'Glorious Glosters' honoured by new memorial

Hundreds of people contributed towards the cost of the memorial

A memorial dedicated to one of the most successful UK army regiments in history has been unveiled.

The Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, formally unveiled the Gloucestershire Regiment's memorial plinth at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Wednesday.

Known as the "Glorious Glosters", the regiment amalgamated in its 300th year, 1994, at which point they had more battle honours on their colours than any other British regiment.

Brigadier Martin Vine, last commanding officer of the Glosters, said the loss of the regiment had been "like a death".

"I think we were all incredibly upset because a regiment isn't just a name, it's people.

"We all know each other incredibly well, we're like brothers," he said.

The memorial cost £60,000, which was raised by hundreds of former soldiers and officers.

The memorial features an intricate sphinx at its summit

The Glosters fought against the Chinese at the Battle of Imjin River during the Korean War.

One of just a handful of survivors, Ted Warwick, travelled from the United States to be at the ceremony on Wednesday.

"I'm really here as a representative of all those who can't be here.

"It's not just about me. It's about all the rest of them.

"There was close to 800 of us, and it ended up just 44 of us," Mr Warwick said.

Veteran Ted Warwick travelled from the US to be at the memorial unveiling

Mr Warwick is one of eight soldiers to have their portraits painted by Gloucestershire cricketer turned artist, Jack Russell.

"It's going to be a moving experience, as anything to do with the Glosters always seems to be," Mr Russell added.

The sides of the memorial bear regimental titles, badges, citations and key facts about the regiment, including nicknames.

Stonemason Nick Johnson carved and engraved the memorial in gold leaf, with former Gloster officer and professional sculptor, Mark Swan, creating the golden sphinx that tops the structure.