Coldstream Guards

The Coldstream Guards is a regiment of the British Army, part of the Guards Division.

Traditions and Role

The grouping of buttons on the tunic is a common way to distinguish between the regiments of Foot Guards. Coldstream buttons are arranged in pairs, and "CG" is marked on their brassware. Captain Darling from the TV comedy Blackadder was a Coldstreamer; this can be recognized from his uniform.

Related Topics:
Foot Guards - Blackadder

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The Regiment's formal title is Her Majesty's Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards. Their nickname is 'lilywhites'. An ordinary soldier of the regiment is called a Guardsman (a designation granted by King George VI after the First World War).

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Currently the most prominent role of the 1st battalion and the No 7 Company are ceremonial duties in London and Windsor as part of the Household Division. No 7 Company serves as a parade company in London and provides escort for the Queen's Birthday Parade. They include the state opening of the parliament, Trooping the Colour when it is their turn and Remembrance Sunday parade. Number 7 company of Coldstream Guards is one of the Guards companies involved with the Changing of the Guard.

Related Topics:
Windsor - Household Division - Queen's Birthday Parade - Trooping the Colour - Remembrance Sunday - Changing of the Guard

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Operationally, the Coldstream Guards perform the role of mechanised infantry, primarily operating the Warrior. It is based in Aldershot as part of 12th Mechanised Brigade.

Related Topics:
Mechanised infantry - Warrior - Aldershot - 12th Mechanised Brigade

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The Corps of Drums have had, in addition to their ceremonial role, a martial role as a machinegun company but now are being trained as assault pioneers. They also represent the most public side of the Coldstream Guards with their parade duties in state ceremonies where they wear the Royal Household Dress. Coldstream Guard regimental band plays in state visits. All the regiment musicians are trained as medical orderlies.

Related Topics:
Machinegun - Assault pioneers - Medical orderlies

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