Hereford Military History Festival: Artist Rifles with Patrick Baty

The Artists Rifles was perhaps the most curious regiment in the British Army. It was formed in 1860 by a group of painters, architects, poets, sculptors, musicians and actors concerned about the threat of a French invasion. The Pre-Raphaelites were early members as were William Morris, Frederic Leighton and many other well-known names. The regiment was still the natural choice for such men in 1914, and artists like John and Paul Nash, the poets Edward Thomas and Wilfred Owen and the playwright Noel Coward wore the uniform of the Artists Rifles. In view of the calibre of men serving in its ranks it became an officer-producing unit during WWI and turned out over 10,250 officers. Join Patrick Baty as he takes us through the history of the regiment and explains how it became the SAS of today.