HC Deb 21 January 1958 vol 580 cc152-3W
Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of his personal and special message sent to the Gambia Regiment before the regiment was placed in a condition of suspended animation.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes.

Following is the text of the Secretary of State's Message of 9th December, 1957, to the Gambia Regiment:

Your Governor and Commander-in-Chief will have told you that the Gambia Regiment will shortly cease to be an effective unit of Her Majesty's forces.

The Gambia Regiment with its record of service in two World Wars has a proud place amongst the Regiments of the Royal West African Frontier Force and I well know how disappointing it must be that you can no longer serve in the Regiment.

Changes in the defence policy of Her Majesty's Government mean that it is no longer necessary to maintain the Regiment in being, and the needs of the Gambia itself will be met by an expansion of the Police Force. Some of you will, I expect, join the military wing of the Police, but whether you do or not I am sure you will not let the spirit and traditions of the Regiment die. I send you all my good wishes.

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