The Loyal Regiment
(North Lancashire)
The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment was formed in 1881 as part of the Cardwell reforms of the British Army. Its title changed to The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) in 1921.
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The Regiment was formed initially with two battalions, the 1st Battalion being created from the former 47th (Lancashire) Regiment of Foot, and the 2nd from the former 81st (Loyal Lincoln Volunteers). The Regimental Depot was at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, creating a link which has continued unbroken to the present day.
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The Regiment recruited primarily from the towns of Central Lancashire, including Preston, Chorley, Bolton and Wigan.
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During World War I the Regiment expanded to a total strength of 21 battalions. They served on the Western Front, at Gallipoli, and in Macedonia, Palestine, East Africa, and Mesopotamia. They were awarded a total of 80 Battle Honours. The Regiment suffered a total of 7590 casualties. Three members of the Regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross.
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(For a detailed summary of the full part played by the Regiment in World War I, click HERE)
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The Regiment was again expanded in World War II, to a total of 10 battalions. They served in North West Europe, Malaya, North Africa and Italy. One member of the Regiment was awarded the Victoria Cross.
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(For a detailed summary of the full part played by the Regiment in World War II, click HERE)
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On 25th March 1970 the Regiment amalgamated with The Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Volunteers), to form The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment.
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In 2006 the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment was amalgamated with the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment and the King’s Regiment to form the present-day Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
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