A Keighley soldier will proudly wear a brand new ceremonial Colours’ belt when The Yorkshire Regiment receives its new Regimental Colours later this month.
Second Lieutenant Jaymes Smirthwaite, a police officer from Oakworth, will carry the new Colour for the 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment when they parade with the other three Battalions, in Imphal Barracks, York, to have their Colours formally presented next Friday. The new colours will then parade through York, on Saturday, June 19, when 1,000 of The Yorkshire Regiment soldiers march to York Minster.
The new belts were unveiled at Worsley Barracks, York this week. The Colours represent the Battalion’s history and key battle honours are emblazoned on them. Historically, they acted as a rallying point for troops on the battlefield.
Jaymes, who is married to Angela and lives with their three sons Callum, George and Karl, in Oakworth, said: “Carrying the new Colours is a great honour and the chance of a lifetime. I am really pleased to be the first person to be carrying the new Colour — it is a great privilege.”
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