Minden Day

Minden Day is a regimental anniversary celebrated on 1 August by certain units of the British Army.

It commemorates the participation of the forerunners of the regiments in the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years' War on that date in 1759.

This recalls that the regiments wore wild roses at the battle that they had plucked from the hedgerows as they advanced to engage the enemy.

Minden Day is commemorated in the folk song "Lowlands of Holland", which dates to the time of the Seven Years' War.

One version, which is prevalent in Suffolk, home of 12th Regiment of Foot (1st Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment), contains the verse: "My love across the ocean Wears a scarlet coat so fair, With a musket at his shoulder And roses in his hair".

The presentation of roses to commemorate Minden Day in Saint Helier , Jersey – a plaque recording Jersey's association with the Battle of Minden can be seen in the background
The Duke of Gloucester presents medals to members of 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment , in Woolwich on 1 August 2019; [ 1 ] red and yellow roses are worn in the soldiers' hats