The Worcester Branch of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association (W.F.R.A.) were at the Worcestershire Regimental Stone in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester on Monday 1st June 2026 to mark the period and a certain day in history that among some military circles is known as the Glorious First of June 1794!
As with infantry Regiments through time supporting naval fleets was part of their service, some detachments of the 29th Foot which later became the Worcestershire Regiment fought as Marines upon Lord Howes Chanel Fleet in the wars against the French, in this instance the Fourth Battle of Ushant.
France was experiencing difficulty in feeding the peoples of their country and had organised a supply fleet that left Chesapeake Bay in America. The British Fleet attacked the French, the French supply ships escaped but their naval fleet was badly mauled with ships sunk and some captured.
The British Ship 'Brunswick' with 81 men of the 29th aboard was so close to the French that they fired through closed ports as they could not open them. The Captain of the Brunswick and the officer of the 29th was mortally wounded.
The British claimed victory in that battle, they sunk seven French ships, without losses and were left in charge of the battle site which was so far from any land that it was dubbed The Glorious '1st June'. The Regiment was awarded the Naval Crown to be borne on the Regimental Colours.
In attendance at the Ceremony was the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Fiona Charmy who placed a wreath at the Regimental Stone. Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Tor Pingree, who after the ceremony talked on the importance of Remembrance even though it is not in living memory. Also Wychavon District Chairman, Councillor Gregory Wilkins. Veterans of WFRA Worcester Branch and a few members of the public from as far away as New Zealand.
The Worcester Branch WFRA would like to appeal to former members of The Worcestershire Regiment and Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, to come along to ceremonies in Gheluvelt Park on 26 August, 19 September 19 and 25 October all at 10.30am.
The Worcester Branch meet at The Barbourne Ex Services Club, The Moors, Worcester WR1 3ED on the last Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and second Tuesday of December all at 7.30pm for a friendly drink and chat.
Picture taken by Alan Bray
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