Winchester Remembers The Fallen Rifles

Kevin Gover from Winchester Today looks on at the planting of two oak trees, as Winchester Remembers The Fallen Rifles.

Sixty-two of the Rifles will never see their Regimental Headquarters here in Winchester again.

Eight of them were killed in Iraq, the rest in Afghanistan. All in just 7 short years since The Rifles were formed in 2007.

Those fatalities are the highest number suffered by any infantry regiment of the British Army.

Here at the Peninsular Barracks on a cold, dark and wet January morning, the 'parade area' in Winchester suddenly burst into life with the call of bugles.

I knew they were about to sound, but they did it without any warning; the call to parade brought home to me that those who had fallen were not going to be forgotten by their mates.

I say 'parade area' - it's more like a car park now. But many parades have happened here since 1872.

Much of it now though has given way to residential property. Indeed, a delivery van attempted to run us over, probably not being used to buglers being on their patch.

Or used to seeing the Boss - Commander Land Forces - on site.

This was the importance being given to this ceremony.

Lieutenant General Sir Nick Carter - Commander Land Forces - says being at the barracks brought back many personal memories: "It is absolutely fitting that the trees are outside the RHQ: 

"I can remember as a rifleman being incarcerated in a room here in 1977. Riflemen have been trained here since 1872; it's very fitting that we should remember those who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

"The Regiment has shouldered a significant amount of the operational requirements in those two campaigns and has done so magnificently. These two trees will serve as very fitting memorials."

Honorary Chaplain Colin Fox told me it was a proud day: "I feel like I've been associated with the Green Jackets and the Rifles all my life having joined when I was 19. 

"Trees have a deep significance. They are a symbol of hope, of life."

This is an impressive place, a vital part of Winchester's community. As we turned to leave, I felt a sense of achievement.

I felt as though we had paid something back. 

It wasn't the ultimate sacrifice like the 62. But the trees will remain long after all of us present on this day.

Pictures: Simon Longworth, MoD

Hear Lieutenant General Sir Nick Carter

The Rifles