The Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards trace their history and
formation from two Regiments of the New Model Army. These 10
companies were united under Colonel George Monck in 1650 and were
officially known as Monck’s Regiment of Foot, serving with distinction at
the Battle of Dunbar in 1651.
Cromwell died in the autumn of 1658 and in the following year Monck, who was the General Commander in Scotland, moved his headquarters to the town of Coldstream on the Tweed. It was from here that the Regiment gained its name.
On January 1 1660, General Monck started from Coldstream on his historic march to London, which he reached at the beginning of February. The Coldstreamers were then used to keep order and repress the disturbances which had broken out at the end of Parliamentary rule.
The end of May 1660 saw the Restoration of Charles II as King of England, whereupon General Monck was created Duke of Albemarle, and his Regiment, commonly known as Coldstreamers, was inspected by the King on his triumphal entry into London.
Monck's Regiment of Horse and Foot paraded on Tower Hill and ordered to lay down their arms and disband, and then were immediately ordered to take them up in the name of the King. From that moment the Regiment became personal Guards to the Sovereign of the Realm.
Colours
The Queen's Colours. 1st Bn Coldstream Guard - Gules (Crimson).
In the centre the Star of the Order of the Garter proper, ensigned with the Crown; in base a Sphinx argent between two branches in laurel and tied with a riband vert; above a scroll or, the word 'Egypt' in black letters.
2nd Bn Coldstream Guard - Gules (Crimson).
In the centre a Star of eight points argent, within the Garter proper, ensigned with the Crown; in base the Sphinx superscribed 'Egypt' as for the 1st Battalion; in dexter canton the Union. (2nd Bn placed in suspended animation on 31 December 1993 - Colours are retained by Number 7 company, Coldstream Guards).
The Regimental Colours
The Union; in the centre a Company Badge ensigned with the Crown; in base the Sphinx superscribed 'Egypt'. the 24 Company Badges are borne in rotation, two at a time on the Regimental Colour of each of the Battalions.
Battle Honours
The Regiment has 112 Battle Honours, 43 of which are on the Colours. the last Battle Honour awarded is 'Gulf 1991'.
Since 1945 the Regiment has served in Palestine, Malaya, Kenya, British Guiana, Aden, Northern Ireland and in the British Army of the Rhine. In 1991 the 1st Battalion served in the Gulf as part of the 1st (UK) Armoured Division, itself under the command of VII (US) Corps. The 1st Battalion is based in Munster and currently serving in Northern Ireland having returned from serving with the United Nations in Bosnia in May 1994. The Regiment now consists of an Armoured infantry Battalion, an Independent Rifle Company, Number 7 Company, who are based at Chelsea Barracks on Ceremonial Duties but who are due to move to Northern Ireland in May of this year.
The Regiment is known as the Coldstream Guards or the Coldstream but never as Coldstreams: those serving or who have served are known as Coldstreamers. the distinguishing marks of the Regiment are the Star of the Order of the Garter (the Capstar), the red plume worn on the right side of the bearskin cap, the buttons in pairs on the tunic and the white band around the forage cap.
The Queen inspecting the Coldstream Guards.
Regimental quick march - "Milanollo".
Regimental slow march - "Figaro".
