NEARLY 250 years of tradition will be commemorated as Fusiliers old and young toast "Those who fell at Minden".

It was on August 1, 1759, that the XX Foot Regiment, later to be known as the Lancashire Fusiliers, advanced to glory when, despite being outnumbered, they overcame the French army at the Battle of Minden in Westphalia, Germany. The Fusiliers, together with soldiers from five other British infantry regiments, suffered heavy losses as they marched through three lines of charging French cavalry. Six times the enemy charged and six times they were repelled.

The British infantry formed just a fourth of the Allied troops engaged in the Seven Years War, yet on them fell the brunt of the fighting at Minden, from which they emerged with an undying reputation for valour. The historic battle of Minden is celebrated annually by the Fusiliers, both Lancashire and now Royal Regiment members, and Minden Greetings are exchanged between all Lancashire Fusilier units, and sent to the other five Regiments who took part in the battle. Each man wears a red and yellow rose in his head-dress. At dinner in the Officers Mess, after the Loyal Toast, officers drink in solemn silence to "Those who fell at Minden". All officers who have not previously done so then rise to their feet and eat a rose.

And it is that tradition which will be honoured on August 4 when the Lancashire Fusilier Association Club at Wellington Barracks will invite associate members of the organisation to dine on a rose.

The event will also feature the Lancashire Fusilier Band and Corp of Drums who will entertain the public followed by an afternoon of organ music.

All past and and present members of the Fusiliers are welcome as are members of the public to help commemorate this famous battle.

Refreshments and drinks will be served in the bar from 11am.