THE 250-year link between America and the British Army was celebrated with a presentation to a Winchester museum.

In 1755 the Royal American Regiment was formed in the colonies of America and was subsequently absorbed within different units of the British Army.

Today it forms part of the

traditions and history of the Green Jackets.

A reproduction of the unit's distinctive green jacket uniform was presented to the Royal Green Jackets Museum at Winchester's Peninsula Barracks.

The presentation was made by members of the Society of Colonial Wars - descendants of the original soldiers who served in Britain's colonial wars.

Lieutenant-General Sir Christopher Wallace, chairman of the museum, said: "I am delighted that the very first event of our 250-year anniversary should be the presentation of a copy of the uniform worn by the original members of the regiment, the Royal Americans.

"We are very proud of our links with America and I am extremely grateful to the Society of Colonial Wars for their generosity in marking the occasion in this way."

The regiment was the only one to be founded in the colonies and was the first to wear green coats instead of the traditional red. It used rifles instead of muskets and bugles in place of drums for commands.

The presentation was part of the 250th anniversary celebrations which will culminate in a service at Winchester Cathedral on July 12.