South Wales politicians have called on the Government to save The Queen’s Dragoon Guards.
The battalion is thought to be under threat of being merged or axed following Government cuts to the defence budget.
Islwyn MP Chris Evans, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Dai Havard, Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle and Conservative AM William Graham are all calling for the Queen’s Dragoon Guards to be saved.
Mr Evans said: “Any plans to destroy the identity and proud history of one of Wales’ oldest army regiments would be a massive blow to Wales.
“The Welsh Dragoon Guards are one of the best recruited regiments in the armoured corps and disbanding it would reduce opportunities for young people all over Wales to serve in a named Welsh regiment.’
Mr Havard, who recently attended a rally in Westminster with supporters of the regiment, added: “Our respective campaigning has changed the criteria for any decision. There are now no objective reasons to choose to delete or merge the Queen’s Dragoon Guard’s out of identity. Historically proven to be efficient, effective and sustainable the Queen’s Dragoon Guard’s should be given a major part in the armoured corps of the future.”
William Graham, Conservative AM for South East Wales, said: “I acknowledge that the Queen’s Dragoon Guards are one of the oldest regiments associated with Wales. The ‘Welsh Cavalry’ is unique in the specific opportunities it offers Welsh servicemen, to support and strengthen the combat effectiveness of the British Armed Forces.
“I also recognise the huge contribution and sacrifice made by the Welsh Cavalry to the British Royal Armoured Corps over many years. That is why I support this regiment and the traditions that it embodies.
“I wholeheartedly add my voice to the calls on the Army Board to recognise the strong Welsh heritage within the British Army and support the retention of the only Welsh mechanised regiment remaining in the British Army.”
Lindsay Whittle, Plaid Cymru AM for South East Wales spent five days in Afghanistan in 2009 when he was leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Mr Whittle, who was a was a guest in Afghanistan of Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers, said: “I’ve seen the bravery at first hand of our Welsh soldiers in Afghanistan.
“To amalgamate the QDG, with its proud history would be an insult to those brave soldiers. It would be appalling after risking their lives in Afghanistan that they would then find themselves discarded and on the scrap heap. That is totally unacceptable.”