The Friends of the Green Howards	The Regiment & the Community
Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment (19th Foot) The North York Militia, The North York Local Militia & North York Rifle Volunteers

The scroll for the Freedom of Beverley

There is a very close link between the County of North Yorkshire, the people of Teesside, and the Green Howards, - the local county regiment. Many families from the area have had relatives who served in World War 1 in one of the 24 battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment (as it was then called), or in World War 2 in one of the 12 battalions of the Green Howards. The link has been maintained through the Green Howards Territorial Army units, who until recently have had their drill halls in most of the major towns throughout North Yorkshire and Teesside. Members of the Green Howards Association (past members of the Regiment) live in this area. The Regiment has been associated with the County of North Yorkshire since 1782, and with Richmond, in particular, since 1873.   It is in Richmond that the Regimental Headquarters is based, and the Regimental Museum is to be found. As a result, there is great local pride in the Regiment. Since World War 2, eight towns and boroughs have accorded the Regiment the honour of becoming Honorary Freeman.   When the 1st Battalion returns to England, it usually organises freedom marches through these towns.   During the marches, the Regimental and Queen's Colours are flown, bayonets are fixed on the soldiers rifles, the drums beat, and the bands play.   After each march, the people of the town extend their hospitality to the soldiers. Beverley is one such town. The Regiment was granted the freedom of the town in 1946, and the 1st Battalion plans to exercise the Freedom in September 2004. The Battalion is currently based at Ballykelly in Northern Ireland, and returns to England in January 2004, when it ill be based at Chepstow and will form the rapid reaction jungle warfare battalion. The Museum, Territorial Army, and Green Howards Association often organise special events for the local populace, - particularly for the aged and those who have suffered from war.   Thus, there is a good interaction between the various local communities in North Yorkshire and Teesside and the Green Howards. Anyone who wears the green and white striped tie of the Green Howards automatically associates himself with this part of North East England. He is proud of both the county, and the Regiment.

"Once a Green Howard, always a Green Howard"