Early Doors - BBC 2

[Ric.ror]

' To the Regiment - I wish I was there' a drinking salute but where does it come from

[jills]

Great question Ric.... we wondered about that in our house too.  Hope some smart ABer knows this one......

x

[Skids]

I think that normally when someone talks of 'the Regiment' they're refering to the 22nd SAS Regiment.  I also think this is where the toast comes from.  The SAS, being the type of people they are, never like being left behind when an operation or battle is on.  Moreso, those who have retired from or left the regiment wish they were still in it.

[Davidjtmccolgan]

Listening to the Writers' Commentary on the DVD, they said the phrase came from one of their mates but they don't seem to know themselves where it originally came from. Their mate was called Dave Brewster, he was in the navy, and he used would say the phrase before downing a drink and throwing the glass into the fire. I guess Craig and Phil (the writers) just thought it sounded entertaining but it doesn't seem to mean anything to them.