The Royal Welch Fusiliers (RWF), originally the 23rd Regiment of Foot, was one of the most storied and decorated infantry regiments in the British Army. Known for their fierce discipline and unique traditions, they played a major role in nearly every major British conflict from the late 17th century until their amalgamation in 2006.
The regiment was raised in 1689 by Lord Henry Herbert to support William of Orange. They are famous for the archaic spelling of “Welch” (instead of Welsh). While the army tried to standardize the spelling to “Welsh” in the 19th century, the regiment fought to keep the “ch” as a mark of their ancient heritage, and it was officially restored in 1920.
Role in the American Revolution
As the 23rd Regiment of Foot, they were a “premier” unit during the Revolutionary War, present for both the first and last shots of the conflict:
- Lexington and Concord (1775)
They were part of the relief column that marched to rescue the British troops retreating from Concord. - Bunker Hill (1776)
They suffered devastating losses (nearly 90% of their grenadiers and light infantry) while storming the American redoubts. - Yorktown (1781)
They held the “Fusilier Redoubt” during the final siege.- They hold the unique distinction of being the only British regiment not to surrender its colors at Yorktown; the flags were reportedly smuggled out by an officer who wrapped them around his waist under his uniform.
Unique Traditions
The RWF is famous for several quirks that set them apart from other British units:
- The “British Grenadiers”
The Siege of Namur (1695) is credited with inspiring the famous march, “The British Grenadiers.” There, despite serious losses, the 23rd achieved it’s first battle honors. - Saint David
The regiment celebrates the patron saint of Wales with a feast, featuring celebratory toasts and oaths. - The Goat Mascot
Since the 1700s, the regiment has always had a regimental goat (usually a gift from the Monarch’s herd). The goat holds the rank of a non-commissioned officer and is led by a “Goat Major.” - The Flash
Five black silk ribbons worn on the back of the neck. This is a “vestigial” remnant of the pigtails (periwigs) soldiers wore in the 18th century. When pigtails were abolished in 1808, the RWF was serving overseas and didn’t get the memo; they later won a special royal concession to keep the ribbons as a distinction.
Literary and Modern History
The regiment is also famous for its literary connections during World War I. Some of the greatest war poets, including Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves (author of Goodbye to All That), served as officers in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Graves’ memoir provides one of the most detailed accounts of the regiment’s culture and the horrors of the Western Front.
In 2006, the regiment was merged with the Royal Regiment of Wales to form The Royal Welsh, though their traditions—including the goat and the “Welch” heritage—continue in the new unit.
Visit the Royal Welch Fusilier Museum at Caernarfon Castle: https://www.rwfmuseum.org.uk/