大象传媒

Information provided by: Tim Saunders
First Published: 07 November 2003

Overview

Raised in 1685 in response to an invasion of Britain, the Devonshire Regiment had, by 1939 a long tradition of military service. 'The Bloody Eleventh' or the 'Sweed Bashers' earned success in battles and campaigns fought over two hundred and fifty years in many parts of the world. In World War 2, the Devonshire Regiment provided a significant contribution to Britain's war effort between 1939 and 1945, providing some thirteen Battalions to the British Order of Battle. In common with other regiments, it was composed of Regular Army units (including the Regimental Depot at Exeter, Territorial Army, war raised and sundry training, holding and Home Guard units. All this despite having a high proportion of Devon's male population in protected employments on the land and in other employments, such as the naval dock yard in the city of Plymouth. Battalions from the Devonshire Regiment Served in Britain, Gibraltar, Malta, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, N.W. Europe and in the Far East, as well as, of course, at home in the Westcountry. One battalion served with the airborne forces as glider troops and many individuals volunteered to serve with the Parachute Regiment or the Army Commandos. Throughout World War Two, the soldiers of the Devonshire Regiment lived up to their highest traditions and added to theirtally of battle honours.

Facts and figures

Unit name: The Devonshire Regiment
Unit nickname: The Sweed Bashers
Force: Army
Designation: Regiment (Army)
Type: Infantry
Entered service: 1685-06-20
Battalions: 1st Battalion
2nd Battalion
Motto: Semper Fidelis

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