1st Battalion The Rifles

1st Battalion, The Rifles (1 RIFLES) is a light infantry battalion of The Rifles under the command of 160 (Wales) Brigade.

History


The battalion formed on 25 December 2007 in Alma Barracks, Catterick Garrison as part of 52 Infantry Brigade, merging the single battalions of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment. In August that year, the Battalion moved again to its permanent home of Beachley Barracks at Chepstow still under 52 Brigade, whose HQ had departed for Afghanistan.

From 2008 to 2012, it was attached to 3 Commando Brigade as the fourth manoeuvre unit of the Brigade alongside the three commandos of the Royal Marines.