Veterans draw up battle plans for even bigger Fusilier protest in London

War veterans from Greater Manchester are plotting a second march in London over plans to axe the historic 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers – with more than twice as many soldiers set to take the streets

War veterans from Greater Manchester are plotting a second march in London over plans to axe the historic 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers – with more than twice as many soldiers set to take the streets.

The so-called ‘mega-march’ would be expected to attract more than 1,000 veterans in a huge show of anger protest.

It follows an initial street demo last month, when 400 ex-Fusiliers made history by parading from Whitehall to Westminster.

It was the first time that any members of the Army had launched a public street protest since 1907.

The march preceded a key debate in the Commons in which MPs voted against the closure plans.

For the second march – unlike the first - offers to join in from other regimental associations would be accepted.

That could more than double the numbers taking part.

No date has been announced and planning remains at an early stage. The government wants to close the 2nd Battalion as part of widespread Army funding cuts.

A total of 20,000 soldiers from 17 Army units across the country will lose their jobs over eight years.

And have have historic links with Rochdale and recruit heavily across the region.

Tory MP John Baron, a former Fusiliers captain, is leading the campaign in Parliament.

He is in the process of securing a personal meeting with Mr Cameron over the issue, and is also rallying in the House of Lords.

Mr Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, said "We are discussing the possibility of another march – an even bigger march.

"This time we would be accepting the many kind offers we had from veterans of other regimental association ahead of last month's march.

"The reason other regimental associations want to join us is because they believe that 2RRF has been treated shabbily.

"There is deep frustration at the overall Army cuts. We would like more than 1,000 veterans to attend.

"We are not going to walk away from this. Politics is at the heart of this decision and we will not give up."

It is understood that any second march is likely to take place in the New Year.

The sweeping Army changes – to be completed by the end of the decade – will see troop numbers reduced from 102,000 to 82,000.

To make up for some of the losses, the Territorial Army will be expanded to give a combined force of 120,000.

Campaigners claim axing 2RRF was not included in initial plans, but added for political reasons at a later date to save less well-recruited Scottish battalions ahead of the Scottish referendum on independence.