@@thecurlew7403 Size doesn't matter these days. Look at the Russians bogged down in Ukraine. It's training and equipment that cuts the mustard. Anyway, Britain will only ever fight a general war in Europe as part of a multi-national NATO force.
I agree entirely, and as I said, we still have the best trained soldiers in the world. I'm certainly well aware of their operational role, and I take nothing away from all that they've achieved over the many years. Yesterday, I watched as always, the Trooping of the Colour, and I have to say that I was not only dismayed, but embarrassed at the spectacle - not a straight-ish line to be seen, every line a dogleg, standing at attention but still adjusting their uniforms and shifting their feet, one officer leading his troop, but out of step with them, slow marching with heels down, one Guardsman squeezed so tightly he was unable to move, let alone swing his arms, and calamity...a trooper falling off his horse - presumably he had fallen asleep! Mounted soldiers do not "fall off" their horse, they are either thrown or they're asleep! For the last few months leading up to this week's ceremonies, we've had report after report of the troops rehearsing all over the place, but it all counted for nothing as the Trooping was little short of a shambles. And I have to say, it was not the Irish Guards, it was all of the others! I know that HM's eagle eye does not miss much, and I know that when she finds a fault, the word is passed down to the particular troop officer i/c. So I wonder how many red faces are in the various troops today!!
@@reggriffiths5769 well if they can't get it right after 6 weeks rehearsal then they will never get it right. The problem today is the Grenadiers, Coldstream and Scots are all incremental companies from their old second battalions and are made up of young guards who are just out of basic training, in my day it was guardsmen from throughout the battalion, seasoned men who had a lot of experience and it shows.
I am ex para reg, and the guards div are closely linked with para reg. Arnhem for one with the Mick guards. Plus guards independent platoon in 3 para. Also the joint NCO cadre at pirtbright. Looking sharp boys
Served in the Scot’s guards from 74 to 84 presented with new colours back in 76 if my memory serves me right in the gardens to the rear of buck palace my wife met the queen after the parade
Proud, gain height neck at the back of the collar chest out dig them heels in watch your dressing. Can't beat the British army for high profile skills and drills
I have to agree with you. I was thinking a few days ago that the Guards of today are not nearly as smart as those of the earier part of last century. I suspect the reasons are (a) height restriction now much lower and look somewhat out of place beside the taller men , and (b) (and I'm not being at all sexist), women do not fit well in a troop of men! Standards have generally slipped, and I've often thought that the Guards had become quite sloppy over the years. For my money, I don't think there is a regiment as smart and precise as HM Royal Marines, with the Royal Irish and Royal Scots in close second place. The RAF Regt has certainly come a long way over the years, and they could certainly give the Grenadiers a few lessons! There is also another good reason in my opinion; for the loss of so many good and famous regiments has meant a loss of pride, and that's really down to the Government cuts. When you disband a regiment with many famous Battle Honours, it knocks the heart out of any potential recruit who may wonder if his unit is next. On the battlefield however, our lads prove their worth every time, just as they'done for centuries. The pride and glory of the regiment is of course enshrined in the Colours. Long may it continue, and Bless 'em all.
@Will Rose It depends what you mean about not joining through choice in the 1930s. There was no conscription at that time, so the choice, in reality was most certainly there. The official figures on recruiting seem to indicate no significant downfall over the years (ignoring the cuts), and indeed both the Afghan and even the events in Ukraine seemed to have encouraged a great deal more interest; and perphaps "faffing around" the countryside may be a bit more appealing to those unqualified or unable to get the kind of work they want; so, I'm sorry I can't agree with your assessment.
@Will Rose At the age of twelve, my stepfather became the sole breadwinner for his mother and three siblings, and at sixteen, decided to join up in 1934, served in China, Hong Kong and India, before joining the Royal Military Police at the outbreak of war, served all over Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Levant, and earned ten Campaign Medals, was MID, and awarded the BEM (Military) by the King for his pre/during and post Miliatry service. The whole point of my post was to show that people DID have the choice and options open to them - popular or not. Such men who made that choice are to be held in our highest esteem.
@@reggriffiths5769 not sure about the height restriction, there seems to be a bit of a 'width' issue with some of them! Maybe put them on the rack and stretch them out a bit :-0
@@richardbrennan8271 Couldn't agree more! How guys (and gals) manage to get through Basic Training is beyond me, which certainly suggests slipping standards! Having said that, on comparison, I reckon we still have the best trained soldiers in the world; just a shame that many of them - especially the Guards - really do look quite sloppy on occasion.
What a state of affairs. The numbers in HM Forces are slashed, and even then we can’t kit out a complete single battalion of the Guards in ceremonial dress.
This is the whole battalion and F company, the one's in ceremonial dress, on the way to Buckingham Palace to recieve new colours from the Queen, they are not providing ceremonial duties, except F company, so do not wear ceremonial uniform as they are in their operational role.
And another armchair General spouting the usual ignorance. Any excuse for a rant right? Forces numbers have not been 'slashed' the people joining up never reached target so the target was adjusted to teh reality. No one was 'slashed'. As for 'no kit'? I mean really? 🤡
Wellington barrack looks very run down they closed chelsea barrack which was better and purpose built just needed a revamp they dont care anything about there soldiers never did.
@@JammyDodger45The “Rocks” as they quaintly insist on calling themselves are as irrelevant as continuity drill. Send them to ITC Catterick, and attach them to infantry battalions as Defence Platoons, give them something useful to do instead of believing that they actually equate to soldiers.
@@bernardquatermass4418 - it's hard to believe you're on a thread about Woodentops and are talking about 'actual soldiers'. As it is I've Deployed on Ops with many Infantry Battalions and a number of RAF Regiment Squadrons and the Rocks were indisputably better than 75% of their woeful Army brethren.
Always one in the comments, Commonwealth members so yes they can join whichever regiment that needs recruits. What has colour got to do with it, these gentlemen who wish the serve in HM armed services kudos to them. No one mentions about fair skinned officers in Ghurka regiments your showing your racist bs here.
If you're in a Scottish regiment you're a Scot. It disnae matter whether born a Scot or adopted a Scot, you've become a Scot by right of blood, sweat and duty and you'll be forever bound to the Auld Country with a bond stronger and deeper than any Civvie or Ned could ever dream of
Many thanks for putting up this video, served in both 1st & 2nd Battalion’s & F Company. 🔵🔴🔵
@@thecurlew7403 Size doesn't matter these days. Look at the Russians bogged down in Ukraine. It's training and equipment that cuts the mustard. Anyway, Britain will only ever fight a general war in Europe as part of a multi-national NATO force.
Remember, The Guards do the operational just as efficiently as the ceremonial.
Massive respect from an ex-Royal Engineer.
🇬🇧
Worked with the engineers in Germany and Canada, good blokes and good at their job.
I agree entirely, and as I said, we still have the best trained soldiers in the world. I'm certainly well aware of their operational role, and I take nothing away from all that they've achieved over the many years.
Yesterday, I watched as always, the Trooping of the Colour, and I have to say that I was not only dismayed, but embarrassed at the spectacle - not a straight-ish line to be seen, every line a dogleg, standing at attention but still adjusting their uniforms and shifting their feet, one officer leading his troop, but out of step with them, slow marching with heels down, one Guardsman squeezed so tightly he was unable to move, let alone swing his arms, and calamity...a trooper falling off his horse - presumably he had fallen asleep! Mounted soldiers do not "fall off" their horse, they are either thrown or they're asleep! For the last few months leading up to this week's ceremonies, we've had report after report of the troops rehearsing all over the place, but it all counted for nothing as the Trooping was little short of a shambles. And I have to say, it was not the Irish Guards, it was all of the others! I know that HM's eagle eye does not miss much, and I know that when she finds a fault, the word is passed down to the particular troop officer i/c. So I wonder how many red faces are in the various troops today!!
@@reggriffiths5769 well if they can't get it right after 6 weeks rehearsal then they will never get it right. The problem today is the Grenadiers, Coldstream and Scots are all incremental companies from their old second battalions and are made up of young guards who are just out of basic training, in my day it was guardsmen from throughout the battalion, seasoned men who had a lot of experience and it shows.
@@kevinadamson5768 I quite agree with you. I just can't get over the shame and embarrassment I feel.
@@reggriffiths5769 only someone who has been there and done it will notice the slip in standards .
I am ex para reg, and the guards div are closely linked with para reg. Arnhem for one with the Mick guards. Plus guards independent platoon in 3 para. Also the joint NCO cadre at pirtbright.
Looking sharp boys
Respects ex ruc and hong kong polis the old days oosterbeek 3 times utriinque paratus big lad
Served in the Scot’s guards from 74 to 84 presented with new colours back in 76 if my memory serves me right in the gardens to the rear of buck palace my wife met the queen after the parade
I was 1st battalion and we got presented with new colours in 1987 in the gardens round the back. 😊
I'm proud to say I served in this battalion in the 80,s and got presented with new colours by HM queen Elizabeth 11. In 1987.
royal marines officer on a day off, i think ill just go and inspect the scots guards today.
Magnificent, sterling precision marching to the palace. [Lieutenant Commander Ehrlich, Royal Australian Navy]
Looks like a Royal Marines officer is helping straighten out those guardsman. Goes to show it takes the (Navy ) Marines to lead the way .
how are we just now seeing this footage! Very cool!
..as a history buff.."many a 'pipe' has helped a soldier find his way home"..🍻🌸😌
Proud, gain height neck at the back of the collar chest out dig them heels in watch your dressing.
Can't beat the British army for high profile skills and drills
Good to see the Sergeant Major deciding that carrying his L85 by gripping the magazine may not have been a good idea.
Magnificent.
Im surprised Wellington barracks is still standing, it was literally falling apart bk in 2001 when i got there
Awesome #Respect
I bet that Sergeant who was first inspected would not be best pleased if a Lieutenant, he had probably trained, picked him up for anything. 🤪🤪🤣🤣
2017 was the year the regiment received new colours so that many soldiers is probably to do with that
Can anyone tell me why there is RM officer at the head of one of the companies
The Corps has a number of exchange posts with Army Regiments. The one with the SG is a company 2i/c position.
Sgt. Major a nice tall man.😙 not sure what you call the band drillers, but he is a wee Scotsman. (GAUN yourself son)😆
Anyone know what was the first tune played by the band as they left barracks?
Atholl highlanders
The guards standards are getting worse as the years roll on you can see the difference from here until now in 5 years
I have to agree with you. I was thinking a few days ago that the Guards of today are not nearly as smart as those of the earier part of last century. I suspect the reasons are (a) height restriction now much lower and look somewhat out of place beside the taller men , and (b) (and I'm not being at all sexist), women do not fit well in a troop of men! Standards have generally slipped, and I've often thought that the Guards had become quite sloppy over the years. For my money, I don't think there is a regiment as smart and precise as HM Royal Marines, with the Royal Irish and Royal Scots in close second place. The RAF Regt has certainly come a long way over the years, and they could certainly give the Grenadiers a few lessons!
There is also another good reason in my opinion; for the loss of so many good and famous regiments has meant a loss of pride, and that's really down to the Government cuts. When you disband a regiment with many famous Battle Honours, it knocks the heart out of any potential recruit who may wonder if his unit is next. On the battlefield however, our lads prove their worth every time, just as they'done for centuries. The pride and glory of the regiment is of course enshrined in the Colours. Long may it continue, and Bless 'em all.
@Will Rose It depends what you mean about not joining through choice in the 1930s. There was no conscription at that time, so the choice, in reality was most certainly there.
The official figures on recruiting seem to indicate no significant downfall over the years (ignoring the cuts), and indeed both the Afghan and even the events in Ukraine seemed to have encouraged a great deal more interest; and perphaps "faffing around" the countryside may be a bit more appealing to those unqualified or unable to get the kind of work they want; so, I'm sorry I can't agree with your assessment.
@Will Rose At the age of twelve, my stepfather became the sole breadwinner for his mother and three siblings, and at sixteen, decided to join up in 1934, served in China, Hong Kong and India, before joining the Royal Military Police at the outbreak of war, served all over Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Levant, and earned ten Campaign Medals, was MID, and awarded the BEM (Military) by the King for his pre/during and post Miliatry service.
The whole point of my post was to show that people DID have the choice and options open to them - popular or not. Such men who made that choice are to be held in our highest esteem.
@@reggriffiths5769 not sure about the height restriction, there seems to be a bit of a 'width' issue with some of them! Maybe put them on the rack and stretch them out a bit :-0
@@richardbrennan8271 Couldn't agree more! How guys (and gals) manage to get through Basic Training is beyond me, which certainly suggests slipping standards!
Having said that, on comparison, I reckon we still have the best trained soldiers in the world; just a shame that many of them - especially the Guards - really do look quite sloppy on occasion.
Officers should not touch you,just point out anything that is incorrect…
720p would be nice.
What a state of affairs. The numbers in HM Forces are slashed, and even then we can’t kit out a complete single battalion of the Guards in ceremonial dress.
This is the whole battalion and F company, the one's in ceremonial dress, on the way to Buckingham Palace to recieve new colours from the Queen, they are not providing ceremonial duties, except F company, so do not wear ceremonial uniform as they are in their operational role.
Lol that’s not why they’re in 2s. They’re not on guard so don’t wear the red tunics
And another armchair General spouting the usual ignorance. Any excuse for a rant right?
Forces numbers have not been 'slashed' the people joining up never reached target so the target was adjusted to teh reality. No one was 'slashed'.
As for 'no kit'? I mean really? 🤡
Thank god I was a short arse. I also note there is a Royal Marine Office attached to a company. Poor bastart he must have upset somebody.
Wellington barrack looks very run down they closed chelsea barrack which was better and purpose built just needed a revamp they dont care anything about there soldiers never did.
RAF Rgt take note….
Of what?
The Guards don't do continuity drill like the Rocks so I doubt they'd learn much from this.
@@JammyDodger45The “Rocks” as they quaintly insist on calling themselves are as irrelevant as continuity drill.
Send them to ITC Catterick, and attach them to infantry battalions as Defence Platoons, give them something useful to do instead of believing that they actually equate to soldiers.
@@bernardquatermass4418 - it's hard to believe you're on a thread about Woodentops and are talking about 'actual soldiers'.
As it is I've Deployed on Ops with many Infantry Battalions and a number of RAF Regiment Squadrons and the Rocks were indisputably better than 75% of their woeful Army brethren.
Get it right or the badge will chin you haha
Baboon 《AIDS Plague 》k9 teeth
Cannibal 《Plague and Pestilence 》
Smart.but not a touch on the Micks
Everything goes well until the SNOTTY OFFICERS arrive.
5 colored guardsman in the platoon...??????:::ARE THE ALL SCOTTISCH ?
Always one in the comments, Commonwealth members so yes they can join whichever regiment that needs recruits. What has colour got to do with it, these gentlemen who wish the serve in HM armed services kudos to them. No one mentions about fair skinned officers in Ghurka regiments your showing your racist bs here.
@@katerinakemp5701 well said.
It would be nice if "Rainer" could spell the word "Scottish"
If you're in a Scottish regiment you're a Scot. It disnae matter whether born a Scot or adopted a Scot, you've become a Scot by right of blood, sweat and duty and you'll be forever bound to the Auld Country with a bond stronger and deeper than any Civvie or Ned could ever dream of
Shock, horror, there are Asians, people of African decent as well as Italians etc born in Scotland so Scottish.