THE fight is on to save the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

Soldiers from the regiment are still in the dark about their future today after a statement on an armed forces shake-up failed to spell out details.

But it is clear the 302-year-old regiment is in the firing line.

The uncertainty comes as the Dukes prepare to fly out for a second tour of duty to Iraq in October.

Veterans and supporters of the Dukes - who recruit heavily in Huddersfield - are being urged to rally round.

Regimental secretary Maj David Harrop said: "I think there will be a huge backlash not just in this area but across the country.

"Hopefully that might make some people have a rethink."

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced Britain is facing its biggest round of military cutbacks since the end of the Second World War.

A decision on exactly which regiments will be axed is expected in October.

Maj Harrop, based at the Duke of Wellington's Regiment headquarters in Halifax, said: "I think the White Paper makes it clear the Dukes are on the way out at the expense of so much pride and history.

"Even though their has been so many people against this ridiculous idea it seems the Government is determined to go ahead with it."

Local historian and Dukes expert Martin Maynard, from Marsden, said he was devastated at what he called a clear indication of a merger with the Green Howards and the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment.

"If you walk around the military cemeteries and see the graves of those who died in wars you notice regiments that don't exist anymore," he said.

"It seems we are now going to see that happen with the Dukes.

"Being together as a unit from the same area has been the strength of the regiment for hundreds of years. Now that looks like it will be lost.

"The name will definitely live on in the minds of the families who have been so close to the regiment for so many generations."

Mr Hoon announced four infantry battalions will go.

Four RAF squadrons will be axed and one airfield will close.

Twelve 12 Royal Navy ships and vessels will go.