THE commanding officer of the Cheshire Regiment has slammed the 'paltry' honours the unit received for its bloody stint in Iraq last year.

Lieutenant Colonel John Donnelly writes in the Cheshire Regiment Association's December newsletter: 'The battalion received a paltry haul of honours and awards, a source of bitter regret.

'If there has been any consolation, we have received a very generous share of promotions, including 13 corporals to sergeant, so at least the quality of the soldiers in realised in some circles.'

The 1st battalion's six-month tour in Iraq was noted for its ferocity.

During August the Cheshires recorded 131 firefights within just 21 days and fired 18,000 rifle bullets.

The most serious engagement came when their battlegroup mounted a direct attack on the offices of al-Sadr's organ-isation in Basra, which resulted in the deaths of between 40 and 50 of the enemy.

The unit suffered 14 casualties during August.

Lt Col Donnelly says the battalion is in 'fine fettle' in Northern Ireland.

He adds: 'While sad at the loss of the distinct single battalion identity, we are positive about joining up with Worcesters and Sherwood Foresters and the Staffords in due course.' nAfter seven years as Colonel of the

Cheshire Regiment, Ellesmere Port-educated Major General Keith Skempton is standing down.

He is to be replaced by Col0nel Andrew Sharpe, currently at the Royal College of Defence Studies and due to take up an appointment at the Ministry of Defence.