THE fight to save the Welsh Cavalry is being taken to Downing Street, appropriately by a tank.

As part of the upcoming strategic defence review into how to cut government expenditure on the armed forces,the regiment, formally known as the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, is under threat of merger or possible abolition, which could see major job losses.

ASabre armoured fighting vehicle, similar to the ones used by the regiment on their recent operational tour in Afghanistan, will deliver a petition, which already has in excess of 2,000 signatures, to Downing Street on Thursday.

The regiment is one of just three remaining Welsh regiments in the British army and has strong recruiting ties across South Wales.

Last week, politicians from across the political spectrum queued up to criticise the decision to disband the regiment, which has more than 300 years history.

Labour MP for Newport East Jessica Morden said: “The government needs to listen to the Welsh people – all those I have spoken to are proud of the Welsh Cavalry for their service to this country and are amazed they could be disbanded.”

Conservative MP for Monmouth David Davies described the proposals as “a slap in the face for Wales”.

On Wednesday, Brian Grills, whose son Scott received a medal for bravery after saving another soldier’s life on the regiment’s most-recent tour of Afghanistan, described the government’s actions as like a “knife in the back” of the regiment .

The Argus has also received a number of comments from readers criticising any move to disband the regiment.

Kerry Bowden, fromRisca, wrote in saying: “Many young men from Gwent have served this famous regiment with pride, many having paid the ultimate sacrifice, so it would be a total insult to them if these proposals go ahead.”

The Army has said that no decision has been made on where the cuts will fall.

If you would like to sign the petition, visit the petition website via the link.