Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, who served in the Territorial Army during the Cold War, rejoined his former Regimental colleagues recently, to commemorate the Regiment’s historic victory over Napoleon’s troops at the Battle of Salamanca.

The commemorative dinner was held at the Chelmsford HQ of 1 Company, 3rd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment (Volunteers) and included soldiers and officers from the Royal Anglians, past and present.

The dinner was held to celebrate the victory in Spain, in 1812, when the 2nd battalion of the Essex Regiment’s 44th Regiment of Foot, captured a French Eagle from Napoleon’s 62nd Regiment. The “Essex Eagle” is now stored in the Essex Regiment Museum, in Chelmsford. At the dinner, a young member of the Regiment delivered the traditional “Salamanca Address” commemorating the Regiment’s battle honour.

Speaking about the special event, Mark Francois, said:

“As someone who served in the old 5th Battalion of the Royal Anglians - our local Regiment - during the Cold War I was honoured to be invited to attend this special event. With an armed conflict now underway in Ukraine, supporting our Army is still very important as it remembering its traditions, past and present.”