment had expanded to eigth battalions. During the war it grew to 25, including three Volunteers, one of which was based in the city.

The two Territorial units became six, of which four were on active service across many theatres of war including Mesopotamia, Turkey, Belgium, France and Italy.

During 1914 The Regiment saw action in the retreat from Mons, The Battle of the Marne and at Langemark, Aisne, Gheluvelt and Ypres.

In 1915 it elements fought at Nonne Bosschen, Festubert and Gallipol

In 1916 it went into action at Loos and the Somme.

In 1917 it saw involvement in actions at Bagentin, Delville Wood, Le Transloy, Arras, Ypres Menin Road, Polygon Wood, and Passchendale.

In 1918 the regiment then fought at Cambrai, Lys, Bailleul, Kemmel, Hindenburg Line, St. Quentin Canal and Selle.

Members of the Regiment won nine Victoria Crosses, 70 Distinguished Service Orders (and 12 bars), 288 Military Crosses (and 36 bars),  and 227 Distinguished Conduct Medals (and 8 bars).

 

This is a short extract taken with grateful thanks from a longer history of the Regiment to be found at the website of the Mercian Regiment Museum www.worcestershiresoldier.org