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Devon ACF
11 February 2025
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New Era for A Company Devon Army Cadets Force as they Rebadge to Royal Wessex Yeomanry

A significant and exciting change is on the horizon for A Company, Devon Army Cadets, as they prepare to rebadge from The Rifles regiment to The Royal Wessex Yeomanry (The UK’s only armoured reserve unit

This rebadging will take place on 22nd February 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for the Company, which will also adopt a new title of A Squadron Devon Army Cadets.

The rebadging reflects a closer alignment with the Royal Wessex Yeomanry (RWxY), a regiment with a distinguished history and a vital role in the British Army. Formed in 1971, the RWxY carries forward the proud traditions of several historic yeomanry regiments from the south-west of England, including the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, the Dorset Yeomanry, and the Royal Devon Yeomanry.

Originally established as volunteer cavalry units in the late 18th century, these regiments were tasked with defending their local areas during times of national threat, such as the Napoleonic Wars and later conflicts. Over time, they evolved into highly skilled armoured regiments, and today, the RWxY specialises in providing trained Challenger 2 tank crews to the Regular Army.

One of the most recognisable symbols of this transition is the adoption of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry cap badge. This striking emblem features a galloping white dragon, representing the regiment’s cavalry roots, mounted by a crown, signifying its royal connection.

Alongside this, cadets will swap their green berets for brown berets, the official headdress of the RWxY, and all CFAV rank slides will change to DPM camouflage, reflecting their updated affiliation.

Devon Army Cadet Commandant, Colonel Steve Frost, said: “One of my objectives as Commandant was to strengthen the ties between DACF and regular reserve units. When the opportunity arose to rebadge A Company to the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, it was a perfect chance to reinforce those connections and enhance the cadet experience. This rebadging represents a proud moment for A Company as they embrace their new affiliation and we look forward to the opportunities this change brings”

Speaking on behalf of A Company, Major Holly Higgs, Company Commanding Officer said “We are incredibly excited to join the Royal Wessex Yeomanry Regiment. This rebadging marks a fresh chapter for our cadets and CFAVs, and we look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation under the banner of such a prestigious regiment.”