The Regimental Replicas Story
Preserving Military History through Art and Craft
The history of the British military is rich with tradition and heritage, and one company has dedicated itself to preserving this legacy through art and craft. Regimental Replicas, founded by Bill Baddeley in 1969, has become an integral part of the military community, producing miniature replica drums and other items that celebrate the history and traditions of various regiments.
Bill Baddeley, a printer by trade, was driven by his deep military connections to create Regimental Replicas. Having served in the Territorial Army since 1937, he witnessed the amalgamation of several regiments in the South East of England, including The Buffs, The Royal West Kents, The Royal Sussex, The Middlesex, The Queen's Royal Surreys, and the East Surreys, which formed 3 regular battalions of The Queen's Regiment. This period of change in the military landscape became the catalyst for Bill's entrepreneurial venture into creating replica drums.
The idea for miniature replica ice bucket drums emerged when Bill and a group of officers were tasked with the disposal of the Regimental property of the Royal West Kent Regiment. While the drums were initially given away, the desire to preserve and celebrate the history of these regiments led Bill to experiment with creating smaller replicas.
The meticulous work involved in hand-emblazoning full-size drums was time-consuming and expensive, prompting Bill to develop a more cost-effective and manageable alternative. The first miniature prototype replicas made were larger than the current size of the ice buckets in use today. These prototypes bore the emblems of the United States Marine Corps and the Scots Guards. However, as they were not cost-effective, a smaller version was ultimately chosen. The original prototypes remain in our collection and are cherished as our most valuable assets.
The original prototypes either side of a regular sized ice bucket
Regimental Replicas initially underwent several changes in ownership until Susan O'Neil Roe and Robert James, owners of a melamine laminating company, took over in 1994. Their dedication and expertise, combined with the survival of the Central Artwork Record, ensured the continuation of Regimental Replicas' craftsmanship. The move from Kent to Somerset in 1995 marked a new chapter in the company's history, as they continued to produce detailed and accurately scaled drum emblazon designs, even in the face of challenges such as regimental amalgamations resulting from defence cuts in 1991.
In 2006, Rosie-Ann Yates took the reins, followed by the most recent ownership change in 2022, culminating in the relocation of Regimental Replicas to Lancashire under the leadership of Danielle Tsang-Warmington and Stu Warmington. With Stu's 22-year tenure as a Bugler in the Corps of Drums of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, the new directors are uniquely positioned to carry on the company's legacy. Their stewardship has seen significant changes and innovations in response to shifts in the military landscape, particularly following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.
A selection of Regimental ice buckets ready for drilling and roping
Regimental Replicas has not only continued to produce their flagship ice bucket replicas but has also expanded their offerings to include music backing cards for military bands. Recent projects have seen them creating backing cards for esteemed units such as the Royal Marines, Household Division, Royal Air Force, The Rifles, and The Gurkhas.
A selection of recent march cards some changed because of the coronation, and some upgraded to the new premium matt finish
The journey of Regimental Replicas is not just a story of business succession, but a testament to the enduring spirit of preserving military heritage through art and craftsmanship. As they embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Danielle Tsang-Warmington and Stu Warmington, one can only anticipate the further contributions that Regimental Replicas will make in celebrating and commemorating the proud traditions of the British Military.