The Household Division’s newest soldiers are heading to The King’s Birthday Parade in June.
Coldstream Guards personnel being fitted for their tunics.
TGDSM Brandon Westbury getting fitted for his tunic.
Coldstream Guards personnel being fitted for their tunics.
Coldstream Guards personnel being fitted for their tunics.
Coldstream Guards personnel being fitted for their ceremonial uniform.
Guardsman, Joseph Mann, Coldstream Guards.
Guardsman Brandon Westbury, Coldstream Guards.
Guardsman Harrison Fricker, Coldstream Guards
Fresh from the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick Garrison, Alma Platoon’s Coldstream Guards will parade on His Majesty The King’s official ceremony. The parade will mark the start of their ceremonial duties.
The Trainee Guardsmen have been busy preparing and training to be part of Trooping the Colour shortly after.
I didn’t think it was something I could go straight into as a new Guardsman, but ultimately the training here has made me feel prepared.
Months of preparations include learning the fundamental skills of becoming an infantry soldier, live fire tactical training, drills on the parade square and, more recently, being fitted for their tunics in order to provide escort to The King on his birthday.
Trooping the Colour is a traditional military ceremony that has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for more than 260 years. For the newest Guardsmen, the event is one of the biggest they will experience in their career.
The Guardsmen passed out from The Infantry Training Centre on 18 April and headed to London immediately to prepare for the ceremony.
Guardsman, Joseph Mann, aged 27, said: “Going from pass out to the King’s Birthday parade is very daunting.
“I didn’t think it was something I could go straight into as a new Guardsman, but ultimately the training here has made me feel prepared.
When I was fitted for my tunic it was a very surreal moment. It made me excited to be a part of the parade and what’s to come in my career.
“At the end of the day, it’s our bread and butter as Guardsmen to do big events and ceremonial duties.”
Trying on their uniform for the parade was a standout moment for Guardsman Brandon Westbury, aged 27. He said: “When I was fitted for my tunic it was a very surreal moment. It made me excited to be a part of the parade and what’s to come in my career.
“Coming from Windsor, I’ve grown up seeing the Changing of the Guard and I never thought I’d be in their position. I can’t believe I’m now a Guardsman myself.”
It’s a very new life to my family as I’m the first to enlist, but they are very proud of me taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade so early in my career, they’re all trying to get tickets to watch me on the day.
Being part of the King’s Birthday Parade so early in their career is an honour not lost on Harrison Fricker, aged 21. He said: “I’m really happy to be going straight from pass out to the King’s Birthday Parade, it’s what I’m here for and trained to do."
Harrison’s family are looking to get some of the 8,000 tickets up for grabs in the ballot to watch him parade.
He said: “It’s a very new life to my family as I’m the first to enlist, but they are very proud of me taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade so early in my career, they’re all trying to get tickets to watch me on the day.”
The King’s Birthday Parade is watched by millions of people and for the Guardsmen, the personal pride they will feel taking part following their regimental history is massive.
Alma Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Tom Allan, will be moving positions at the time of the parade, but he’s made sure to give his soldiers lots of helpful advice and will be watching on the day.
“The King’s Birthday Parade is watched by millions of people and for the Guardsmen, the personal pride they will feel taking part following their regimental history is massive.
“Throughout tough times in training I have reminded the Guardsmen that there is an end in sight; that being on the King’s Birthday Parade is the epitome of what we do within the Household Division.
“I’m very proud of the guys. Watching them turn up as civilians in September and seeing them progress as the fine young men they are now.
“I’m heading onto Operation Interflex at the time of the parade, but I will find the time out of my busy working schedule to watch my recruits.”
