3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment spared axe (From Craven Herald)

3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment spared axe

11:13am Thursday 12th July 2012 in Local news

A battalion, which traditionally recruits from the Craven area, has been spared the axe.

The 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, which recruits heavily in the district, was expected to be lost in the biggest overhaul of the army for decades.

However, it was not named among 17 units announced in Parliament by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond on Thursday to create a "balanced, capable and adaptable force" for the future.

Instead, Yorkshire's 2nd Battalion, historically known as the Green Howards, will be merged into the remaining units by next autumn.

The 3rd battalion - formerly the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment - was granted the Freedom of Skipton in 1991 and the Freedom of Craven in 2002.

Craven District Council chairman Coun Chris Harbron said: “Times are hard and I suppose it was inevitable that the Treasury’s aims to reduce the country’s public spending deficits would affect the armed forces. It is very sad that the changes will result in the loss of some direct historical connections to the individual battalions of The Yorkshire Regiment. However, that loss is in appearance only.

“The Craven District will maintain its strong connections with The Yorkshire Regiment when the present three battalions are merged into two. The historical connections with the Duke of Wellington’s former regiment will always be there.

“We will continue to have The Yorkshire Regiment, which is really important for our wonderful historical County of Yorkshire. The regiment will still represent Craven’s historical ties to the old Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

“I would urge all our residents to continue to get behind our armed forces. I will work to ensure that we maintain our strong links to The Yorkshire Regiment and I wish all those in the Regiment the very best for the future.”