Page 12 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

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Regimental Battle Honours
Three regimental celebrations are conducted by The Mercian Regiment each year.
Celebrated first each year is Meeanee, which took place on 17th February 1843. This battle is celebrated by the regiment in commemoration of the action of the 22nd Foot, against the combined armies of the Baluchi Ameers of Scinde, and the Sikhs of the Punjab, in India (now Pakistan). All ranks wear oak leaves on their head dress on this day.
Secondly, the regiment commemorated the 151st anniversary of the Battle of Alma in September 2015. The battle honour was recognised with a parade by 2 MERCIAN soldiers at Dale Barracks, Chester, followed by an inter-company boxing final.
The Battle of Alma took place in Crimea on the 20th September 1854, and is often considered the first battle of the Crimean
War (1853 – 1856). It included the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot, one of our antecedent regiments as part of an Anglo- French force versus the Russians.
Due to heavy casualties during the battle, both Colour Ensigns of the 95th were struck down. The Regimental Colour was thus seized and carried by Private Keenan during the remainder of the battle.
In commemoration, the Regimental Colour is entrusted to a private soldier to troop through the ranks of the battalion on Alma Day. This year, the honour was bestowed upon Private Griffiths of B (MALTA) Company, 2 MERCIAN.
Last but not least, is Ferozeshah. The regiment, band and wider family conducted a variety of parades during December 2015 to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the battle.
This included soldiers from 4 MERCIAN, members of the Sikh community and our band hosting a parade in Wolverhampton. Several of our reservists also received promotions at the event. Following this, soldiers and officers from 2 MERCIAN also hosted a parade at their home in Dale Barracks, Chester.
This battle is celebrated by the regiment to commemorate the action by the 80th Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers) against the Sikhs of the Punjab in the First Sikh War.
It took place on 21st December 1845. CSgt Kirkland captured the Sikh “Black Standard,” and this can be seen today
in the Regimental Chapel at Lichfield Cathedral. In commemoration of this event, the battalion Colours are entrusted to the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess on Ferozeshah Day.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE