Battalion leaves Dale Barracks in Chester for new post in Cyprus

During its time in Chester, the Battalion has been honoured to visit many of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment’s freedom towns to parade, receiving an overwhelming turnout on each occasion.

Whilst in Chester, the Battalion undertook a myriad of tasks to support the north west region. During the Covid-19 crisis, they helped set up temporary treatment facilities, ran Covid-19 mobile testing sites and provided test kit drop-off and collection services for some of the worst affected elements of the UK care system.

Members of the Battalion are looking forward to the training opportunities which will be available in Cyprus.

The 1st Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is leaving Dale Barracks in Chester to take on the role of Regional Standby Battalion (RSB) in Cyprus.

Kingsman Verneige said: “Over the next two years I want to broaden my skills as an infantry soldier and hopefully get promoted. Me and my family are from St Lucia so we are used to the heat and Cyprus will be a welcome change from the UK winters.

"Being posted overseas has many rewards such as an increase in pay, this will benefit my family positively. Overall, we have a busy time ahead and I am looking forward to new training opportunities before taking over as lead company group with Anzio Company in early 2023."

2nd Lieutenant Slater said: “I have recently joined The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and am excited to see what Cyprus has to offer. I am a Platoon commander in Anzio Company and being in such close proximity to my platoon will allow us to create a strong bond and ethos before undertaking duties in the RSB.

"I have joined the 1st Battalion straight from training in Brecon, and hopefully, we will have the opportunity to conduct some operations and I can put my training into practice.”

Captain Baxter said: “I am looking forward to taking my Mortar Platoon and integrating them within the Rifle Companies for a lot of the training opportunities in Cyprus. Equally, we are looking forward to doing some high-quality training with the Yorkshire Regiment and Ranger Regiment in the UK to effectively qualify some mortarmen.

"I am hoping to utilise my time in Cyprus to effectively practice various tactics, techniques and procedures based on recent conflicts to make an adaptive Mortar Platoon. My family are looking forward to visiting me soon as well due to the Cypriot weather!”

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Carr, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, said “I would like to thank the people of Chester for making the Battalion so welcome, we take away fond memories of our time here with us.

"Our Kingsmen are genuinely excited to be going to Cyprus, and are looking forward to expanding their skills and capabilities during their time on the island.”

In 2024 the Battalion will return to Weeton Barracks near Blackpool, which will become their permanent base.

The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is the Infantry Regiment of the North West of England. The Regiment has recruited in the region since 1782.

Today's regiment was formed on July 1, 2006, from the merger of three historic regiments of the North West.

It has one regular battalion - 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, one reserve battalion - 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, and one affiliated battalion - 3rd Battalion the Ranger Regiment. Its soldiers are uniquely entitled to use the official rank of Kingsman.

The Regiment is also known as the 'Lions of England' as they are the only regiment entitled to wear the lion as an emblem.