Welfare of Riflemen and their Families

No summary of the Regiment's story in the Second World War would be complete without reference to the welfare organizations at home which have stood high in the estimation and gratitude of the men who fought at the front. It was the object of the Regiment to make every Rifleman feel sure, while he was away, or if he were taken prisoner of war (the episodes of Calais, Greece and Crete were responsible for many prisoners), or if he were wounded, or if he fell in battle, that he would not call on the Regiment in vain, either for his relatives or for himself. Thanks to the work of the Riflemen's Aid Society, the Ladies' Guild, the Prisoners' Parcels Depot, and the ladies' organization for visiting the hospitals; thanks also to those who generously provided the funds which enabled the work to be done, this object was largely achieved. The work is being carried on still, with the active help of the numerous branches of the K.R.R.C. Association, which now have a membership of well over 4,000.

After The War

At the conclusion of hostilities in Europe and as soon as the surrender and disposal of the enemy forces had been completed, the 1st Battalion remained with the army of occupation in Italy and Austria, and the 12th Battalion in Germany.

The 2nd Battalion moved into Denmark and from there, at the end of July, returned home preparatory to proceeding to the Far East. The war with Japan, however, came to an end and the Battalion was sent to Tripoli and later to Palestine.

The 12th Battalion was in Hanover until February, 1946, when it was disbanded.

The Regiment's Services

When the Second World War ended there remained on the field, as has been seen, four service battalions of the Regiment: the 1st in Austria, the 2nd and 12th (Queen's Westminsters) in North Germany, and the 11th (Queen's Westminsters) in Greece. The 7th and 8th Battalions (Queen Victoria's Rifles) had been disbanded in the autumn of 1942, and in September, 1944, respectively. The 9th Battalion (Rangers) had been disbanded in July, 1942, and the 10th Battalion (Rangers) had become a training battalion.