One of the Regiment soldiers who fainted in sweltering conditions during the annual Peppercorn Ceremony in St. George's on Wednesday has suffered a fractured jaw and several chipped teeth.

Private Darren Mathias, who is in his first year of service and is understood to be training to become a Lance Corporal, was one of at least six soldiers who succumbed to the intense heat while on parade in the town square.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette yesterday afternoon, Lt. Col. Eddie Lambe revealed Pte. Mathias was taken immediately to King Edward VII Memorial hospital where he was seen by a surgeon and a dentist.

Following a visit from three senior Regiment officers, the soldier underwent surgery at 4 p.m. to wire his broken jaw.

"Private Mathias fainted about 20 feet away from me and it looked a lot worse at the time than it actually is," Lt. Col. Lambe said yesterday.

"I am personally going to visit him tomorrow morning but from what I understand he is doing fine and is in good spirits."

Pressed on how the Regiment goes about ensuring its soldiers can withstand the demands of parading in the heat, Lt. Col. Lambe insisted all soldiers are strenuously encouraged to adequately hydrate themselves in the days running up to the parade and to make sure they have a decent breakfast.

"It is a very difficult task standing still for long periods, particularly when it is hot," he said.

"It is part of our standard operating procedure to advise all our soldiers how to prepare properly for parade, including eating a good breakfast, drinking plenty of water and moving their toes around in their boots while on parade to keep the blood circulating properly. Obviously some prepare better than others, but in general the vast majority cope very well and I was proud of their performance on Wednesday."