The Threat of Disbandment, 1970-1972
In 1970, the Regiment came under threat of disbandment because of the Labour government’s army cuts. In reaction to the threat a huge ‘Save The Argylls’ campaign was launched.
Eventually a petition with over a million signatures was sent to the government. Instead of being disbanded the Regiment was reduced to company strength and the surplus men attached to other regiments, such as the Black Watch and the Gordon Highlanders. As a result of the emerging crisis in Northern Ireland, the Ministry of Defence announced that the Regiment was to be restored to full Battalion strength. Most of those men who were previously sent to other regiments, rejoined the 1st Battalion. In 1972, the 1st Battalion reformed and was sent to serve in Northern Ireland.
