The Battle of Minden will be commemorated next month when veterans of The Royal Hampshire Regiment join Territorial Army officers and soldiers from the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment.

The old comrades are all former members of the Royal Hampshire Regiment, whose regimental descendants took part in the Battle of Minden in 1759.

During the celebrations on Tuesday, August 24th, at the Territorial Army Centre, Hilsea, a rose will be presented to each of the old comrades on parade. And in return, an ex-member of The Royal Hampshire Regiment will present a rose to each of the TA officers and soldiers. The rose will be placed behind the cap badge and worn in commemoration of the battle.

Major Tim Jenkins, of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment said: "The line-up on parade will be very special for the evening and it will take the form of TA soldier and veteran, alternated side by side."

The Battle of Minden took place on August 1st, 1759. Officers and soldiers of the 37th Foot (Royal Hampshire) took part in it, and it was later described as "an almost impossible achievement".

Roses were growing on the battleground and the advancing British picked them and put them in their caps--a custom which is maintained by the Royal Hampshires and now the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment in August each year.

Captain Harry Wragg, the permanent staff administrative officer, said: "We are delighted we could organise this very special event and, in particular, that we are able to invite so many of our veteran soldiers from the Royal Hampshire Regiment. I'm sure everyone will have a very good evening."

* C Company (Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment), based at the TA Centre, are always on the lookout for recruits. For details, call Harry Wragg, on Portsmouth 02392 675835, or visit the TA Centre any Tuesday evening.