c1970 Proposed Royal Regiment Gloucestershire Hampshire Regiment Officer Cap Badge

Royal Regt of Gloucester & Hants wire embroidered cloth beret badge. Scarce, VGC.


The planned 1970 merger between the Gloucestershire Regiment (Glosters) and the Royal Hampshire Regiment (Hants) to create the "Royal Regiment of Gloucestershire and Hampshire" was canceled at the last minute following a change of government. Preparation had reached an advanced stage, and unissued badges had already been manufactured.

Plans were set in motion in the late 1960s to amalgamate the two regular battalions.

The Reduction: The Royal Hampshire Regiment was temporarily reduced to company strength (designated as Minden Company) in 1970 in anticipation of the merger.

A change in government led to a review of defense plans, saving both individual regiments from the full amalgamation. Minden Company was restored to full battalion strength by 1972.

Code: 2346