Royal Green Jackets archive one of a kind for Hampshire Record Office

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

An important window into Hampshire's rich military history has been entrusted to Hampshire County Council's Archives and Local Studies service.

The regimental archives of The Royal Green Jackets and two of its predecessor regiments, The Rifle Brigade and King's Royal Rifle Corps, have been transferred to Hampshire Record Office from The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester, where the collection of objects relating to the regiments can be visited.

This is the only regimental archive at Hampshire Record Office, which is located in Winchester.

At a special event to mark this historic moment the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, welcomed the archive to the Record Office and acknowledged its importance.

Cllr Thornber said: "I am thrilled that the Chairman and Trustees of The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum have decided to place their important archive collection in the care of Hampshire County Council's Archives and Local Studies service where it will be cared for and made accessible to the public for many generations to come."

Lt-General Sir Christopher Wallace, Chairman of the Museum's Trustees, stated: "Depositing the archive with the Record Office has many advantages for us as well as the public. In particular, I know that the collection will be well looked after by caring staff and stored in ideal conditions. This has to be good news for the long term and for all seeking access to it."

Adding this collection to the county's archives reflects Hampshire's long connection with the armed forces. It is also an important addition to the Record Office's outstanding collections dating back to the 12th century, which collectively hold Designated status for their national and international importance.

Researchers will make good use of the material for all kinds of enquiries, from personal family histories, to social and political studies. The archive is excellent in terms of date and scope, from 18th century letters and commissions to 19th century photographs of India and watercolours of The Nile; from war diaries dating from the Great War to more recent oral histories and films. The collection is global in its coverage, featuring Asia, Africa, India, North America, Continental Europe, as well as the UK and Ireland.

The archives extend to 266 boxes, 19 volumes and a leather portfolio case. Hampshire Archives and Local Studies staff are now importing the catalogue of over 36,000 entries into their cataloguing system in order to make it available on the County Council's website.

• The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum

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