Britain's Foot Guards: From Buckingham Palace to the world's Battlefields

Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code REDCOATHISTORY for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/REDCOATHISTORY
.....
The Foot Guards, those men wearing the bearskin outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor castle. What do you know about them?
Well, in this video you will discover how to differentiate the uniforms of the different regiments, as well as the long and glorious history of the 5 regiments.
Here is the website for the Guards Museum in London: theguardsmuseum.com/
If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via ko-fi.com/redcoathistory
A special thanks to Cam Simpson also for helping film today's video. He is an author and historian and his books can be purchased here: amzn.to/47axyCi

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching guys. Amazing history the Guards have. I hope to do more videos in the future on the various battles of the Footguards. On another note I do just want reiterate the sales pitch in the film as I do genuinely beleive a VPN is a great idea, espeically for those of us who travel a lot and could potentially have our machines compromised. Here is the Surfshark sign up link in case you are keen.. . surfshark.deals/REDCOATHISTORY

[@crazylegz324]

Even though I’m an American, I absolutely hate it when people disrespect the guards. They are among the first I’d want next to me on a battlefield and among the last I’d want to see across from me. Hate to be blunt but these guys have been putting some not so nice people six feet under for a long time, not just to the UK’s benefit but the free world.

[@mattp7828]

I'm a former Coldstreamer, served in Northern Ireland and the 1st Gulf War. Glad you showed we dont just guard palaces but are real front line infantry. Worth saying that the guards had their own squadron in the SAS and their own Parachute regiment, such was the quality of soldier produced by the highly professional and disciplined training that Guardsmen receive.

[@redcoathistory]

Very true - with more time would have like to devled into this - maybe in the future. PS I've just done a video on Op Banner that you may find interesting.

[@connorlee5873]

The guards still have their own guards para platoon in the 3rd battalion parachute regiment

[@legionarybooks13]

"Now, Maitland! Now's your time!" - best line delivery in one of my favourite movies of all time. The French didn't even know the British Guards were waiting for them. At the time, the Grenadier Guards were still known as the First Regiment of Foot Guards. They were given the name "Grenadier Guards" by proclamation of the Prince Regent, supposedly for annihilating Napoleon's Grenadiers, though there was some confusion as to which of the French Guards they'd defeated.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

The British Foot Guards under Maitland did not faced/defeated the Grenadiers but the Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard (to be precise the I and II battalions of the 3rd. regiment of Chasseurs a Pied). Since both, Foot Grenadiers and Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard wore tall bearskins, it is understandable that the British believed they defeated the Grenadiers, it is a minor detail or, if you, prefer a technicality and as such, irrelevant at the end of the day.

[@Jannaria]

They also stole the bearskins from the old guard

[@midnightteapot5633]

After the Great War there was a proposal made that stemmed from an earlier wartime proposition that an "Imperial Regiment of Foot Guards" was to be formed made up of men From Australia, Canada, South Africa (and presumably New Zealand) . They were to have a red, white and blue plume in the bearskin and given the motto " For crown and Empire". Nothing ever came of the idea but It would have been interesting had it ever been implemented.

[@Liverpool-1892.]

The Grenadier Guards held a rear guard defensive action, during the retreat of Dunkirk in 1940.

[@leggie65]

As did the 51st Highland division many killed or captured but did the job like all the others .

[@Liverpool-1892.]

@@leggie65 the 51st Highlanders, were assigned with the French army, even before Dunkirk. They were more STRANDED in France. Then covering the retreating British.

[@leggie65]

@@Liverpool-1892. What's the problem they were in the fight did the grenadiers get away to England the 51st never got back.

[@northsaxon]

...THEY USED THE SCOTTISH BECAUSE THEY LOVE TO FIGHT..LIIKE THE IRISH ...THE REAL PROBLEM WAS THE FRENCH..THEY HAD OVER A 100 DIVISIONS..THE BELGIUM HAD MORE DIVISIONS THAN THE BRITISH...BRITAIN HAD 9...DIVTIONS ....THE GERMANS SAID ONLY THE BRITISH ARMY FOUGHT THE HARDEST !!

[@Liverpool-1892.]

@@leggie65 I didn’t say there was a problem or that they didn’t fight, all I pointed out was that they never (as a division) defended the retreating forces for the evacuation.

[@Peter-lm3ic]

I served in an a Line Infantry Regiment and we had a few senior NCO's who had served during the war and I well recall one of them saying to me who had served in Italy saying that if you had a Guards Regiment serving alongside you new you were safe as they never gave way!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for sharing, Peter. Wonderful example of how they are viewed by other units.

[@theguardsmuseum7730]

Great video, was a pleasure hosting your visit Christian

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for having me. Yours is a museum to proud of 👍🏼

[@liamfoley9614]

It's not really turquoise, it's a shade officially known as St Patrick's Blue and it was the original heraldic colour for Ireland.

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent - appreciate the extra info 👍🏼

[@Kevc00]

People often forget that blue is the official colour of the Republic of Ireland, not green as many believe.

[@liamfoley9614]

St Patrick's Blue is also one of the colours of University College Dublin, a college founded by the Englishman, (Saint) John Henry Cardinal Newman.

[@andrewmthomson0191]

The cold stream guards were originally formed as a parliamentary regiment. It is only years in service to the crown that counts for seniority so this is why they are the second senior despite being the older regiment.

[@legionarybooks13]

If I recall, weren't they required to lay down their arms before King Charles II, then retrieve them in a show of allegiance to the Crown?

[@tihomirrasperic]

@@legionarybooks13 they were officially disbanded when King Charles II returned, but as the King urgently needed an army to stop the current rebellion, and they had not yet gone home, they were reactivated and this is the reason why they are "the second senior regiment"

[@angelabushby1891]

You never mentioned the Welsh Guards in the Falklands and what they went through when their Troop Ship got hit,discusting to miss that out

[@viewer1youtuber529]

Why are they called ‘Cold Stream’?

[@angelabushby1891]

It's one word,COLDSTREAM NOT 2 WORDS,named after the town Coldstream on the border between England and Scotland where they first started recruiting,my youngest son was in the Regiment for over 20 years.

[@johngraham7437]

Great history about a great army. Glad we call each other friends! Best wishes from your USAF Alabama cousins!

[@redcoathistory]

Always good to hear from our brothers over the pond.

[@vincemeszaros9010]

30 year old American here and an enthusiast of world history. My favorite story regarding the Grenadier Guards I believe was during their posting to Canada in the late 1830s. They befriended a goose named Jacob who in the nick of time warned several of the Guard's sentries of an attack by rebel insurgents. Jacob the goose even attacked the insurgents managing to chase them off i think and so he was adopted as the regiment's mascot for a time ^^ even taking him back to London with them when they were reposted. Great content as always. When I was over in England last summer I convinced my friends to see with me the Royal Fusilier's museum at the Tower and the national army museum in london and we even had a rather boozy lunch, naturally, at the Horse and Guardsman restaurant near Trafalgar square where they have a hugely impressive Lady Butler painting of the Scots Grey's charging at Waterloo as well as many items pertaining to the Household Cavalry regiments.

[@squigmcguigan8965]

Very informative indeed thank you. It really annoys me to see the public not showing the Guard's the respect they deserve whilst on Guard duty. But I in turn, respect their patience & restraint when it happens.

[@sherwoodbrooks8163]

The Irish Guards were the lead unit of XXX Corps on September 17, 1944 in Operation Market-Garden. I have been to The Guards Museum in London and enjoyed speaking with the SgtMaj who was the only docent there. For an hour, I was the only visitor in the museum. Later, I found karl marx’s grave and urinated on it.

[@user-xt9kl1vm3z]

😢😢😢

[@KeithDeans-dc2by]

Thankfully someone's trying to put the record straight. I always get rather annoyed when civvies think all we do is stag on, thank you very much for this informative video cheers Chris

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Keith.

[@robertmcqueen289]

Brilliant video Sir. The one thing not mentioned was the reverse colouring of the grenadier guards & Coldstream guards on their formal caps. The grenadier guards wear a white bloom on their bearskin, but red on their peak cap. The Coldstream are red on their bearskin, but white on their peak cap. The Irish guards are blue (the traditional colour of old Ireland), but green on their peak caps. Reference the Irish guards. They were formed on the 1st April 1900, by order of HIM Queen Victoria, and also by act of Parliament. The only guards Regiment to be so formed. They were formed to honour the 8 irish infantry Regiments of line, as stated, which captured Ladysmith in the previous year 1899, led by Irish generals. Due to the fact that the sovereign wasn't in good health at the time, they were formed quickly so that the sovereign could see them on parade. Their Regimental quick march is 'St Patrick's day'. This was chosen, not because St Patrick is the patron Saint of All Ireland. But, because that was the one march that was in all 8 irish infantry of the line regiments that all the soldiers knew. It was either a stand alone battalion march/one of a combination of marches/their Regimental tune(marching on & off the colours)/recruiting tune or part of their Regimental Playoff. Of all the guards regiments, the grenadier guards being the most senior were also the first company of any battalions of the other guards, example, when the Irish guards were formed their first company were grenadier guards of Irish decent. Plus, the senior officer were likewise. The remainder came from 8 infantry of the line. Their first quartermaster came from the Connaught Rangers. Here's a tip for anyone visiting any army museum. If you see a portrait of a commanding officer, and they have just a crown on their shoulders. That commanding officer is pre 1900. If a crown & star, that is 1900 onwards. In 1900, the armed forces did a root and branch look at all ranks. Amongst the officers, they added a star to each rank introducing a new rank of 2nd Lieutenant for a officer being commissioned, whilst making the old rank of ensign, the official officer rank for the officer who carries the colours when on parade. They also cleared the generals up so, brigadier general (which was a crown and 2 stars), became a crown and 3 stars, and shortened to brigadier. Sergeant major general became Major general(dropping sergeant)/ Lt Col general became Lt General(dropping colonel)/General & Field Marshal remained the only ones whom had no changes. Great video Sir. Hope that the above information is useful to thee.

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent info thanks a lot for that. So much to learn!

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Excellent information. Although I am not British, I have always been interested in the British army because it's quite unique regimental system and interesting traditions. I remember reading in several books that during the 19th century almost a quarter of the British army's soldiers were Irish. The main reason for this was the acute poverty predominant in Ireland. In his very nice and interesting book "In search of London" H. V. Morton confirmed this by pointing out the great number of very poor Irishmen who were usually employed to carry out the most disagreeable jobs.

[@NyPer920]

Thank you for this very interesting information.

[@nautifella]

This is the most educational piece I've ever seen on the British Army. I learned a lot. I found the buttons particularly fascinating and informative.

[@redcoathistory]

That’s great to hear. Even I learned a lot making this video too 👍🏼

[@angelabushby1891]

COLDSTREAM is one word not two

[@nickhorten97]

I misheard the narrator, I could have sworn he said "Scouse Guards." Frightening thought.

[@redcoathistory]

My Leicester accent does confuse people.

[@PhilHarmonicus]

You might have mentioned the 1st Regiment of Footguards at Waterloo were thereafter known as the Grenadier Guards and that the bearskin cap was awarded to the Guards as a battle honour.

[@redcoathistory]

Lot's of things I could have mentioned, Phil. Will give me an excuse for more Guards videos in the future. 😀

[@Dav1Gv]

"We're not so old in the army list / But we're not so young at our trade / For we had the honour at Fontenoy / Of meeting the Guards Brigade." The opening lines of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'The Irish Guards.' His son John was killed in an attack on Puits 14 bis in the Battle of Loos in September 1915 while serving with the Regiment. Look it up, it's worth reading as are Kipling's Epitaphs on the War. A very interesting video although as I live in Wales a bit disappointing that the Welsh Guards losses on Sir Galahad in the Falklands didn't get a mention.

[@Mk1Male]

My Great Grandfather served in the 2nd Battalion to which Lt. John Kipling was assigned. He was KIA 13/09/1916.

[@Dav1Gv]

@@Mk1Male "We will remember them". My family were lucky, we didn't have anyone in WW1 and while my father volunteered when WW2 broke out he came home, although his battalion was overseas from late 1941 until 1945. I first met him about VE day when he was on debarkation leave.

[@andrewcombe8907]

Before the Paras and the SAS and the Commandos there were the Guards. These guys were the true elite.

[@paulritchie5868]

Scot’s guards officer formed the SAS…David Stirling.

[@michaelmorgan9289]

In the beginning of the Paras & Commando's it was mainly volunteers from the Guards Regiments who were the first to form these units.

[@amanrusom9498]

for guarding, for fighting its the Rifles

[@johannleuckx1625]

As always, an interesting compact video. Well done, Chris! Here in Belgium, we remember the Guards regiments as the brave ones who sacrificed their life in Waterloo 1815, in Ieper during W.W. 1 and the liberation of Brussels in 1944. And probably I forget some other military actions in Flanders and Belgium. Belgium always was and is U.K. bridgehead on the European continent. Maybe it could also be a topic for one of your videos? Wish you a lot of succes!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot Johann - appreciate the feedback and the video idea 👍🏼

[@johannleuckx1625]

@redcoathistory Thanks, Chris!

[@ElBearsidente]

The Coldstream is second because they entered service to the Crown after the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards (which became the Grenadier Guards), which they answered by adopting their motto "Nulli Secundus" (second to none.) Before that the Coldstream served with Monck under Cromwell. When Cromwell abdicated, Monck supported the Stuarts and the Restoration. For his service Monck was give the Order of the Garter. They were supposed to be disbanded, but then they were called on fighting against the Fifth Monarchists. After that the regiment laid down its arms, only to pick them up again right away as the Lord General's Regiment of Foot Guards and became part of the Household Troops. After Monck died the new commander finally made them the Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards. I'm a bit of a sucker for the Coldstream.

[@redcoathistory]

Appreciate the extra info 👍🏼

[@ElBearsidente]

@@redcoathistory They just have such an amazing history. Starting out fighting against the Crown and then just joining the Crown. England was bonkers then.

[@TooEssgee]

The Coldstream Guards were originally known as Monck's Regiment. Some time after they changed sides and became part of the British Army they needed to find a new name, and at the same time honour their long march from Coldstream to London. As Coldstream is actually a village in Scotland someone suggested that they could call themselves the 'Scots Guards', and all assembled agreed that Scots Guards was a wonderful and magnificent name which exemplified all that was good, brave and strong. At this point some learned gentleman informed them that name was already in use by a fine Regiment raised in Scotland in 1642 by Archibald Campbell, 8th Earl of Argyll. Somewhat deflated, Monck's men settled on the name Coldstream Guards as their second choice. Campbell had given his regiment of Scots Guards the motto 'Nulli Me Impune Lacessit' (usually just shortened to 'Nulli', as Latin was already on it's way out and no one could ever remember the full thing anyway), and henceforth the Coldstream Guards adopted the motto 'Nulli Secundus' - Second to None (loosely translated as Second to the Scots Guards). And so it should have remained, until, in 1665, the Belgian Grenadiers showed up and messed with everyone's buttons, bribed those in high places with chocolate, beer and waffles and proclaimed themselves as the First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards. Everyone was too full of chocolate and beer to do anything about it and now it's too late, but we Scots Guardsmen know the truth. PS. I might have made some of this up. :) We all love each other really. BRB.

[@andygladwin2049]

If you’re going to bribe someone chocolate, beer and waffles is definitely the way you should go. Really interesting to hear more on the Coldstream Guards history. They’ve just become my favourite guards regiment. It was the fact they fought for Parliament and not the Crown swung it for me.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

@@TooEssgee That was very funny! I could easily be bribed with waffles and chocolate. (LOL)

[@alangordon3283]

Good to see you got the Scots Guards date correct at the start .

[@Jubilo1]

The Guards should have "Guilford Courthouse" on their battle honours.

[@michaelmorgan9289]

Plus the "7 Stars".

[@PhoenixCreationsKaTyJs]

Ex jock guard was in the horse and groom when it went up

[@theblackprince1346]

Great video Chris, I visited the Guards Museum a few years ago with a couple of mates. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves military history.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot glad you enjoyed it. Hope all is well with you 👍🏼

[@Grayman58]

A lot of people dont know about guards reg ,especially the American tourists,a lot of members of the SAS originally came from one of the guards reg....

[@leggie65]

Got the protect the colours ,ensign Ewart captured the French golden Eagle he was in a jock regiment.Probably the most highly thought of soldiers right into WW1 as the pipes and kilted soldiers were so popular.Gas attacks saw the end of kilts as the soldiers in kilts got horrible burns in the extremities.

[@colinatkinson3170]

Outstanding video about the Foot Guards Regiments, I’m former 1st & 2nd Battalions Scots Guards. When I went to the G Company 2nd Bn Scots Guards most of my NCOs were all Falklands Veterans. Would be great to see some videos of the Guards Parachute Platoon & G Squadron 22 SAS. 💂‍♂️🔵🔴🔵💂‍♂️

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. Will hopefully make more Guards videos in the future.

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

7 platoon G Company 1974-1977. The photo of Guardsmen on Tumbledown were mostly guys I had served with in G Company.. I was actually in. Belfast with 3 Sqn RCT when we got words about the Falklands 💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦. If you have been to BATUS you know where I live 😂😎😎

[@Matty10thDVN]

My Dad served in the Colstream Guards in the late 70s early 80s very proud.

[@sherwoodforester4666]

The dioramas in the museum look very impressive. Great video!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - yeah it’s a lovely museum and well worth a visit 👍🏼

[@christophermccarthy6192]

This shouldn't be a question. The King's/Queen's guard, Grenadier Guards, Horse Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards are all hard, many of them combat veterans. No one to mess with at all. You don't want any part of them on the battlefield Other than the SAS, many consider the Gurkhas are the baddest of the bad the British have to offer as far as troops go. There was a documentary on Discovery who simulated a battle between a Gurkha vs a French Foreign Legionnaire. If i remember correctly, it was ruled too close to call.

[@wingaard]

The Special Air Service was formed from the Guards.

[@nigelharding3273]

Also not forgetting our brothers💂‍♀️across the pond. The Canadian Grenadier Guards and Governor General’s Guards. Reserve infantry units.🟦🟥🟦

[@redcoathistory]

I don’t know about them - thanks for flagging 👍🏼

[@mentalneil]

I served 12 years in the Grenadier Guards, I did 3 tours of Northern Ireland totalling 6½ years

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Neil. Funnily enough I've just posted a video on Op Banner that you my find interesting.

[@stracepipe]

I don't know if it's still the case but years ago, when the BBC did a documentary on Parachute Regiment recruit training, they said Paras and Guards applicants have to go through two medicals to get in, because of the physical demands of their role. All other units complete one medical.

[@peterbrown1012]

The guards parachute regiment became the guards parachute company and is now the guards parachute platoon which consists of all 7 regiments, that is to say the 2 Household Cavalry Regiment's The 2 cavalry regiments also served in the Guards machine gun regiment in WW1. Originally there were 3 regiments of foot and 3 of horse,, Grenadier, Coldstream and Scots guards of foot, then The1st Lifeguards, 2nd Lifeguards and The Rpyal Horseguards (the Blues).

[@robnewman6101]

On the 31st of August this year for my 33 Birthday, my parents and I went to visit Wellington Arch. After we went to The 1st Duke of Wellington's Coronation Robes in Apsley House. After we went to The Household Cavalry Museum at Whitehall.

[@robnewman6101]

I wanted to go to The Guards Museum at Wellington Barracks but we ran out of time for that.

[@geraintthatcher3076]

I hope 1 day you'll be able to get to the Crimea and cover those battles like Inkkerman that the Guards fought in

[@redcoathistory]

Would love to one day 👍🏼

[@geraintthatcher3076]

@redcoathistory mean time you must visit Canada and check out the unknown Battle of Ridgeway in 1866

[@ElBearsidente]

@@redcoathistory You and Rob doing a tour. It's the crossover we need.

[@redcoathistory]

@@ElBearsidente Now that would be fantastic...if only the pesky current war would end!

[@josephtreacy667]

Might have to wait until Ukraine gets it back.

[@ak9989]

Awesome channel. Make British military history great again! I visited that museum along with 17 more regimental ones, plus the National Army, Duxford and Bovington. Spent 6 weeks driving across the UK. My wife was armed out but she saw her stuff too😊

[@redcoathistory]

What a fantastic road trip - I’m very jealous!

[@66kbm]

Great info, i could watch this for hours. A different aspect taken by using the Guards Regiments. Nice.

[@redcoathistory]

Lovely - glad you liked it.

[@Jubilo1]

Currator should be wearing the Guards tie. Superb video. I remember well my visit to this museum and talking to the Guards veterans.

[@douglasherron7534]

Only if he is a former guardsman....

[@Jubilo1]

And he should be !@@douglasherron7534

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic history mate keep it coming .. Im proud to say my family have Charles Aldridge Burt who served in the Scots and then Irish Guards, myself 10 years in RAC ... cheers

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Allan. That’s great. Appreciate the comment 👍🏼

[@stephensmith4480]

Wow, this was so interesting. My Grandfather fought in The Irish Guards during WW1. Sadly, he died before I was Born.

[@robnewman6101]

My parents and I have the dvd of 1970 Waterloo.

[@chrisstewart7420]

Thanks, Chris. All your KZbin are interesting, informative and well made. This ranks high in your best, absolutely fascinating.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Chris 🙏

[@robnewman6101]

At the time of The Battle of Waterloo in 1815. A King Louis the 18th was a Restoration to the Throne of France. I have great Respect for him. 🏰👑⚔️🛡️⚜️⚜️⚜️🛡️⚔️👑🏰

[@DAGO58]

A fantastic museum and your channel is great, thank you for your hard work!

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks. Appreciate the compliments.

[@jennybates]

Garden Real Di Irelande. "Only good enough to guard a p*** pot in a palace!" A line from one of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books.

[@SpookyFox1000]

Total respect ! The best of the best ! So proud of you guys !

[@infantryricky6807]

Great video & very educational too! Next time I’m in London, I plan on visiting that museum!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. It's a great museum and I'm sure that you will enjoy it.

[@Riceball01]

You should do a video on their mounted counterparts, the Household Cavalry, another group of active serving soldiers that commonly get mistaken for purely ceremonial troops.

[@redcoathistory]

Good point- hopefully one day will do so. Thanks

[@LeopaldStraus]

Absolute quality content mate. Watched all the way through, learned so much.👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Glad you found it interesting.

[@welshwarrior5263]

Excellently covered and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - glad you enjoyed it. Hope all is well.

[@welshwarrior5263]

@redcoathistory All good thanks mate. Just busy working around the country on the water mains. Hope all is well with you too.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad to hear you well mate. All is good here - just keeping busy @@welshwarrior5263

[@peteramodio]

My Grandfather was in the Coldstream Guards before WWI, I have a photograph of him and five others in a dugout, they’re wearing an assortment of uniforms items, mostly with pork pie hats but one older man is wearing what looks like the WWI style uniform and peaked cap, there are skulls and long bones sticking out from the earth wall! Some of the skulls have very long black hair attached! I assume it’s in the Sudan.

[@peteramodio]

If you give me an address il send a copy!

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Excellent, well done. Really educational narration.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Patrick.

[@geordie114]

Great bit of history about the different Guards Regiments, I knew some of it being a Veteran "auld sweat",but found the way you presented it very informative.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot for the feedback. Glad to do my bit to keep the history alive.

[@macdansav1546]

Another great post thanks. I 'treated' my daughters to a visit to this museum earlier this year and it is a real gem with some amazing artefacts.

[@redcoathistory]

A cracking museum! Did they enjoy it as much as you? 😅

[@macdansav1546]

I had to do about four hours clothes shopping in Leicester Square and Covent Garden as penance but it was worth it. We visited the National Army Museum 'by accident' the following day. :)@@redcoathistory

[@AlexDeepDive75]

Another excellent job Chris, the Guards Museum displays were very well put together and informative.👍 great stuff.

[@redcoathistory]

Great - glad you enjoyed - what a lovely museum it is 👍🏼

[@OscarGomez-hx8zc]

Phenomenal Chris, thank you so much for this video as it was just great to learn about the 5 Regiments of Foot and their history!

[@julieblundell7421]

Hello Chris, great video mate, some very interesting things, I didn't know that about the five guards uniforms and buttons, stay safe mate, Lee.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Lee. I also learned a lot making this video. Hope all is well.

[@michaelmorgan9289]

Served in the Coldstream Guards from 1964 to 1971. Two & half years in the Guards Parachute Company. Did tours to South Arabia, Mauritius, Germany & Northern Ireland. A total of 15 months Public Duties & two Trooping of the Colour.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one Michael. Thanks for sharing and I hope you doing well.

[@mrbosh0115]

Cheers for this ,Well done.

[@king_goose]

wow, this was a good video, thanks. i visited the guards museum about a month ago, and it was great. i hope to join the guards (Coldstream guards) one day. i enjoyed learning new things from this video. thank you

[@redcoathistory]

Great. Glad you enjoyed it and good luck with your plans for the future.

[@mattp7828]

As a former Coldstream Guard myself I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your service in the finest regiment in rhe British Army, once you're a Coldstreamer you'll always be a Coldstreamer, Nulli Secundus.

[@petshopboy827]

@@mattp7828nulli secundus brother ... I was 1st bn and 7 coy from 1988 until 2004

[@PaulThorpeOfficial]

Wonderful. Just wonderful.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Paul.

[@edwardpenny7698]

Good to see a Guards Independent Paraqchute Company Mk 2 Ferret at the begining of the video

[@davidcoleman2796]

Very good video . Thanks .

[@billybowen3023]

Nice one mate. Enjoy that! Thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Billy, glad you enjoyed it.

[@mrjockt]

Regarding the Crimean War, as badly prepared as the British were the Russians were in an even worse state, an instance was the muskets carried, although caplock rifled muzzle loading rifles had been around for over ten years by the time the war began the Russian Army was still primarily armed with flintlock smooth bore muskets whereas the British Army had equipped over half their forces with caplock rifled weapons.

[@peterwicks9851]

No mention of the cream of the Brigade of Guards, The Household Cavalry much more interesting 🐎

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha fair enough - I’ve been accused of focusing on infantry and it’s true 🤦🏻‍♂️ - will try and rectify that in the future

[@aldraone-mu5yg]

Great video, feels like the SAS have stolen a bit of there thunder sadly. I think it’s because people confuse special forces and elite infantry. There all hero is my book.

[@nigelharding3273]

G squadron SAS made up of the household regiments.

[@wilsontma]

David Stirling was from the Scot Guards.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Superb Chris as usual

[@redcoathistory]

It was the camerawork that made it special 😘

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

@@redcoathistory I gathered that, quite a unique technique

[@willjohnson1273]

So much to cover, obviously something has to be left out No mention of G Squadron!!! Didn't Hear Guards Armoured Regiment either or Guards Parachute Platoon I think it is currently but in the past was an INDEPENDENT Parachute Company and I believe was a major part in formation of G Squadron itself. But nonetheless an extremely informative and interesting video .

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Yep it’s good to leave a few bits out tho as gives me an excuse to do more videos in the future 👍🏼

[@willjohnson1273]

@@redcoathistory looking forward to it.

[@markrunnalls7215]

What an excellent chanel.. When at Pirbright as a young junior Coldstreamer , my favourite aspects of training was the field craft and the bayonet stuff we did. And I tell you what the NCOs got us so siked up, ( I won't swear ) .. But it went effing tear his guts out, kill him... What's a bayonet for? Rip his effing guts out... you felt like some kind of machine..it was mental, but fun.. When I was in basic, the first Gulf War was starting, and we saw the Tomohawk cruse missiles going in. Am sooo glad I didn't have to fight, but of course would have, if ordered to do so. My least favourite part was when I got double creases in me parade shirts, and got marched down the guard room in double quick time and had to scrub the wall with the DREADED 3 HEADED BASTARD... But at 16/17 by christ, I could run like a whippet, was also good at volting over high walls and obstacles... Now at 49, am still not bad on a tred mill...👍😂

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for sharing your story. Very much appreciated. Hoping you keeping well and hopefully we’ll talk about future videos too 👍🏼

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

Excellent video!

[@redcoathistory]

Many thanks

[@philipdurling1964]

Could you do this regimental history for other regiments as well please.

[@redcoathistory]

Will look into it 👍🏼any specific regiments?

[@kiwifruit27]

Really interesting, thanks

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate

[@phillipallen3259]

Well done!

[@georgeedwards4807]

Brilliant really enjoyed that 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks George - it was great fun to make 👍🏼

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Hello Chris; perhaps you or some of your followers may enlighten me. I have been trying to find out the physical requirements (basically height) for joining the guards before WW1 or even before the1980s. I have noticed (and learned from ex-guardsmen's comments in different videos) that the physical standards have fallen quite badly. Obviously, the Army is no longer an attractive institution as it used to be and volunteers must be hard to find. Thank you very much. Love your videos. Greetings from Buenos Aires. PS: I remember reading that withing each regiment of the Foot Guards there is a Queen's or King's company in charge of ceremonial duties and this company is made-up by the tallest and smartest guardsmen in the battalion. Is that correct?

[@connorlee5873]

Think you had to be atleast 6ft and over, and only the grenadiers has a queens/ Kings company made up of lads that are 6ft and over

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

@@connorlee5873 Thank you very much for your reply and the information. I read the memoirs of an ex-Grenadier who served in the Queen's company in the 1950s and he said the average height of the guardsmen in the company was 6'2''. Have a nice weekend

[@angelabushby1891]

And the Coldstream Guards motto SECOND TO NONE

[@kaijudirector5336]

What’s the name of the painting at 9:15?

[@user-nb9xl1cf4m]

When I was a kid, whenever I watched those guards in Bearskin Cap I thought they were professional honour guards and only defend the palace and the queen. I was wrong… 😮

[@a.s.j.g6229]

6 years later, still no blues and royals video

[@redcoathistory]

Lol...Im getting their...It will happen!

[@Jon-mm4py]

Proud Scots Guard Veteran 🇬🇧

[@michaelhowell2326]

I'm super into history, and I've often wondered why there was a color gaurd. I just thought it was purely ceremonial.

[@user-xt9kl1vm3z]

Not when in battle!

[@kennethhummel4409]

I’ll have a go with that Afghan made Martini! Just give me a minute or two to check the headspace and look for bulges and cracks in a couple critical spots.

[@nautifella]

I watched an episode (Okay, I watched them all...2-3 times) of Connections with James Burke, he was in India speaking about needing machines to manufacture the precision parts needed to make firearms. And he was holding a piece of a _Brown Bess._ Then he tossed it into a box of _identical_ pieces, then the camera panned to the guy making them. He was using hand tools (Okay, He also used his feet to steady the piece as he filed it) to make parts _Identical_ to a template he was given, other guys in the shop made other parts. Then a piece was taken from each station and a _Brown Bess_ was assembled and fired. I'll bet the Martini-Henry fired at one time.

[@kennethhummel4409]

My point exactly! I’m a retired gunsmith and everything I mentioned is what happens during an inspection of a used firearm before a test fire.@@nautifella

[@jhnshep]

Irish guards, 'royal' blue is the Irish national colour, green is a tourist thing and dates back way long before Great Britain was a thing and hence carried in, Harp being the symble and only displayed in gold

[@scorcher67]

Mate of mine was a young Marine officer in The Falklands in 1982 he thought the Scots and Welsh Guards soldiers and NCO's were excellent . He thought the officers quite frankly belonged in another century and had a rather over inflated opinion of themselves .

[@edwardsalmon5658]

Very interesting, thanks. Ex Gren

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Edward

[@kaziiqbal7257]

Imagine being such a badass that you’re too busy impaling people with flagpoles to draw your pistol.

[@jacobkeppler1984]

I would like to visit the guards museum

[@redcoathistory]

You should it’s wonderful 👍🏼

[@jacobkeppler1984]

@@redcoathistory dus it have programme trooping the colour beating retreat

[@BeardedChieftain]

The Scots Guards are the oldest guard unit being raised in 1642. There is an interesting story as to why they lost their seniority.

[@connorlee5873]

Wasn't continuous and to the crown

[@BeardedChieftain]

@@connorlee5873 whether to "the crown" or not could be argued passionately, but do you know how long the discontiuation was?

[@davidgaston738]

yes i was in 2 CG i did 6 years

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one mate. Hope all well.

[@floriangeyer3454]

I was told that SG have no plume because they were raised as a regiment of fusiliers. Is that true?

[@bazthompson212]

The joke is as Jocks they refused to pay for it! In reality think of how they would be formed up as they are central their is no need for a plume. Lined up, a General would glance to his left and see Coldstream, Irish, Scots right in front, to his right Welsh and then Grenadiers.

[@TooEssgee]

No, it's not true. They weren't raised as fusiliers as in 1642 there was no such thing as a fusilier. The Guards were permitted to wear the Bearskin cap (and associated plumes) after Waterloo (1815). This was before the formation of the Irish or Welsh Guards. The Grenadier Guards, being the senior regiment, would form up on the right of the Brigade Formation. The Coldstream Guards refused to be second in line, and were permitted to form the left of the line leaving the centre of the line to be formed by the Scots Guards. In battle it is crucially important to maintain formation and cohesion and it can be difficult to distinguish where one regiment ends and another begins. The purpose of the plumes was to enable troops and commanders to look across the line and see the positions of the respective regiments. If you were a Grenadier, looking to your left beyond your own men you would see the Scots (with no plume) and beyond them the Coldstream with a red plume on the right side of their Bearskin. A Coldstreamer looking back would see the Scots in the middle and the white plume on the left side of the Grenadiers Bearskins. The fusilier reference might come from the fact that for a relatively short period in the 19th Century (1830-1877) the Regiment was known as the Scots Fusilier Guards, but reverted to their previous name on the instruction of HM Queen Victoria.

[@janlindtner305]

Super Chris👍👍👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Jan 👍🏼

[@martintabony611]

"Turquois"? That's an unusual pronunciation of "Saint Patrick's Blue"😀

[@MarlynMeehan]

I so wish this video was obligatory to watch beforehand for the often awful visitors at Horseguards. Too many of them treat these men and women with such disrespect when they deserve so much more.

[@xys7536]

Now that's soldering. First

[@angloaust1575]

Didnt do too well at saratoga Yorktown or new orleans Only just won at waterloo Thanks to prussian help!

[@amanrusom9498]

You lost 95 percent of the battles, only won when the rest of Europe joined in, you got smacked at war of 1812. Last time you won a war was against Spain. Nothing to Brag about.

[@kevinstreet5709]

Wow