 The 1957 Defence White Paper ( known as the " Sandys Review " after Secretary of State for War Duncan Sandys ) announced the government 's intention to reduce the army 's overseas responsibilities and abolish national service . Regiments and other units were rationalised through amalgamation or disbandment . The decision to merge the King 's and Manchesters dismayed many serving and retired personnel . The regiments did , however , share an historical connection through the 63rd ( West Suffolk ) Regiment of Foot , constituted as the 8th Foot 's second battalion in 1756 and redesignated the 1st Battalion , Manchester Regiment in 1881 . 
