Grenadier Guards

The Grenadier Guards is the most senior regiment of the Guards Division of the British Army, and, as such, is the most senior regiment of infantry. It is not though the most senior regiment of the Army, which is the Life Guards. The Coldstream Guards were organized before the Grenadier Guards, but are the next-junior regiment.

History

In 1656, Lord Wentworth's Regiment was formed in the Spanish Netherlands, forming a portion of exiled King Charles II's bodyguard. A few years later, a similar regiment known as John Russell's Regiment of Guards was formed. In 1665, these two regiments were combined to form the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. As a result of their heroic actions in fighting off the French grenadiers at Waterloo, the 1st Guards were renamed by Royal Proclamation as the Grenadier Guards, thus becoming the only regiment in the British Army to be named for one of its battle honours.

Related Topics:
1656 - Lord Wentworth's Regiment - Spanish Netherlands - King - Charles II's - John Russell's Regiment of Guards - 1665

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~