Who are the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, what is their regimental flag and how are they involved with Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is a military parade which goes all the way back to the 17th Century
THE Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army.
While it is well known for its high-profile ceremonial duties, the infantry unit has an unshakeable reputation as an elite fighting force. Here’s more about them and what they do.
Who are the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards?
Renowned for their discipline and courage, Coldstream Guards are infantry soldiers who specialise in light role operations.
These include performing reconnaissance, operating machine guns and mortars, and engaging enemy troops on foot and in light vehicles.
This versatility makes the regiment one of the most important fighting units in the British Army.
Coldstream Guards also have a ceremonial role as protectors of the royal palaces, including Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards is one of the oldest and best-known military marching bands in the world.
It is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Army, with origins that date back to the English Civil War.
The regiment was formed in 1650 as the Regiment of Foot under the command of George Monck and was part of Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army.
It became known as the Coldstream Guards in 1670, upon the death of General Monck.
The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards has answered the call of duty at almost every conflict with British involvement, including Operation Herrick in Afghanistan and Operation Telic in Iraq.
The regiment’s motto is “Nulli Secundus” meaning “Second to None”.
What is their Regimental flag?
In general, Battalions have two Colours used for their flags.
The First is known as The Royal or Queen’s Colour and the Second is usually called the Regimental Colour.
The Queen's Colours for the 1st Battalion has a crimson background and bears the star of the Order of the Garter in the centre with the Imperial Crown above.
In addition, 47 Battle Honours are arranged in vertical rows on either side of the centre.
The Regimental Colour has the Union Flag as its background.
In the centre is one of 24 Company Badges ensigned with the Imperial Crown.
A further 47 Battle Honours are arranged in vertical rows on either side of the central Company Badge.
In the upper left corner, next to the pike is the Battalion's number in Roman numerals.
Are they involved with Trooping the Colour?
The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards has been given the honour of Trooping its Colour for the Queen’s Birthday parade this year on June 9.
Trooping the Colour is a military parade which goes all the way back to the 17th Century.
On the day, the battalion will have to perfect hundreds of precision drill moves and put on their best uniform display.
The Trooping the Colour parade officially begins when the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace in a carriage.
Until 1987, she would make this journey riding side-saddle on a horse, dressed in the colours being trooped that year.
The Monarch then travels down the Mall in front of crowds towards Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, near to Downing Street.
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On arrival, she is greeted by a royal salute from the soldiers on parade, before inspecting the troops.
Then, the 'colours' being trooped are carried down the ranks and showed to the soldiers.
The Queen then leads the troops back down the Mall to Buckingham Palace for a second salute, marking an end to the official 'trooping'.
After the ceremony, the Queen is joined by other members of the royal family on Buckingham Palace's famous balcony for a 41-gun salute from neighbouring Green Park, following by a Red Arrows fly-past.
Her Majesty has taken part in the ceremony every year since her coronation, except in 1955 when it was cancelled due to a national rail strike.
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