From the Nine Years War to D-Day: The 280-Year History of a British Regiment

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Formed in 1689, the South Wales Borderers spent nearly three centuries serving across the globe. From the battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars to the defense of Rorke’s Drift, this infantry unit evolved through numerous renamings and mergers before finally being incorporated into the Royal Regiment of Wales in 1969.

The regiment began as Sir Edward Dering's Regiment of Foot in 1689, initially raised for service in Ireland. By 1751, it was formally designated the 24th Regiment of Foot. Its early history was marked by global deployments, including the War of the Spanish Succession, the War of Jenkins’ Ear, and the American War of Independence, where it fought in the Saratoga campaign. The unit’s identity shifted significantly in 1873 when its depot moved to Brecon, leading to its 1881 renaming as The South Wales Borderers, reflecting its new role as the county regiment for several Welsh regions.

The regiment is perhaps most famous for its actions during the Zulu War of 1879. At the Battle of Isandlwana, soldiers attempted to save the regimental colour, an act of bravery that later earned the first posthumous Victoria Crosses. Shortly after, the regiment gained further renown for the defense of Rorke’s Drift, where seven Victoria Crosses were awarded. These engagements cemented the unit's reputation for tenacity, a trait it carried into the 20th century during both World Wars, including being the only Welsh battalion to land on D-Day in 1944.

Throughout its existence, the regiment maintained a presence in diverse environments, from the Canadian wilderness to the jungles of Malaya. It navigated the complexities of imperial garrison duties, the pressures of the Indian Mutiny, and the intense combat of the Western Front. Today, its legacy is preserved through institutions like the Royal Welsh Museum in Brecon and the Firing Line Museum at Cardiff Castle.

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