PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT

.
 Welcome to the

Section
Apologies but due to the amount of Battle Honours we have won, this page may take a little while to load!

Coldstream Guards Battle Honours
The Coldstream Guards have been awarded a total of 117 Honorary Distinctions (Battle Honours).
Forty Seven (47) of these honours are borne of the Colours together with the Sphinx\Egypt.

Battle Honours - the origin
A Battle Honour is a military tradition practiced in the Commonwealth countries of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India and is an official acknowledgement awarded to military units for their achievements in specific wars or operations of a military campaign.

A theatre honour is similar to a Battle Honour, except that it is given in the case of units distinguishing themselves in a campaign in a particular theatre of war rather than in a specific battle.

La Martinere college, Lucknow in India is the only school in the world to be awarded a Battle Honour for the role played by its students and teachers during the mutiny of 1857. McGill University in Canada is the only other educational institution in the British Empire to be awarded the same honour for its role in World War I.

A Battle Honour is granted through the Royal Prerogative of the monarch of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, and by the 20th century was granted only after lengthy historical review of a particular conflict. It is comparable to a unit citation in other national traditions. In India, battle and theatre honours are granted by the Government of India.
 

Coldstream Battle Honours
For ease and simplicity, the Battle Honours database has been broken down in three categories. 
Selecting a category will then give you a list of each battle honour in that era. 
Clicking that name will give you the details of the Battle Honour


1680-1902


1914-1918


1940-

[back to top]

PRE-WORLD WAR ONE
 

TANGIER 1680	NAMUR 1695	GIBRALTAR 1704-05	OUDENARD 1708	MALPLAQUET 1709
DETTINGEN 1743	LINCELLES 1793	EGYPT (THE SPHINX) 1801	TALAVERA 1809	BARROSA 1811
FUENTES D’ONOR 1811	SALAMANCA 1812	NIVE 1813	PENINSULA 1814	WATERLOO 1815
ALMA 1854	INKERMAN 1854	SEVASTOPOL 1855	TEL-EL-KEBIR 1882	EGYPT 1882
SUAKIN 1885	MODDER RIVER 1899	SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902		VIEW ALL

 [back to top]

[back to top]

[back to top]

PRE WORLD WAR ONE BATTLE HONOURS FOR THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS


TANGIER 1680
20th July 1680     [back to top]
 
A Company of the Regiment landed about the 20th July 1680, at Tangier as part of a Composite Guards Battalion. Fierce attacks were made against the Moors, who had obtained a footing on the outworks of the town, finally defeating them by controlled and well-aimed musket fire. The Battalion remained in Tangier until it was abandoned for political reasons.
 

NAMUR 1695
War against the French - 20th August 1695     [back to top]
 
The 1st Battalion took part in the attack made by the Brigade of Guards against the outworks of Namur. The Brigade moved up to the enemy's position, and reserving their fire until the last moment, charged through the outworks of the city, which fell some days later. The Brigade forces in this battle were commanded by Lord Cutts, 4th Colonel of the Regiment.


GIBRALTAR 1704-05
War of the Spanish Succession - 7th February 1705     [back to top]
 
400 Coldstreamers formed part of a Composite Guards Battalion sent as reinforcements to the garrison of Gibraltar, who were besieged by French and Spanish forces. The enemy attacked in great force on 7th February 1705, but were beaten off, and after further failures retired at the beginning of April.


OUDENARD 1708
War of the Spanish Succession - 11th July 1708     [back to top]
 
Six Coldstream companies formed part of the Guards Composite Regiment which took part in the fighting when the Allied Army under the Duke of Marlborough defeated the French Army at Oudenarde.


MALPLAQUET 1709
War of the Spanish Succession - 11th September 1709     [back to top]
 
The Allied Army under the Duke of Marlborough gained a victory over the French Army. The Coldstream were on the right of Lord Orkney's force, which attacked the French line. A contemporary record mentions the losses of the Regiment as the heaviest of the twenty British battalions involved.


DETTINGEN 1743 
War of the Austrian Succession - 16th Jun 1743     [back to top]
 
An Army of British, Austrian and Hanoverian soldiers, commanded by King George II, defeated the French under Marshal Noailles. The 1st Battalion, although present, were not heavily involved in this battle, the last in which an English King personally commanded his troops.


LINCELLES 1793
War of the French Revolution - 18th August 1793     [back to top]
 
The British Forces fighting against the French in the Low Countries during the years 1793-5 were commanded by HRH Frederick, Duke of York, the 13th Colonel of the Regiment. During this campaign, after a long day's march, the Brigade of Guards, in which the 1st Battalion was serving, stormed and captured the village of Lincelles, which was held by numerically superior French forces.


EGYPT (THE SPHINX) 1801
8th March 1801     [back to top]

The 1st Battalion took part in the landing at Aboukir Bay during the War of the French Revolution. For its share in the campaign that followed, in which Napoleon's hope of an Eastern Empire was shattered, the Regiment was awarded the badge of the Sphinx, superscribed 'Egypt'.


TALAVERA 1809
Peninsula War - 28th July 1809     [back to top]
 
The 1st Battalion took part in this two day battle, during which the Brigade of Guards played an important part, making a decisive counter attack, after having been thrown back by the French.


BARROSA 1811
Peninsula War - 5th March 1811     [back to top]
 
During the Battle of Barrosa, two companies of the 2nd Battalion took part in a charge that drove French troops from a strong position. For this they were specially commended by the commander, General Graham, in his despatch.


FUENTES D’ONOR 1811
Peninsula War - 5th May 1811     [back to top]

The 1st Battalion were present at this battle, and during its preliminary stages, repulsed a French attack on the village of Fuentes d'Onor. However the main battle was fought at another part of the British Line.


SALAMANCA 1812
Peninsula War - 22nd July 1812     [back to top]
 
In this battle, the Duke of Wellington defeated the French under General Marmont. The Light Company of the 1st Battalion took part in the defence of a key point in the British position. This victory enabled Wellington to enter Madrid in the following month.


NIVE 1813
Peninsula War - 13th December 1813     [back to top]
 
The 1st Battalion helped to force the passage of the River Nive, thus opening the way for Wellington's army to enter France.


PENINSULA 1814
Peninsula War - 14th April 1814     [back to top]
 
In the last action of the Peninsula War, the French sailed out by night from the Citadel of Bayonne. The 1st Battalion, together with the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards put in a fierce bayonet charge which forced the French to retire with heavy losses.


WATERLOO 1815
18th June 1815     [back to top]
 
The Duke of Wellington, with some 68,000 men was attacked by Napoleon's 72,000. The Light Companies of the Brigade of Guards occupied the farm of Hougoumont, a key position on the right of the Allied Line, under Lieutenant Colonel MacDonell of the Coldstream, who was told by the Duke "to defend the post to the last extremity". The French attacked Hougoumont continuously for many hours but failed to capture the position. This gallant defence had a decisive effect on the result of the Battle. After the Battle, Sgt Graham, of the 2nd Battalion, was awarded a special medal by the Sergeants of the Regiment for his gallant conduct, having shut the gates of Hougoumont in the face of the enemy. In later years, the Duke of Wellington named this Sergeant as one of the bravest men in England.


ALMA 1854
Crimean War - 20th September 1854     [back to top]
 
The 1st Battalion was engaged in this, the first battle of the Crimean War. Whilst crossing the River Alma, the Battalion lost its formation, and so, in spite of the enemy being only 600 yards away, the markers were called out and the Companies formed up on them. The Battalion then wheeled into line before advancing to the assault.


INKERMAN 1854
Crimean War - 5th November 1854     [back to top]
 
In this battle, sometimes known as the 'Soldiers Battle', the 1st Battalion formed part of the Guards Brigade, which was called forward to repel Russian attacks during the early morning of 5th November. For two hours, the Brigade fought off Russian columns, vastly superior in numbers, until the enemy was finally repulsed.


SEVASTOPOL 1855
Crimean War - 9th September 1855     [back to top]
 
The 1st Battalion was present throughout the siege which lasted a year and which ended on this day with the Russians abandoning the fortress.


TEL-EL-KEBIR 1882
Egyptian Campaign 1882 - 13th September 1882     [back to top]
 
The 2nd Battalion formed part of a Guards Brigade that was present at this victory over the Egyptian rebel, Arabi Pasha. After the battle, which took place after a long night march across the desert, Cairo was occupied by British troops.


EGYPT 1882
Egyptian Campaign 1882 - 13th September 1882     [back to top]
 
The 2nd Battalion formed part of a Guards Brigade that was present at this victory over the Egyptian rebel, Arabi Pasha. After the battle of Tel-el-Kebir, which took place after a long night march across the desert, Cairo was occupied by British troops.


SUAKIN 1885
Nile Campaign - 8th March 1885     [back to top]
 
On this day the 1st Battalion landed at Suakin on the Red Sea to join General Graham's force which was to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum and avenge the death of General Gordon. Two months later the expedition was abandoned for political reasons.


MODDER RIVER 1899
Boer War - 28th November 1899     [back to top]
 
Both the 1st and 2nd Battalions fought in the Guards Brigade which had been sent to South Africa at the outbreak of war. During this battle, the Brigade, which was part of the force advancing to relieve Kimberley, came under heavy fire whilst trying to force a river crossing. The troops lay under fire in the blazing sun until dusk when they were withdrawn. Next morning, it was discovered that the Boers had retreated during the night.


SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902
Boer War - 4th June 1902     [back to top]
 
On this day the peace treaty that ended the South African War, in which both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Regiment fought, was signed. Although few large battles were fought, there were many arduous marches and small engagements in which the Regiment well acquitted itself.

 

WORLD WAR ONE BATTLE HONOURS FOR THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS

MONS 1914
World War I – France & Flanders - 25th August 1914     [back to top]
 
At Landrecies, on the evening of 25th August 1914, the 3rd Battalion acting as rear-guard to 4th Guards Brigade, fought its first action since it was formed in 1897. Throughout the night, the Battalion fought off fierce German attacks until ordered to retire. During this action, a haystack was set on fire, disclosing our positions to the enemy and enabling them to fire at point blank range with a field gun. Private G H Wyatt twice went out to extinguish the blaze under heavy fire, and was later awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry.


RETREAT FROM MONS 1914
World War I – France & Flanders - 1st September 1914     [back to top]
 
Both the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were engaged in a rear-guard action at Villers-Cotterets during the Retreat from Mons.


MARNE 1914
World War I – France & Flanders - 8th September 1914     [back to top]
 
When the Allied Armies had retreated to almost within sight of Paris, they were given the order to advance to exploit the mistakes made by the German Army. All three Battalions took part in the Battle of the Marne, without, however, being engaged in any heavy fighting.


AISNE 1914
World War I – France & Flanders - 14th September 1914     [back to top]
 
In the advance across the River Aisne, all three Battalions of the Regiment were involved in much bitter fighting. After this battle, both sides settled down to the trench warfare that was to last for four years.


YPRES 1914 & 1917
World War I – France & Flanders - 21st October 1914     [back to top]
 
The 4th Guards Brigade, with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions leading, attacked some high ground covering Langemarck. In spite of fierce German opposition, the feature was taken, and held until the Battalion was relieved on the 23rd October.
                                                 
29th October 1914 - The Germans attacked the Ypres salient, attempting to break through to the Channel Ports, and sever the lines of communication of the British Expeditionary Forces. The 1st Battalion at Gheluvelt lost all 11 Combatant Officers and was reduced to a party of 60 Other Ranks under the Quartermaster. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions successfully defended Zonnebeke some three miles to the north.
      
31st July 1917 - The 1st and 2nd Battalions, forming part of the Guards Division, attacked to the east of the Yser Canal. The attack was very successful: the line was advanced, 3,000 yards to Pilckem. Private T Whitham, of the 1st Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross for silencing a machine gun that was holding up the advance.                                              

9th October 1917 - The 2nd and 3rd Battalions attacked the German defences south of the Houthulst Forest, and in spite of the appallingly thick mud, took and held their objective.


LANGEMARCK 1914
World War I – France & Flanders - 22nd October 1914     [back to top]
 
Part of the First Battle of Ypres, the 2nd and 3rd battalions, as part of the 4th Guards Brigade, attacked the high ground covering Langemarck and held it until relieved on 23rd October.


GHELUVELT
World War I – France & Flanders - 28th October 1914     [back to top]
 
The 1st Battalion, now only 350 strong, took part in an attack to the north-east of Gheluvelt. Holding a frontage of just 800 yards they were attacked by six German battalions. By the end of the day, the 1st Guards Brigade (of which the 1st Bn was part) suffered 1,100 casualties and was reduced to a strength of 275 all ranks. The Coldstream lost all its officers and was now just 60 men strong and commanded by the Quartermaster, Lieutenant J Boyd.
 
On the 29th the 4th Guards Brigade was brought up in support, and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were grouped together in a battle that lasted a further 20 days.


NONNE BOSCHE
World War One – France & Flanders - 11th November 1914     [back to top]
 
Part of the First Battle of Ypres, the Germans launched a fierce attack in the area of Nonne Boschen Wood in the early hours of the morning. The 1st Battalion, part of 1st (Guards) Brigade, was involved in the battle. After its casualties at Gheluvelt a few days previously, the 1st (Guards) Brigade was virtually annihilated in this action. At the end of the day it numbered just 300 combatants.


GIVENCHY 1914
World War I – France & Flanders - 20th - 21st December 1914     [back to top]
 
On the 20th December, the Germans attacked the Indian troops occupying Givenchy and the Indians were forced to retire. The 1st Battalion, part of 1st Guards Brigade, was amongst the troops rushed in to help them. After marching 20 miles they launched their attack at noon on the 21st and after two days heavy fighting, Givenchy was secured. The Battalion lost a further 200 men on top of their devastating losses at Gheluvelt at the end of October.

NEUVE CHAPELLE 1915
World War I – France & Flanders - 10th – 13th March 1915     [back to top]
 
Neuve Chapelle was a ruined village which had been heavily fortified by the Germans. All three battalions took part in heavy fighting in and around Neuve Chapelle between 10th and 12th March.


AUBERS
World War One – France & Flanders - 9th – 12th May 1915     [back to top]
 
The 1st Army were co-operating with the French in order to relieve the pressure on Ypres and to attempt to capture Lille and its coal mines. An attack was launched on Aubers Ridge in May, but the Germans had used the lull since the attack in March to strengthen their defences and improve their wiring. The attack was preceded by a heavy artillery bombardment, but owing to a shortage of HE shells, shrapnel shells were used instead and these failed to cut or destroy the wire. Consequently, when the troops attacked they were cut down by German machine-guns. After several days, the attack was declared a failure. The 1st Battalion took part in the attack as part of 1st (Guards) Brigade, but they were to be part of the third wave of the attack which in the end never took place. However, they suffered many casualties due to artillery fire in their forming up trenches.


FESTUBERT 1915
World War I – France & Flanders - 15th – 25th May 1915     [back to top]
 
All three battalions took part in this attack whose main aim was to capture the high ground above Lille. Unfortunately, the German positions were very strong and well supplied with machine-guns. Despite heavy bombardments, the enemy’s wire remained uncut and attack after attack was mown down by machine-guns. The main achievements of the attacks, which lasted nearly three weeks, was that approximately 600 yards of ground had been captured along a four-mile front. The Coldstream Battalions spent much of this battle in the reserve trenches so their casualties were comparatively light.

LOOS 1915
World War I – France & Flanders - 27th September 1915     [back to top]
 
All four Coldstream Battalions took part in this battle, the first fought by the Guards Division. On the 27th September the 1st Battalion recaptured a wood, and in spite of heavy casualties held it until relieved two days later. On the 8th October the 2nd and 3rd Battalions fought off a determined German counter attack, during which LSgt Brooks recaptured a trench, winning the Victoria Cross for his gallantry.


MOUNT SORREL 1916
World War I – France & Flanders - 3rd-13th June 1916     [back to top]
 
The Germans attacked the 3rd Canadian Division in the area of mount Sorrel on 3rd June. The Germans gained ground and were close to Ypres before a well-planned Canadian counter-attack stopped them and regained all nearly all of the lost ground. The 1st Battalion with the 2nd Guards Brigade was sent to assist the Canadians on the 12th.


SOMME 1916 & 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 15th September 1916     [back to top]
 
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, in line, attacked the German trenches at Ginchy, and in spite of severe losses and great opposition gained their objectives. At a critical moment in the battle, Lieutenant Colonel J V Campbell DSO, rallied the 3rd Battalion with his hunting horn, and led them in a successful attack. Later the same day, he led a further successful attack, being himself one of the first to enter the enemy trenches; for his gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
 
25th September 1916 The Guards Division, which the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions were serving was engaged in an attack on Les Boeufs. The attack was completely successful.
 
21st August 1918 During the Guards Division attack on 21st August 1918, the 1st Battalion captured the village of Moyenville, without serious loss.
 

FLERS-COURCELETTE 1916
World War I – France & Flanders - 15th September 1916     [back to top]
 
This battle was the first in which tanks were used, though on a limited scale. The three Coldstream Battalions attacked in line. The attack started badly with machine-guns opening up on the flank. Many officers were soon killed and the Guards Division became two groups of mixed units. Seeing the confusion, Lt Col J V Campbell of the 3rd Battalion rallied this mixed bag of men with his hunting horn and overran the machine-gun positions. The attack was carried forward and took the German trenches. Colonel Campbell then led the 2nd and 3rd Battalions on towards Les Boeufs but they came under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. A second call on the hunting horn rallied the troops and they took the next line of trenches where they consolidated as they were far in advance of the flanking British Divisions. Lt Col Campbell was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry.


MORVAL 1916
World War I – France & Flanders - 25th – 28th September 1916     [back to top]
 
Morval was attacked and captured after three days of ferocious fighting as part of the Battle of the Somme. All four battalions took part with the Guards Division.


PILCKEM 1917
World War I – France & Flanders - 31st July 1917     [back to top]
 
A battle in the Third Battle of Ypres, the 1st & 2nd Battalions attacked east of the Yser Canal and the line advanced some 3,000 yards to Pilckem. Pte T Whitham was awarded the Victoria Cross during this engagement.


MENIN ROAD 1917
World War I – France & Flanders - 20th – 25th September 1917     [back to top]

The attack took a section of the curving ridge which the Menin Road crossed. The fighting was extremely fierce but they managed to beat off the counter-attacks and consolidate the position.


POELCAPPELLE 1917
World War I – France & Flanders - 9th October 1917     [back to top]

An attack across a wide front which centred on Poelcappelle was launched whilst the Germans were in the course of a relief. They were taken by surprise and by nightfall the objectives had been captured and were held despite fierce counter-attacks.


PASSCHENDAELE 1917
World War I – France & Flanders - 9th October 1917     [back to top]

Passchendaele was one of the battles that were collectively known as the Third Battle of Ypres. The Guards Division undertook an attack which proceeded over 2,500 yards to the ridge to the left of Passchendaele. Coldstream casualties totalled 420 men from all four battalions. Passchendaele was finally captured by the Canadians on 6th November.


CAMBRAI 1917 & 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 27th November 1917     [back to top]

The 1st Battalion attacked and captured the village of Fontaine Notre Dame, taking 500 prisoners. Unfortunately the Battalion's losses were so great, that they were unable to find sufficient escorts and nearly half the prisoners escaped. The Germans then counter attacked and the Battalion was ordered to withdraw to the original Front Line.
 
30th November 1917 The Guards Division was called forward to help stem a German break through. On the 30th November, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions counter attacked at Gouzeaucourt, without artillery support and in spite of intense machine gun fire regained the lost positions.
 
9th October 1918 During the final advance to victory in 1918, the various Battalions of the Regiment, serving in the Guards Division fought many fierce actions with the enemy; that of the 2nd Battalion at Wambaix was typical, with the Germans fighting fiercely for every yard that they retreated.


ST QUENTIN 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 21st – 28th March 1918     [back to top]

The Germans launched a massive attack opposite St Quentin and although the British Army was pushed back 40 miles, the line was not broken. The Guards Division was put into the line on 23rd march and it was initially forced to withdraw some 3,000 yards. The Germans launched their final big attack on 28th March, but were held mainly due to good work by the machine-guns. The Guards Division acted as the ‘hinge’ maintaining contact with our static line in the north and the withdrawing troops.


BAPAUME 1918
World War I - France & Flanders - 21st August 1918     [back to top]

This was an attack by eight British divisions across a nine-mile front. It is interesting to note that three of those divisions, which were fighting in line – 5th, 2nd and Guards – were commanded by Coldstreamers; Major Generals J.Ponsonby, C.E.Pereira & G.P.T.Fielding. Coincidentally, in August 1914 they were commanding respectively the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions.
 
The attack was a complete success. The 1st Battalion as part of 2nd Guards Brigade seized their objective which was the village of Moyenville. The attack continued on the 23rd with the Battalion seizing the high ground near St Leger. This attack led to an advance of nearly 5,000 yards.


ARRAS 1918
World War I – France and Flanders - 26th March 1918     [back to top]

On 21st March 1918, the Germans made their last determined attack of the war from the direction of St Quentin. The Guards Division held a line to the flank of the main attack and resisted every onslaught. All four Coldstream Battalions were involved but did not incur heavy casualties. One of their stiffest encounters was at Douchy-les-Ayette on 26th March.
 

World War I – France & Flanders
27th August 1918     [back to top]

At 7a.m. the 2nd Battalion, leading the 1st Guards Brigade, launched an attack on an important system of German trenches east of St Leger. The enemy position was taken the same day, but the Battalion lost 10 Officers and 314 men.


LYS 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 9th – 29th April 1918     [back to top]

The Germans launched an attack aimed at capturing the Channel Ports. The British were forced to withdraw and the Germans gained much ground. After two weeks the weather broke and the combination of mud and the British artillery halted the German advance. The Germans gained a lot of ground but failed to make a breakthrough. The 3rd Battalion took part with the 4th Guards Brigade.


HAZEBROUCK 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 12th April 1918     [back to top]

In this action the 3rd Battalion as part of 4th Guards Brigade, was repeatedly attacked by strong forces. The right of the Battalion's position rested on L'Epinette, a village some five miles south-east of Hazebrouck. Very heavy casualties were suffered before the Germans were finally repulsed. In his despatch, the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Douglas Haig, wrote: "No more brilliant exploit has taken place since the opening of the enemy's offensive, though gallant actions have been without number."


ALBERT 1918
World War I – France and Flanders - 21st – 23rd August 1918     [back to top]

The British attacked in thick fog on a 90 mile front led by tanks. Although there was fierce fighting, Albert was captured on the 23rd. All four Battalions took part with the Guards Division.


SCARPE 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 26th - 30th August 1918     [back to top]

The 2nd Battalion, as part of 1st Guards Brigade, took part in this encounter. The Brigade attacked over a frontage of over 3,000 yards, but the enemy were well prepared with machine-guns, and despite early successes the attack stalled. However, a heavy artillery barrage was put down on the enemy position and the remnants of the Brigade rushed the German trenches and took them, capturing nearly 100 prisoners. During that night and the next day the Brigade pursued the retreating Germans for nearly a mile before they were forced to stop and consolidate their position.


DROCOURT-QUEANT 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 2nd – 3rd September 1918     [back to top]

The Drocourt-Queant Switch was part of the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line. The attack on the 2nd September was carried out by six British Divisions supported by tanks, motorised machine-guns, and Canadian Cavalry. A rapid and immediate success was gained. The Guards Division was sent onto the line that evening, and the 1st Battalion, as part of 2nd Guards Brigade, continued the advance for the next six days


HINDENBURG LINE 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 27th September 1918     [back to top]

On the 27th September the 1st Battalion attacked across the Canal du Nord. During the advance, Captain C H Frisby and LCpl T N Jackson each won the Victoria Cross for rushing enemy machine gun posts that were holding up the advance. Due to the heavy opposition, it was not until evening that the German resistance was overcome.


HAVRINCOURT 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 12th September 1918     [back to top]

The Germans had by now retreated to their fortified positions in the Hindenburg Line. Prior to the main assault on that line the strong outlying position at Havrincourt had to be subdued. The Guards Division took part in its capture between 12th and 18th September.


CANAL DU NORD 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 27th September 1918     [back to top]

The Canal du Nord at this point was part of the fortified Hindenburg Line, with wire defences covered by machine-guns. The 1st Battalion was given the task of forcing the crossing and this was achieved by 1700hrs. Both Captain C H Frisby and LCpl T N Jackson were both awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallantry in this action.


SELLE 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 20th October 1918     [back to top]

The River Selle was a major obstacle; 14 feet wide with banks that were over seven feet deep. The Royal Engineers and the 4th (Pioneer) Battalion erected eight infantry bridges in silence. The attack went in at dawn and the Guards Division crossed the river.


SAMBRE 1918
World War I – France & Flanders - 4th November 1918     [back to top]

The River Sambre was forced at Catillon and Ors, and Landrecies fell. In the centre of the line the British advanced through the forest defeating gallant German defensive actions. All four battalions took part with the Guards Division.


FRANCE & FLANDER 1914-18
World War I – France & Flanders     [back to top]

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions all went to France with the British Expeditionary Force in August 1914. The Guards Division was formed in August 1914, and from then on, all Guards Battalions fought together. The 4th (Pioneer) Bn was formed in August 1914 and served in France as the Pioneer Battalion of the Guards Division from August 1915.

The Regiment won seven Victoria Crosses and were awarded thirty-six Battle Honours.

 

WORLD WAR TWO (onwards) BATTLE HONOURS FOR THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS

DYLE 1940
World War II – North West Europe - 14th May 1940     [back to top]

On the 10th May 1940, the British Expeditionary Force moved forward into Belgium to check the German invasion of the Low Countries. The 1st Battalion took up a position on the River Dyle, near Louvain, and here on the 14th May they were attacked by German motorised troops. It was with considerable difficulty that the forward troops were withdrawn from close contact with the enemy forces when the Battalion retired some two days later.


DEFENCE OF ESCAUT 1940
World War II – North West Europe - 21st May 1940     [back to top]

During the withdrawal to Dunkirk, the 2nd Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting at Pecq, an important crossing on the River Escaut, which was denied to the Germans for three days until the Battalion was ordered to retire.


DUNKIRK 1940
World War II – North West Europe - 2nd June 1940     [back to top]

Both the 1st and 2nd Battalions were engaged in the heavy fighting during the last days of the evacuation from Dunkirk. The 1st Battalion at Furnes held out against determined German attempts to break into the perimeter, until they were ordered to retire to the beaches on 1st June. On the west of the perimeter, the 2nd Battalion held a position for four days against increasingly heavy attacks, until ordered to withdraw into Dunkirk as part of the Rear-Guard of the British Expeditionary Force. They finally embarked for England on the evening of 2nd June. In this short campaign, each Battalion suffered nearly 200 casualties.


EGYPTIAN FRONTIER 1940
World War II – North Africa - 18th August 1940     [back to top]

On the 18th August 1940, the 3rd Battalion took up positions at Sollum, on the Egyptian-Libyan frontier, and spent the next month actively patrolling against the Italian forces. They were attacked on 13th September by three Italian divisions and a tank group, and were forced to withdraw to Mersa Matruh.


SIDI BARRANI 1940
World War II – North Africa - 10th December 1940     [back to top]

The 3rd Battalion took part in the first victory of the war: the capture of Sidi Barrani and 6,500 prisoners by a small British force. On the 9th December, the Battalion captured Fort Maktilla, and, on the following day, took part in the final storm of Sidi Barrani.


HALFAYA 1941
World War II – North Africa - 27th May 1941     [back to top]

The 3rd Battalion, supported by only a field battery and a few tanks, was attacked by the 15th German Panzer Division. After 24 hours of heavy fighting, the Battalion was ordered to withdraw and with great difficulty slipped away from its overwhelming adversary. During this battle there were 100 casualties in the Battalion.


TOBRUK 1941,1942
World War II – North Africa - 18th November 1941       [back to top]
    
This day saw the start of the final and successful attempt to relieve Tobruk, which had been besieged for months, and clear the way to Cyrenaica. The 3rd Battalion took part in a number of small engagements, and finally led the advance for the last 100 miles, in difficult conditions to Agheila.
 
21st June 1942 After withdrawing from the Knightsbridge 'box' on 13th June, the 3rd Battalion joined the garrison of Tobruk. On the 21st June, orders were given for the garrison to surrender as further resistance was not thought possible. However, the remaining members of the Battalion, some 17 Officers and 183 Other Ranks, refused to surrender and fought their way out to rejoin the Eighth Army.


MSUS 1942
World War II – North Africa - 25th January 1942     [back to top]

This was a fine rear-guard action fought by the 3rd Battalion against a numerically superior enemy, who for five successive days outflanked the Coldstream positions. Each time the Battalion withdrew through the enemy lines under cover of darkness, and across extremely difficult desert country.


KNIGHTSBRIDGE 1942
World War II – North Africa - 12th June 1942     [back to top]

On the 17th May 1942, the 3rd Battalion, together with supporting artillery, started to fortify the Knightsbridge 'box', a vital position in the British defence against Rommel's expected attack. The 'box', which was only a stretch of flat desert with a wire perimeter, was first attacked by tanks on the 27th May, and from then onwards, it was incessantly shelled by German artillery. On the 7th June, a determined attack made by infantry and tanks, was beaten off, and on the 12th the Battalion was ordered to withdraw, which it did after repulsing a further attack made by the Germans in a dust storm, in which they lost 70 men.
 
The defence of the Knightsbridge 'box' for eighteen days by the 3rd Battalion ranks as one of the finest exploits of the Regiment in the Second World War.


DEFENCE OF THE ALAMEIN LINE 1942
World War II – North Africa - 5th July 1942     [back to top]

In the early weeks of July 1942, Rommel was making his final attempt to advance into Egypt and reach the Suez Canal. Troops were needed to check these attacks and so the weary remnants of the 3rd Battalion and the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, were formed into the Composite Guards Battalion. This Battalion went into the Alamein Line on the 5th July and held part of it for five days, before moving further south to help fight off the final German attacks.


LONGSTOP HILL 1942
World War II – North Africa - 24th December 1942     [back to top]

On the 22nd December, the 2nd Battalion attacked Longstop Hill, near Medjez-el-Bab, in order to clear the way for a British drive on Tunis. Once the hill was captured about midnight, the position was handed over to an American unit, and then the Battalion marched back 12 miles, through heavy rain to a rest area. However, on the 23rd December, the Germans successfully counter attacked, and the Battalion had to go forward again and recapture the hill on the evening of the 23rd. Heavy counter attacks by infantry and tanks on Christmas Day forced the Americans and the Battalion off the hill, and at 1000 hours they were ordered to withdraw, having suffered in this particular fierce battle some 10 Officers and 200 men killed or wounded.


SBIBA 1943
World War II – North Africa - 19th February 1943     [back to top]

On 14th February 1943, when the Germans broke through the Kasserine Pass, 1st Guards Brigade were rushed up to stem their advance. On 19th February, the Germans attacked the 2nd Battalion positions near Sbiba with tanks and infantry, but were repulsed. The attack was renewed the next day, but with no better success. The failure to break through here and in the next valley proved to be the turning point of Rommel's attack: within a few days the Allied line was once more secure.


STEAMROLLER FARM 1943
World War II – North Africa - 28th February 1943     [back to top]

During the final stages of their attacks in Tunisia, the Germans cut the important Madjez-Arrousa road. On 28th February, No3 Company of the 2nd Battalion, mounted on Churchill tanks, attacked along the road towards Steamroller Farm, a dominating enemy strong point. On approaching the position they came under heavy fire and were unable to advance further. During the night, the Germans withdrew and the road was again clear.


MEDENINE 1943
World War II – North Africa - 6th March 1943     [back to top]

201 Guards Brigade, with the 3rd Battalion as they left forward Battalion, were in a position defending a dominating hill, which lay astride the axis of the German attack. In the morning, the enemy attacked with tanks, and in the afternoon with infantry: both attacks were repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy. This was Rommel's last attack on the Eighth Army in North Africa.


MARETH 1943
World War II – North Africa - 16th March 1943     [back to top]

The 3rd Battalion, together with the 6th Battalion Grenadier Guards, were ordered to attack by night the "Horseshoe" ridge, an advanced position of the Mareth Line. This was thought to be a lightly held outpost, but was afterwards found to be defended by the greater part of the 90th Light Division and a Panzer Grenadier Battalion. Unexpected minefields, extensive wire, and very heavy fire brought the night attack to a standstill, and it was with great difficulty and many casualties that the remaining men of the forward companies were withdrawn. Only nine men returned from No1 Company, which had advanced through a minefield incurring heavy casualties, to capture one of the enemy forward positions.  It was the only success in an otherwise disastrous attack.


TUNIS 1943
World War II – North Africa - 7th May 1943     [back to top]

On this day Tunis was entered by the leading elements of the 6th and 7th Armoured Divisions, in the former of which, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Regiment were serving. Although the fighting lasted another week, the capture of this city was symbolic of the end of all German resistance in North Africa.


HAMMAN LIF 1943
World War II – North Africa - 8th May 1943     [back to top]
 
In order to evacuate their African forces from the Cap Bon peninsula, the Germans delayed the British advance at Hammam Lif, a narrow gap between a range of hills and the sea. The Welsh Guards gained a foothold at one end of these hills, and on the night of 8th May, the 2nd Battalion captured the rest of the ridge overlooking the gap. Next day the armour broke through and the remains of the Afrika Corps were rounded up.


NORTH AFRICA 1940-43
World War II – North Africa     [back to top]

The 3rd Bn was based in Egypt on the outbreak of war in 1939. They took part in the early battles in the Western Desert and were present when the First and Eighth Armies linked up in 1943. The 2nd Bn landed with the First Army in November 1942 and took part in most of the major engagements of the campaign.


SALERNO 1943
World War II – Italy - 10th September 1943      [back to top]

The 3rd Battalion landed at Salerno as part of the 201st Guards Brigade, and on the 10th September it was first involved in heavy and confused fighting which lasted four days, until it established itself in the line of a canal four miles inland.


BATTIPAGLIA 1943
World War II – Italy - 13th September 1943     [back to top]

In attempts to crush the Salerno beach-head, the Germans launched determined and savage counter attacks. On the night of 13th September the last great attack was made by two Battalions and 50 tanks against the positions held by the 3rd Battalion. For an hour and a half there was heavy fighting, during which time the Battalion fired 54,000 rounds of SAA ammunition. The attack was finally beaten off with heavy losses to the enemy.


CAPPEZANO 1943
World War II – Italy - 25th September 1943     [back to top]

Cappezano (Hill 270 near Salerno). Two weeks after landing at Salerno, the 3rd Battalion was engaged in bitter fighting in the advance towards Naples. They attacked a dominant feature, known as Hill 270, defended by a Battalion of Panzer Grenadiers, and despite intense opposition and severe casualties, the position was captured and held. In this battle, CSM Wright won the Victoria Cross for his magnificent leadership and outstanding bravery. All the Officers in his Company being either killed or wounded, he rallied the Company under heavy fire, and led them on to their objective. During the attack, he attacked, single-handed, three machine gun posts and silenced each one with his bayonet and hand-grenades. Later, with complete disregard of heavy enemy shell fire, he re-organised the Company which then successfully fought off a fierce counter attack.


VOLTURNO CROSSING 1943
World War II – Italy - 15th October 1943     [back to top]

After the fall of Naples, the Germans fell back to their Winter Line: a position of immense natural strength. On the 15th October, the 3rd Battalion crossed the River Volturno, the southermost outpost of the Winter Line, and for the next week, advanced slowly through mountainous country, sometimes fighting and at other times, carrying supplies for the remainder of the Brigade.


MONTE CAMINO 1943
World War II – Italy - 10th November 1943     [back to top]

On the 10th November, the 3rd Battalion relieved the Grenadiers on the slopes of Monte Camino, and then occupied the positions, on the open mountain side in appalling weather and under continuous enemy shell fire, until the Brigade was ordered to retire on the 14th November. The attack was renewed on the 2nd December, with the 3rd Battalion taking up its old positions, but the next day they could only advance from 1,000 yards. Here they remained, isolated for the next two days, without rations or water, under heavy fire from enemy snipers and mortars, and in bitterly cold weather. On the 8th December, the remainder of the Brigade passed through to clear the far side of the mountain.


CALABRITTO 1943
World War II – Italy - 6th November 1943     [back to top]

The approaches to the Winter Line were completely dominated by the German position on Monte Camino. 201 Guards Brigade was allotted the task of assaulting the mountain, with the 3rd Battalion securing the lower slopes, together with the small town of Calabritto, which lay at its base. The Battalion occupied the town at dawn on the 7th November after hard fighting on the previous day, and remained there for the next three days to protect the flanks of the remainder of the Brigade, who were fighting fiercely to maintain their positions on Monte Camino.


GARIGLIANO CROSSING 1944
World War II – Italy - 21st January 1944     [back to top]

On 21st January 1944, the 3rd Battalion crossed the River Garigliano, and took over positions at Trimonsuoli in preparation for an advance northwards. However, enemy counter attacks made this impossible. The Battalion remained in this position for a fortnight, overlooked by the enemy on three sides, under constant shell fire, and in almost incessant rain. During this time, the Battalion regained complete control of No-Man's Land, and repelled all further counter attacks despite heavy casualties.


MONTE ORNITO 1944
World War II – Italy - 17th February 1944     [back to top]

The 2nd Battalion took up positions on Monte Ornito, the tip of the Allied salient. The Germans were determined to regain this position and for 12 days the Battalion was subjected to persistent attacks. Despite the bitter cold, the snow and the appalling difficulty of obtaining supplies the Battalion fought off every counter attack, and when the position was handed over on 20th February, the slopes were strewn with enemy dead. The Battalion suffered 190 casualties, and some 50 men were sent to hospital suffering from frostbite.


MONTE PICCOLO
World War II – Italy - 28th May 1944     [back to top]

The 1st Guards Brigade was ordered to capture a German rear-guard position that was holding up the advance of the Eighth Army. During the early morning of 28th May the 2nd Battalion was attacked and took up positions on Monte Piccolo, which they defended against savage German counter attacks throughout the next day. On the following morning it was discovered that the Germans had retired.


CAPTURE OF PERUGIA 1944
World War II – Italy - 20th June 1944     [back to top]

On the 20th June 1944, the 2nd Battalion entered the town of Perugia, and were then held up by strong enemy positions on Monte Pacciano. On the 26th June, the 1st Guards Brigade captured these positions by a night attack.


AREZZO 1944
World War II – Italy - 15th July 1944     [back to top]

The 1st Guards Brigade were ordered to take Monte Ligano, a position that was preventing 6th Armoured Division from entering the city of Arrezzo. After the Grenadiers had captured part of the ridge, the 2nd Battalion passed through on the morning of 15th July to seize the rest of the hill. A heavy counter attack was launched by the Germans as the companies left the start line but this was repulsed, and the Battalion went on to capture its objective after very heavy fighting. By nightfall, the whole mountain was securely in our hands, and Arrezzo fell on the following day.


CAGNY 1944 
World War II – North West Europe - 18th July 1944     [back to top]

Operation 'GOODWOOD' was the first stage of the break-out from the Normandy beach-head, and the first action of the Guards Armoured Division. Both the 1st (Armoured) and the 5th Battalions took part in this attack, which was halted, after very heavy fighting, by a strong German anti-tank gun screen.


ADVANCE TO FLORENCE 1944
World War II – Italy - 3rd August 1944     [back to top]

From the beginning of June until the 3rd August, the 24th Guards Brigade and the South African Armoured Division fought their way to Florence. The Germans fought fierce rear-guard actions and the 3rd Battalion were involved in several battles, the last of which took place on 3rd August at San Gersole, a small town two miles outside Florence. This was the last resistance offered by the Germans south of the River Arno, and the Scots Guards entered Florence the following day. The 2nd Battalion also took part in the advance as part of the 6th Armoured Division.


MONTE DOMINI 1944
World War II – Italy - 23rd July 1944     [back to top]

The British advance on Florence was held up by German positions on the 2,000 ft high Monte Domini. An attempt to by-pass the mountain having failed, the 3rd Battalion attacked, supported by tanks of the Pretoria Regiment, and drove the enemy from their position. Next day the advance continued.


MONT PINCON 1944
World War II – North West Europe - 30th July 1944     [back to top]

The 1st, 4th and 5th Battalions took part in the attacks that took place over the heavily wooded and hilly country, known as the Normandy 'Bocage'. These attacks were intended to occupy large German forces, leaving the American forces free to break out from the Normandy beach-head.


QUARRY HILL 1944
World War II – North West Europe - 30th July 1944     [back to top]

Quarry Hill (Hill No 309 near Caumont). On the 30th July 1944, 6th Guards Tank Brigade, in their first action of the war, attacked southwards from Caumont in support of the 15th Scottish Division. During the battle the 4th (Tank) Battalion, although it had out-run its infantry, went on to seize its final objective, Hill 309, and defended it until the infantry arrived at midnight. On the 31st July, the Battalion helped to defeat heavy German counter attacks directed against the hill. This advance, largely due to the fighting qualities of the Coldstream Battalion ensured that the break out from the beach-head was at last under way.


ESTRY 1944
World War II – North West Europe - 6th August 1944     [back to top]

In an operation designed to protect the flank of the Guards Armoured Division, the 4th (Tank) Battalion attacked near Estry in the BOCAGE on 6th August. A vigorous and well co-ordinated German defence caused many casualties amongst tanks and the supporting infantry, and the attack was only a partial success.


HEPPEN 1944
World War II – North West Europe - 8th September 1944     [back to top]

On the 8th September 1944, the 5th Battalion supported by tanks of the 1st (Armoured) Battalion, advanced to try to capture Bourg Leopold. In spite of launching five attacks in 36 hours, the Coldstream Group could not capture Bourg Leopold itself, but established itself in Heppen.


NEDERRIJN
World War II – North West Europe     [back to top]

Attempting to reach the Airborne Division who were fighting for the bridges over the Nederrijn at Arnhem, 30 Corps advanced along the Eindhoven-Arnhem road, leaving the flanks to be cleared later. On 22nd September, the Germans cut the supply route and the Coldstream Group, composed of the 1st (Armoured) and 5th Battalions, was ordered to clear the road. The next day, in bitter fighting that lasted for two hours, the Group cleared the village of Vokel and re-opened the road to supplies.


CATARELTO RIDGE 1944
World War II – Italy - 1st October 1944     [back to top]

Whilst the Scots Guards and the Grenadier Guards were engaged in heavy fighting on the Catarelto Ridge, the 3rd Battalion were ordered to advance on the opposite side of the valley. Supported by tanks of the Pretoria Regiment the Companies advanced until held up by extremely heavy shell and machine gun fire. The Battalion then dug in and remained in these positions until the 3rd October, when it was discovered that the enemy had retired.


VENRAIJ 1944
World War II – North West Europe - 12th October 1944     [back to top]

The 3rd Division, supported by the 6th Guards Tank Brigade, attacked on 12th October, the object of widening the Allied corridor leading to Nijmegen. The 4th (Tank) Battalion attacked towards Venraij, which fell seven days later after fierce fighting, during which the tanks were severely handicapped by mines, mud and rain. The success of the operation lessened the threat to the communications of 21 Army Group.


MEIJEL 1944
World War II – North West Europe - 30th October 1944     [back to top]

The 6th Guards Tank Brigade were hurriedly summoned from another part of the Front to help repel a German counter attack made by two German Panzer Divisions. This battle was fought by squadrons of the 4th (Tank) Battalion in support of infantry battalions advancing along the road towards the village of Meijel. Resistance was heavy and tanks were often seriously delayed by the mud.


ROER 1945
World War II – North West Europe - 21st January 1945     [back to top]

In an attack designed to straighten the Allied Line, the 4th (Tank) Battalion attacked on 21st January in support of infantry attacks directed against the River Roer. For two days the tanks fought in snow and mist, at times against heavy opposition.


RHINELAND 1945
World War II – North West Europe - 8th February 1945     [back to top]

The 1st, 4th and 5th Battalions all played a prominent part in "Operation Vertable" which was a series of attacks, lasting until 9th March, designed to clear the Germans from the country between the River Meuse and Rhine.


REICHSWALD 1945
World War II – North West Europe - 8th February 1945     [back to top]

On 8th February 1945, the 6th Guards Tank Brigade attacked to break through the Siegfried Line. The 4th (Tank) Battalion was on the right and found that their main enemy was the almost impassable mud. The Battalion reached their objectives, and the Grenadiers passed through to attempt to breach the main defences.


CLEVE 1945
World War II – North West Europe - 11th February 1945     [back to top]

After the breaching of the Siegfried Line, 6th Guards Tank Brigade and 15th Scottish Division went on to capture Cleve. The main contribution of the 4th (Tank) Battalion was the keeping open of the only remaining route to the battle: in 24 hours, the Armoured Recovery Vehicles of the Battalion extricated more than 100 vehicles from the mud.


GOCH 1945
World War II – North West Europe - 20th February 1945     [back to top]

On 20th February the 4th (Tank) Battalion supported 227th Infantry Brigade in an attack to the east of Goch. Progress was slow as the infantry were frequently delayed by heavy shell-fire but by nightfall all objectives were reached and two squadrons then withdrew. The remaining squadron helped to repel heavy counter attacks on the following day, and then rejoined the Battalion that evening.


MOYLAND 1945
World War II– North West Europe - 14th February 1945     [back to top]

After the capture of Cleve, the 4th (Tank) Battalion was ordered to advance towards Calcar. On the 14th February, No3 Squadron set out to capture the village of Moyland but were held up by stubborn German resistance. On the following day they were joined by No1 Squadron who were, however, then held up by a thick minefield and heavy shell fire. Both squadrons were relieved next day and withdrew to Cleve.


HOCHWALD 1945
World War II – North West Europe - 8th February 1945     [back to top]

In two days of heavy fighting, the 4th (Tank) Battalion supported 185th Infantry Brigade in its attacks on Kervenheim. The German paratroops, supported by artillery, fought hard with bazookas and grenades and it was not until 2nd March that the town was entered.


RHINE 1945