Page 31 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

The Colonel Commandant speaks to members of the Battalion on re-designation day
4 RIFLES
REDESIGNATION FROM
4 RIFLES TO 4 RANGER
On 1 December, the Battalion, less those deployed on operations, returned to New Normandy Barracks for a parade to mark the end of an era as 4 RIFLES and the beginning of a new era as 4 RANGER. In true RIFLES style, the event was low-key and focussed on the importance of our collective identity as Riflemen and what we will take forward as Rangers.
We were fortunate to have The Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, The Colonel Commandant of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, The Clerk of The Carpenters, The Rifles Divisional Lieutenant Colonel, and our counterpart Green Beret Group’s Commander and Sergeant Major as guests. What added to the emotional weight of the occasion was that The Colonel Commandant was the Commanding Officer on 1 February 2007 when the Battalion was formed as 4 RIFLES. Many of us were there on that day. After
a few poignant words from The Colonel Commandant, which focussed on embracing the future, but not forgetting our roots,
the Battalion went through the process of lowering The Rifles flag and removing our RIFLES berets and replacing them with the flag and berets of The Ranger Regiment. After the parade, the Battalion had a formation photograph taken for posterity and then moved to The Ranger Tavern, formerly the Corporals’ Mess, to enjoy a curry lunch and a few drinks together. This was particularly special because during my time with the Battalion in its current form, I have not seen so many of its people in one place! WO1 RSM Will Rigby
R Company wear their new Ranger berets for the first time
The Army Special Operations Brigade and Ranger Regiment flag are raised in New Normandy Barracks for the first time marking the end of an era and the beginning of another
RIFLES The Bugle 31