2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment

The 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment also known as the 2nd (Worcesters and Sherwood Foresters) Battalion or (2 MERCIAN) is an infantry battalion of the British Army. The battalion is one of the newer battalions of the British Army being only formed in 2007.

History
In 2007, following the Delivering Security in a Changing World reforms, the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters were renamed and rebaged as the 1st (Worcesters and Sherwood Foresters) Battalion The Mercian Regiment. Upon formation, the battalion was assigned to London District on Public Duties based at Cavalry Barracks.

In 2007, after disbandment, the battalion saw two deployments to Afghanistan: Op Herrick 6 (Apr - Oct 07) and Op Herrick 10 (Apr - Oct 09), upon returning the battalion moved to Palace Barracks where they were assigned to the 19th Light Brigade as a light infantry battalion. From Oct 11 - Apr 12, the battalion deployed on Op Herrick 15 under the 20th Armoured Brigade.

In 2014, following the Army 2020 Refines, the battalion moved to Dale Barracks in Cheshire under the Headquarters North West, but when this command was reduced, the battalion moved under control of the 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East. Under these refines, the battalion moved to Episkopi Cantonment under British Forces Cyprus. When the battalion isn't based in Cyprus, the 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is paired with the battalion. Upon moving their, they swapped with the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Under the 4th brigade, the battalion was be assigned to the "Cyprus Pool". This designation is given to the following units (with basing after changes): These units will be held in their respective regional brigades, but will be on rotation in Cyprus for 2 years each. 2 MERCIAN will return leave Cyprus in 2020 when they will swap with one of the battalions moving there.
 * 1 PWRR - based in Dhekelia Cantonment
 * 1 LANCS - based in Dale Barracks (Cheshire)
 * 2 R ANGLIAN - based in Dhekelia Cantonment
 * 2 MERCIAN - based in Episkopi Cantonment
 * 2 YORKS - based in Somme Barracks