The regiment was founded on the formation of the Volunteer Force, raised by the Duke of Westminster and named in honour of Queen Victoria in 1860.

[12] The 11th Westminsters moved to Sicily the following year, taking part in the campaign on the Italian island, which began on 10 July 1943.

In December 1944, the Westminsters took part in the operations to quell a Communist uprising in the Greek capital of Athens; this mission was successful and a cease-fire was signed on 11 January 1945.

It saw extensive service in France, including action at Rauray on 26 June and at Mont Pincon in Operation Epsom and during the advance east to the Seine, which was crossed in late August.

The battalion subsequently crossed the Somme river, a scene of carnage during the Great War, which the Westminsters predecessors had experienced.

It later took part in the liberation of Lille in early September, experiencing a welcoming reception by the inhabitants of the large town.

[14] Notable soldiers in the Westminsters during World War II include the journalist Bill Deedes, who served in the North West Europe Campaign and was awarded the Military Cross,[15] and Lord Killanin, later the President of the International Olympic Committee.

[10] The regiment's battle honours were as follows:[10][17] As of 2014 the memorial to its dead in the World Wars was located in the Drill Hall at the Army Reserve Centre in Fulham House.