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BRITISH MILITARY HISTORY - THE GRENADIER GUARDS.

The Grenadier Guards is the oldest continuosly serving official infantry regiment in the British Army.

The First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards was formed in 1656 to Protect the Exiled King who was in Flanders. When the King of England - Charles II returned with his army to England they were met by an opposing army who tried to defeat the King on English soil in the South of England. Oliver Cromwell's "New model army" raised an army to attack King Charles II from the North of England and parts of Scotland on the Coldstream River (used to separate England and Scotland) and his army were defeated by the King and his loyal men. The new model army was defeated but both sides had fought hard and loyal to their cause.

The Grenadier Guards who were loyal to the King and helped win the campaign were then called and Known as the 1st or Grenadier regiment of foot guards officially formed in 1656.

As the flanks are key for formations and battles the Grenadier Guards took the right flank and The Coldstream Guards who had fought against the Grenadiers took up the Left flank.

In battles including Waterloo 1815 the regiments and units marched and fought in "box formations" so the flanks were always easier to be attacked and the 2 most disciplined units had to be able to hold the flanks so the Guards were ideal. The Ceremonial uniform the Foot guards wear today of Scarlett Red Tunic and Bearskin Cap was worn in battle. So if you was a soldier on the battlefield and looked right you would see a Bearskin cap with a White plume on the left hand side (Grenadier Guards) and you knew this was the far right flank and if you looked left at the far end of the left flank you would see a Red plume on the right hand side (Coldstream Guards) so you could establish where your unit was placed.

The Coldstream Guards refused to be called "2nd of foot" and their regimental motto means second to none and in the official order of infantry units they are after the Grenadiers Guards but trace their origins to 1650 but not raised by the King.

There is a strong regimental rivalry between the Grenadier Guards and Coldstream Guards and although both are English foot guards regiments the history of both units is impressive and creates "healthy banter" between the regiments.

As an Ex-Grenadier Guardsman myself whose father also had served in the Grenadier Guards and my Granddad had served in the Grenadier Guards i would say all Foot guards are equal its just the Grenadiers are a bit more equal than the Coldstream Guards (ha ha sorry couldn't resist).

Victoria Crosses won by the Grenadiers - 14 (hence 14 studs in each drill boot) (13 when i was in as 1 VC was won 2014).

George Cross - 1.

Battle honours - Grenadier Guards -

TANGIERS 1680

NAMUR

GIBRALTER 1704

BLENHEIM

RAMILLIES

OUDENARDE

MALPLAQUET

DETTINGEN

LINCELLES

BARROSA

CORUNNA

PENINSULA WAR

NIVE

ALMA

WATERLOO 1815 AKA (QUARTER PAST SIX WAR)

SEBASTAPOL

INKERMAN AKA (THE SERGEANTS BATTLE AS ALL OFFICERS WERE KILLED !)

EGYPT 1882

TEL EL KEBIR

KHARTOUM

MODDER RIVER (SOUTH AFRICA WAR)

SOUTH AFRICA 1899 - 1908

WADI-AL-KABIR (GULF WAR 1990 - 91)

There is only 1 Active Battalion of Grenadier Guards incorporating The Queens Company and The Inkerman Company.

Regimental Customs -

Sarnt is used instead of Sergeant, Colour Sarnt instead of Staff Sgt, Grenadiers never reply yes and say "Sir or Sarnt".

Two stripes in the Grenadiers is a Lance Corporal, 3 White stripes Lance Sarnt, 3 Gold Stripes Gold Sarnt.

Chevrons are larger than all other units on all forms of Dress uniforms.

They always stand the opposite flank to the Coldsteam Guards (2nd of Foot) Motto - Second to None.

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