THE new Yorkshire Regiment marched through Barnsley to formally request the freedom of the borough.
Soldiers from the regiment - three of the region's infantry battalions were merged in June - paraded on Wednesday. It finished with a ceremony attended by the Mayor, Coun Margaret Morgan. The freedom of the town was then transferred from the old Duke Of Wellington regiment.
Thirty soldiers wore the new lion and rose cap badge. There were drummers in scarlet uniforms and three soldiers in the historic dress of the 14/15th Foot, 19th Foot and 33rd Foot.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lodge said: “We want to maintain close links with the community built up by our antecedent regiments in the historic county of Yorkshire.”
The freedom of the town allows marching through the town with bayonets fixed, bands playing and colours flying.
The new regiment comprises four battalions - three regular and one territorial - made up by 2,300 officers and soldiers.
