Page 25 - RAPTC 23/24

As I approach the end of my fourth year with the 1st Bn London Guards, I can look back on a very enjoyable and rewarding time. 1st Bn London Guards are the only Army Reserve Infantry Battalion of the Guards Division.
The Battalion provides highly trained infantry soldiers to reinforce the five regiments of Foot Guards on operations, both domestically and around the world. The Battalion offers a range of capabilities with specialisms in both individual and support weapons.
The Battalion’s training during 2023/24 has seen its troops regularly deploy around the United Kingdom to develop and hone their infantry skills. Recently the Battalion has been taking lessons learned from Ukraine in Fighting in Built Up Areas and interoperability with its partners by
WO2 (QMSI) K Pitcairn RAPTC
exercising in Lydd and Hythe Ranges and on the plains of Zaragoza Training Area with the Spanish Army.
October 2023 saw the Battalion deploy a Company of officers and soldiers to Spain in conjunction with a large Battlegroup level exercise, which was in turn supported by our regular brethren from Number 7 Company, Coldstream Guards. Soldiers from the London Guards also deployed to Kenya on Ex HARAKA STORM, in support of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. This saw a platoon strength deploy and train with their regular counterparts in an austere and challenging environment, which the Reservists relished.
Operationally and at home, the London Guards have continued to support Op INTERFLEX as part of the United
1st Bn London Guards – Presentation of New Colours July 2023
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1ST BATTALION LONDON GUARDS
Kingdom’s support to training the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Finally, after supporting the King’s Coronation in 2023, the Battalion received its new Colours from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in July during a well-attended ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards has long stood as a beacon of excellence within the British Army, and the year 23/24 was no exception. From rigorous Op SHADER (Iraq) training to fostering leadership through promotion cadres and culminating in a remarkable 24-hour charity event led by SSgt (SSI) C Grose RAPTC.
Amidst the ever-evolving global landscape, the Coldstream Guards remained at the forefront of operational readiness. Throughout the year, soldiers from Number 1 Company undertook intensive training exercises in preparation for deployment to Iraq. These training sessions, conducted with meticulous attention to detail, honed the Battalion’s skills in counterterrorism, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. From simulated combat scenarios to cultural sensitivity workshops, every aspect of Op SHADER
SSgt (SSI) C Grose stretching off the troops in front of Windsor Castle
SSgt (SSI) C Grose RAPTC
training was meticulously crafted to ensure the Battalion’s preparedness for deployment later in the year.
Recognising the importance of cultivating leadership from within, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards invested heavily in promotion cadres throughout the year. These cadres provided aspiring leaders with the tools, knowledge and mentorshipnecessarytoexcelintheir roles. From junior non-commissioned officers to seasoned veterans. The promotion cadres not only strengthened the Battalion’s leadership pipeline but also fostered a culture of continuous growth and development among its ranks, whilst also displaying their fitness levels outside the King’s castle!
SSgt (SSI) C Grose RAPTC organised a remarkable 24-hour charity event, which brought together soldiers, families, and members of the local community,
No 1 Coy Pre-deployment Training for Op SHADER 24
aimed to raise funds for Oxford Children Hospital. SSgt C Grose’s leadership and initiative exemplified the Battalion’s ethos of selflessness and compassion, finishing with well over £4000.00 towards his chosen charity.
As the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards reflects on the events of the past year, it does so with pride in its accomplishmentsandarenewedsense of purpose. Through rigorous training, steadfast leadership development and unwavering commitment to charitable endeavours, the Battalion continues to uphold its esteemed reputation as one of the finest Field Force Units in the British Army.
My tenure as 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards RAPTCI comes to an end this summer, as I post on promotion to the ASPT. What an unbelievable 4 years it has been.
Quick 2 miler in front of the King
1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS