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WELSH GUARDS

2 February 1915

SIR,—IN THE MAGNIFICENT response made by all the nations to the Empire’s call Wales has nobly borne its share. Even before the appeal of Mr. Lloyd George for the formation of two Welsh Army Corps it had already sent some 40,000 men to the Regular Army. The 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the 24th South Wales Borderers, and the 41st, the Welsh Regiment, occupy a position of high honour. Between August 4 and January 9 the number of men recruited in Wales exceeded 70,000, and it was estimated that districts from which returns were at that time incomplete would bring the total over 85,000. Since then the response of Welshmen to the call to join the new Army has been prompt and steady.

This being so, by way of recognition of the magnificent behaviour of the men of Wales of age to join the colours, having regard, too, to their “excellent character” as soldiers, and to further rouse the martial spirit of their nation in support of this just war, would it not be a graceful compliment, which no Welshman would be ever likely to forget, to form a Regiment of Welsh Guards? The sister nations of England and Scotland have for a long time past had their Guards Regiments, and only a few years ago the formation of the Irish Guards afforded ample evidence of how much gratification and pride that most tactful idea of the late Queen Victoria created in the national sentiment of Ireland.

No suggestion would be more popularly acclaimed in Wales. No idea would more vividly stir the imagination of the people. A battalion could be raised in very quick time, especially, as might, perhaps, be necessary, if the standard of height usual in Guards Regiments were slightly reduced. Then, with Wales’s own young Prince as Colonel-in-Chief, there would exist a new regiment of Guards of which both Wales and the British Army would have every justification in feeling proud. A highly-emotional and always loyal people, the Welsh even now let none of the Empire’s races outvie them in valour or in loyalty, and I confidently submit it would be sound policy for Lord Kitchener to carry out the proposition set forth.

I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

J. AUBREY REES

Four days after the publication of this letter, King George V commanded that a battalion of Welsh Guards be raised.