The infantry are back in Ellesmere Port.

The Mercian Regiment, successors to The Cheshires, is looking for part time soldiers to man a newly formed Army Reserve Infantry Platoon at the Army Reserve Centre on Stanney Lane.

Less than 12 months after a delighted Andrew Miller (Lab), then the town’s MP, revealed a Ministry of Defence U turn on the future of the centre, the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association has announced the 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment is recruiting for the platoon.

The light-role infantry support battalion, the Mercian’s volunteer contingent, claims to have sent more soldiers on operations than any other Army reserve unit.

Old soldiers in the town feared that 2013’s Remembrance Sunday would be the last opportunity they would have to wet their whistles at the centre, occupied by a squadron from 208 Field Hospital since 2000, following an announcement it would close as part of a shake-up of the Reserves.

Support

An angry Mr Miller said at the time: “Not only is it an insult to the men and women who have contributed so much to our Reserve forces but the one remaining link to the Armed Forces in the town will now disappear.

“The unit in Stanney Lane deserves our thanks. Over the years they have provided direct support to fighting units and in recent years many of the personnel from B Squadron, 208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital have done multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The Stanney Lane centre has in the past been home to infantry units and ‘many hundreds’ of young men from all over the Wirral as well as Ellesmere Port have served there.

Mr Miller argued that ‘given that so many people from Ellesmere Port joined the armed forces, not to have a presence in the town was short sighted’.

Retired brigadier John Thomson, a former deputy inspector general of the TA, said he had been ‘saddened’ when he heard the news as he had served there as a company and battalion commander.

Ellesmere Port had ‘much to be proud of’ in the quality of support it had shown to Regular and Territorial soldiers’, he said.

The Cheshire’s had ‘long been proud’ of their association with the borough.

Ultimate challenge

Reserves minister Julian Brazier MP, a former officer in the TA, told Mr Miller his campaign had been successful and the centre would be retained.

In a far cry from Cpl Jones and his ever active bayonet, an infantry role in the Army Reserve is described as ‘the ultimate challenge’.

The Army says there are a huge range of specialist roles to choose from and the chance to take part in ‘adventurous training in exotic locations’ as well as developing great friendships with other like minded part time soldiers.

Specialist jobs come with qualifications highly valued in the civilian workplace and Army Reservists also receive financial reward for their service all in their spare time.

Maj Tony Seager, Officer Commanding B (Malta) Company, 4th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, said: “Traditionally Ellesmere Port has supported the Regular element of The Mercian Regiment and former units.

“The establishment of an Army Reserve Infantry Platoon at Stanney Lane reflects this support.

“We’re looking for individuals aged between 18-52 and we’re also keen to speak to former Regular soldiers.

“There are fantastic opportunities to learn invaluable skills, travel and earn extra income, all whilst maintaining a civilian career.”

To find out more about how you can get involved, pop in and visit the unit on Stanney Lane or give them a call on 0151 572 470 or 07795617498.

The address is B (Malta) Coy 4 MERCIAN, Army Reserve Centre, Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port, CH65 9AH.

An informed source suggested: “Ellesmere Port young people make excellent soldiers.”

The Mercian Regiment’s royal colonel is The Prince of Wales.