The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) came into being on 1 April 1970 in response to the demand for additional troops to support the civil power in Northern Ireland. 

From its creation until its merger with The Royal Irish Rangers, it 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.