Notts infantry battalion on the march

Soldiers from the Nottinghamshire infantry battalion, 2 Mercian have relocated from Northern Ireland to Chester.

Around 500 soldiers paraded at Dale Barracks, Chester, yesterday to mark the move.

Under the Army 2020 Future Structures plan announced last year it was revealed that 2 Mercian, would move from Palace Barracks, Northern Ireland, to Dale Barracks, Chester.

Dale was formerly occupied by the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh which has in turn moved to Tidworth, Wiltshire.

The move allows the soldiers to be close to their recruiting area which includes Chester as well as Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Worcestershire.

It also allows the battalion to train more closely with the Reservists of 4 Mercian.

Lieutenant-colonel Shov Gilby, commanding officer of 2 Mercian, said: “The move has taken a lot planning so it’s really exciting to now be in Chester.

As part of the restructure three Mercian battalions have been formed from the previous four.