This Regiment, and now its successor The Royal Irish Regiment, are allied to my fathers regiment, that he was chaplain too, 2004-2012, The former 2nd Canterbury Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment, RNZIR. in 1995 the 2nd Cant NMWC had the Gaubeen taken of them due to a cost cutting measure however the Hackle remained until 2012 when the 2nd Cant NMWC was merged to form 2/4 RNZIR (4th Otago & Southland Regiment RNZIR). Pre 2nd Cant NMWC, which was formed when 1st Canterbury (made up of the 2nd South Canterbury Regiment), and the 12th/XIIIth Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment ( which was made up of the former 12th Nelson and Marlborough and the 13th North Canterbury Regiments), where amalgamated in 1964. The 1st Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment (12th/XIIIth) were presented the Gaubeen and Hackle as a sign of friendship from the Royal Irish Rangers, along with the Corp belt of the Royal Irish Rangers. (which to my knowledge is still in use today by the 2nd Cant NMWC Company), to note the first Gaubeen issed to 1st NMWC was Blue then when the Royal Irish Rangers Changed the colour of there Gaubeen to Rifle Green, the 2nd Cant NMWC changed the headdress to align with their Allied Regiment. Very Interesting history, a piece of Ireland in New Zealand on might say!
Im ex 2Cant NMWC and proudly retain both my Caubean &hackle and corp belt plus Infantry Beret .Its my headgear every ANZAC dawn parade -part of a rapidly diminishing clique. In the words of the immortal late WO1 Alan Polascheck RIP RNZIR "nice to see an old rebel or two lad".
The Royal Ulster Rifles did not fight in India, they were the Royal Irish Rifles at that time. The Royal Ulster Rifles didn’t come into existence until 1921.
Well established and successful Regiment in the British Army and am very proud to have served in the Royal Ulster Rifles from 1961-1965 23892769 Rfn Mateo Rokovesa
Hi Mateo my brother done his national service in the RUR in Germany 1960-1962 he loved it he was always on about the c/o Corran Purdon you take care mate
