The Preston coat of arms will adorn the badge of the city’s Red Rat troops.

A new design of the Force Support Squadron was presented to the Mayor of Preston last week.

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The Red Rats are part of the 2 Medical Regiment which is affiliated to the German-based 7th Armoured Bridge.

This links The Rats to Montgomery’s famous fighting force the Desert Rats, and the Fulwood-based squadron said they are proud to wear the Preston symbol on their badge.

Squadron Commander, Major Tony Holland RAMC, said: “Force Support Squadron has been present in Fulwood Barracks in one guise or another since the old 5 Field Ambulance moved back from Germany in 1993 at the end of the Cold War.  Serving now as part of the famous Desert Rats, I’m very excited to be able to mark that heritage and the history of Preston with the new badge.

“I’m very grateful to the Mayor and the city for the very genuine support we have been shown. It makes it even more special with this honour being in a Guild year.”

Councillor Roberta Cartwright, Mayor of Preston, said: “This is truly one of the highlights of my Mayoral year. Preston is so proud of its regiments and our brave and loyal service men and women.  I am thrilled to have been able to further strengthen the city’s proud ties with the military, and to recognise the increasingly active presence of Force Support Squadron in Preston.”

Image credit to George Thompson