Duke of Stackton's (23) Regiment of Foot
Edward, third Duke of Stackton was the original Colonel-in-chief of the Stackton Fencibles who merged with the 23rd Regiment of Foot to form what is today the Duke of Stackton's (23rd) Regiment of Foot.
Origins
The late 19th Century saw a great number of colonial conflicts and a period where military service was deemed to be fashionable. Local gentry led by the Duke created a militia regiment (or fencibles) which served as a hunting club, dance society and occasional suppressor of industrial organization. Many ordinary residents from Stackton and surrounding areas served in India with the 23nd Regiment of Foot.
Today's Regiment
Part of the modern Brickish Army, the Duke of Stackton's (23) Regiment of Foot was created in the reorganization of 1904. The 23rd Regiment of Foot became the first battalion and the Stackton Fencibles the 2nd Battalion which lead to an officer of the new 2nd Battalion to quip, "Second to none" adopted as the unofficial motto of the battalion.
The photos of modern soldiers were taken as part of preparations for the trooping of the colours ceremony in 1985 by the Stackton Weekly Telegraph and show the modern uniforms worn. Stackton Barracks is still home to the Regiment today and a small Regimental Museum is open on weekends and special occassions or by appointment with the curator (contact the STACT Travel Information Centre.)
