The Association’s Objectives 1. To provide opportunities for members to meet and keep in touch, through organised social events and other activities. 2. To maintain contact with former members of The Regiment, their families and dependants; and in cases of need, to provide assistance by the most appropriate means whether or not the person is a member of the Association. 3. To bring to the attention of the relevant authorities any cases, which come to the notice of the Association, of former members of HM Forces requiring assistance. 4. To support The Ulster Defence Regiment Benevolent Fund. 5. To support The Royal Irish Regiment. The Ulster Defence Regiment became operational on 1st April 1970 in response to the demand for additional troops to support the civil powers in Northern Ireland. The Regiment  was on continuous operational service for a period of twenty-two years, a distinction held by no other regiment in the history of the British Army. The gallantry and devotion to duty of the many thousands of men and women who served in the UDR was acknowledged by the large number of honours and awards for gallantry bestowed upon individuals. On 1st July 1992, the Regiment merged with the Royal Irish Rangers to form the Royal Irish Regiment. The unique service and sacrifice of the UDR and Royal Irish (Home Service) was marked by Her Majesty the Queen’s award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to the Royal Irish Regiment on 6th October 2006,