1 RIFLES IN MADRID

February 11, 2008

A contingent from 1st Battalion, The Rifles took part in a parade in Madrid on 11th February 2008 to mark the 200th Anniversary of the beginning of the Peninsular War, or Guerra de la Independencia. Also taking part were contingents from Spain, Portugal, France and Poland who paraded in the dress of the period. 1 Rifles, based in Chepstow, carried the Baker rifles as used by the 95th and 5/60th. Taking the salute is the Prince of Asturias, heir to the Spanish throne.

The Rifles, formed on 1st February 2007, is comprised of several antecedent Regiments, whose own antecedents were frequently to be found fighting in Portugal, Spain and France under the commands of Sir John Moore and Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington. These included the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment and the 61st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment, whose collections are held in this museum.

Images courtesy of 1 Rifles.