It is reasonable to greet the Defence Secretary's announcement on the future of the Yorkshire regiments as a victory of sorts. Although the Duke of Wellington's will disappear as a regiment in its own right, at least its name, history and tradition won't be allowed to die when it merges with the Green Howards and The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment to form a new Yorkshire Regiment.

The fact that it will in future be known as the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) is a testament to the campaign led and supported by many proud Yorkshire folk to protect one of the most famous names in military and British history and its links with local communities, in West Yorkshire in particular.

Its Colonel, Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, believes it could have been a lot worse. The name could have disappeared altogether, which as we said when we threw our weight behind the campaign would have been a tragedy and a travesty.

It is to be hoped that the new structure will prove to be successful and maintain the strong record the Dukes have had for the last ten years as the best-recruited regiment in the British Army.

But whether or not in the end this restructuring (which could yet be another nail in the coffin of Geoff Hoon's career) is the right solution for Britain's future military commitments, in war and in peace, remains to be seen.