Colchester

Colchester is an historic town in the north of the English county of Essex, with a population of about 160,000. It is the main town in the borough of Colchester, is one of the towns which claim to be Britain's oldest town (but is the oldest recorded Roman town).

Colchester Army Garrison

Colchester has been an important military garrison since the Roman era. The first permanent military garrison in Colchester was established by the Legio XX Valeria Victrix in AD 43.

Related Topics:
Roman - Legio XX Valeria Victrix - 43

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Colchester was an important barracks during the Napoleonic Wars and throughout the Victorian era. During the First World War several battalions of Kitchener's Army were trained there. Today, there are considerable plans to build a new and modern barracks out of the town to free up building land in the centre and replace the Victorian buildings. There are hopes that some of the original architecture will be conserved for heritage.

Related Topics:
Napoleonic Wars - Victorian era - First World War - Kitchener's Army - Victorian buildings

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At the outbreak of the Second World War in Sepetember 1939 Colchester was the home garrison of 4th Infantry Division. Resident units on 3rd September 1939 included 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment, 1st Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, 17th/21st Lancers, 27th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, 30th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, and 14th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery. The division deployed to France in 1940 as part of the British Expeditionary Force.

Related Topics:
Second World War - 1939 - 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards - Royal Artillery - France - 1940 - British Expeditionary Force

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During Second World War the town was ringed by over 120 pillboxes or other defensive structures. The town was defended by members of 8th Essex Battalion of the Home Guard. Colchester was bombed by the Luftwaffe in July 1940 during The Blitz.

Related Topics:
Second World War - Pillbox - Home Guard - Luftwaffe - The Blitz

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The Colchester Garrison is currently home to 16 Air Assault Brigade. The brigade has 3 air assault infantry battalions, 3 air assault aviaition battalions, 1 artillery regiment, and supporting units (engineer, signals, logistics, medical). The brigade has deployed in support of Operation Bessemer (Macedonia 2001), Operation Fingal (Afghanistan 2002), and Operation Telic (Iraq 2003).

Related Topics:
Colchester Garrison - Macedonia - 2001 - Afghanistan - 2002 - Iraq - 2003

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The Territorial Army is currently represented in Colchester by 45 Squadron, 36 (Eastern) Signal Regiment (Volunteers). During World War II Colchester's "Terriers" included 2nd/5th Battalion Essex Regiment, and 104th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery (Essex Yeomanry).

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Garrison Radio broadcasts locally on 1350 AM.

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