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The Coldstream Guards - History in the making

  

   

 

    
     
   

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Battalion News - (Cold Weather, Good Boys, Early Breakfasts & Gold Watches)
Battalion update as at 03 Dec 08


Exercises & Cold Weather

The month of December is not normally the time when someone 'sane' would think about camping out and eat a couple of cold sausages from a tin.   Unfortunately a soldier cannot dictate the occasions and weather when individual skills need be put to the test so training is done in all climates with the Brigade TESSEX just being completed by the Battalion.

For the last couple of months, the Battalion have done a little dry training in barracks, various exercises in Brecon and finally a Brigade TESSEX in the harsh plains of Salisbury (a TESSEX is a Brigade exercise where other units and support is involved at Brigade level).  The weather was very very cold and all proved their worth by completing the TESSEX despite the unfavourable conditions.

Any members of the Battalion who have any images from the recent exercises can get them on the site by e-mailing them to us at shinymessageboard@yahoo.co.uk
 
    

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LSGC (Long Service & Good Conduct Medal) Presentation
Sergeants' Mess Members recently gathered in the Mess for a VIP visit. 

The Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1 A Johnson) took advantage of this gathering to announce the award and presentation of Sgt 'Gerry' Hall's LSGC.

A few images can be found below (click to enlarge).


Proud as Punch and recently starring in 'Combat Chefs' - Sgt 'Jerry' Hall New to the Bn, SSgt Ian Blake FSA The CSM HQ Coy and RSWO The RSWO trying his hardest to do a 'Shrek' impression ...... and doing quite well at it
 

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State Opening of Parliament - rehearsals

After returning from TESSEX the Battalion were parading in London less that 72hrs later for a full dress rehearsal for the State Opening of Parliament (you may have seen it on Sky News?).  It was a very early start with an early breakfast of about 1.30am !!  This may seem a little harsh but for an occasion as important as this everyone involved needed to know exactly where and when they should be for the big day, and with London being a busy place the best time to conduct a rehearsal with as little impact to the public as possible was about 5am. 

I am sure the locals of the City would appreciate the thought that went into the exercise but trying to explain to your stomach that you need to eat breakfast when you're normally tucking into a kebab is ................. an experience!

Rehearsals were also on in Victoria Barracks yesterday, unfortunately Her Majesty was not present for effect, instead DSgt 'Andy' Jones walked around with his big stick through the ranks shouting who he was from time to time.

See images from this event here.
 

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Gold Watch Presentation - 22 Years Service with the Colours

As a Coldstreamer, if you are lucky enough to be able to serve 22 Years Service with the Colours you are presented a 'Gold Watch' from Regimental Headquarters.  This event normally takes place at the home of our Regimental Headquarters (Wellington Barracks, London) but through some fantastic organisation by the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (WOII Flynn) and his gang of merry men, the event was brought to us and by kind permission of the Regimental Sergeant Major the awards were presented in the Sergeants' Mess.

There were many old friends present and a fantastic day was had by all.

The Regimental Lieutenant Colonel presented Gold Watches to the Party, and images are available to see by clicking here.
 

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Future events

The month of December has crept around the corner and is now upon us, with the following events coming shortly:

      · Sergeants' Mess Working Lunch for WO2 Claydon, WO2 Boisson & CSgt Coombe.
      · Officers' Vs Sergeants' Mess Annual Football Clash.
      · Sergeants' to Officers' Mess Annual Drinks.
      · Guardsman and Juniors Ranks Xmas Lunch.
      · Hanging the Brick.
      · Sergeants' Mess Christmas Function.
      · Hougoumont or Bust - Coldstream Challenge. <---- click here for more info
 
 
 

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