30 July 23 saw veterans of the Suffolk Regiment and the Royal Anglian Regiment hold their annual commemoration of Minden Day at The Keep, Gibraltar Barracks, Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds. This annual event was attended by the Mayor, Councillor Diane Hind, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Donna Higgins.
There was a march past by veterans of both regiments with the regiment’s colours and standards of the Suffolk Associations on parade. The salute was taken by the Mayor and Association President Brigadier (Retired) AJK Calder OBE DL. Suffolk veteran and former war correspondent and independent MP Martin Bell (84) once again marched at the front of the parade.
As well as the county associations the reunion also included the Old Coldstream Corps of Drums, the Glenmoriston Pipe Band, the city of Ely Band, historical military vehicles, stalls, and family attractions.
“A great day for our military veterans, families and the people of Bury to get together,” said Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mark Wenham one of the event organisers and the incoming President of the Association. “Minden Day is a special occasion for the Regiment and one that we are delighted to share with the town.”
The Suffolk Regiment Museum was also open on the day and the curator Claire Wallace and her team of volunteers were kept busy with visitors for the whole day.
The Battle of Minden was a major engagement during the Seven Years’ War, fought on 1 August 1759. An Anglo-German army under the overall command of Prussian Field Marshal Ferdinand of Brunswick defeated a French army commanded by Marshal of France, Marquis de Contades. The Suffolk Regiment, then the 12th Regiment of Foot, passed through German gardens on their way to battle and picked roses that were placed in their headdress, a tradition that is still maintained on Minden Day.
