Scores of veterans reunited in Carlisle over two days for the Fontenoy Weekend 2024.
Formally from the Border Regiment, King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, and now the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, ex-servicemen united to honour their shared military legacy.
The two-day commemoration began with a Regimental Dinner at the Crown and Mitre Hotel where old comrades raised their glasses in tribute to the King.
Sunday (May, 12) saw everyone convene at Carlisle Castle as the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Band heralded a procession to Carlisle Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service.
On return to the Castle, the parade was formerly inspected by the Deputy Colonel of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Brigadier Andrew Kennedy.
Termed as the Fontenoy Weekend, this annual meeting recalls the 1745 Battle of Fontenoy when the 34th Regiment of Foot — precursor to the Border Regiment — safeguarded the British army's retreat, earning the privilege of adorning a Laurel Wreath on their colours.
The weekend was arranged by the Carlisle Branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association.
This association welcomes anyone tied to the regimental lineage, encompassing the Border Regiment, The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, and other ex-Armed Services personnel.
The group holds regular monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month at Carlisle Ex-Services Men’s Club in Albert Street, commencing from 7pm.
The reunion of veterans will reconvene in May 2025 in Carlisle Castle, formerly the depot of the Border Regiment.
Later this month, Cumbria's Museum of Military Life will be opening up a temporary exhibition of Arnhem 80 on May 28.
In June, they will also be hosting their third annual Military Festival as well as a beacon being lit up at the castle for D-Day commemorations.
To find out more, you can follow Cumbria's Museum of Military Life on Facebook.
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