Canterbury 1983-1985

Following its lengthy period in Germany the Battalion returned to the United Kingdom, this time to Canterbury. From Canterbury it conducted operational tours to Northern Ireland and to Cyprus with the United Nations Forces and carried out Public Duties in London. In 1984 the Battalion was presented with new Colours by the Colonel-in-Chief. The old colours were cased and laid up in a chapel in Salisbury Cathedral. The new, and final, set of colours have also been cased and are now on display at the Regimental Museum at the Wardrobe. The presentation of colours was followed by another exercise in Canada, at Wainwright. 

From Canterbury the Battalion moved to Northern Ireland for another Tour. Prior to leaving for the Province they held a service in Canterbury cathedral on the 27th May. As the Regiment did not have the Freedom of the City it was unable to march to the service with its colours flying and the Regimental Band leading. However, it did march to the service in column of route with its four companies, each 100 strong, and the drum major and front rank side drummers of the Corps of Drums to keep the pace and step.