Shropshire Brochure Final(5) - Flipbook - Page 7
On 6th June 1918 the 4/KSLI counterattacked Bligny Hill, which had just been
occupied by a large enemy force. Charging across over almost a mile of open
country, they seized the summit at the point of their bayonets and captured the
Germans that remained. General Berthelot (Commander 5th French Army), later
issued a special order of the day, praising 4/KSLI for its “magnificent dash” and
“superb valour” and awarded the battalion the Croix de Guerre avec Palme. The
medal ribbon was subsequently worn on the sleeves of 4/KSLI and its successors.
Lucknow (1857-1858) - The 53rd saw extensive action throughout the
Indian Mutiny. It took part in both the Relief of Lucknow in 1857, during
which four Victoria Crosses were won by soldiers of the Regiment, and the
final capture of the city in 1858.
Ypres (1915 & 1917) - The KSLI took part in both the Second Battle of
Ypres in 1915 and the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917. The Regiment fought at
numerous actions throughout both battles.
South Africa (1899-1902) - 2 KSLI fought with great distinction in
the Second Boer War. At the Battle of Paardeberg, a large Boer
force was trapped and forced to surrender. ‘Paardeberg Day’ would
afterwards be celebrated by the Battalion on the anniversary. They
also took part in the capture of Bloemfontein and Pretoria.
Somme (1916 & 1918) - The KSLI were part of the British forces
that launched the Somme Offensive in 1916. They also took
part in the Second Battle of the Somme in 1918.
Iraq (2003) - The most recent of The Rifles battle honours was
won by The Light Infantry during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. 1 LI
advanced on and captured Basra.
Normandy (1944) -2/KSLI took part in the D-Day landings, attacking
Sword Beach and successfully fighting their way inland as far as the
village of Bieville on the first day of the Battle of Normandy. They were
later joined by 4/KSLI. Both battalions would see action throughout the
battle, notably at Caen and the elimination of the Falaise Pocket.
Shropshire regiments from 1755 to the formation in 2007
1881
1968
2007
The King’s Shropshire
Light Infantry (KSLI)
The Light Infantry (LI)
The Rifles (RIFLES)
