Page 39 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

Jamaican troops and 1 Coldm Gds working together
1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS (1CG)
SSgt (SSI) C Grose RAPTC
Like every RAPTCI within the Corps, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards have been ‘Busy.’ 9 Apr 21 saw news that shocked the world, with the passing of HRH Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh. Personnel from the Battalion were called up to play a fundamental role within the funeral, which was carried out to the flawless standards expected of the Guardsmen within the Battalion. This marked the start of a very busy schedule of annual ceremonial duties.
After what can only be described as a year of misery and gloom for many, it was an honour and privilege for the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards to have the opportunity to host the Household Division Athletics Competition (Lawson Cup), for the first time in 2 years. The Lawson Cup is a prestigious event, that determines the most athletic Battalion within the Division. The Battalion had the pleasure of hosting over 600 personnel from across the Household Division, at the Thames Valley Athletic Centre, Eton. After an exhilarating day of athletics, the event drew to a close with 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards finishing second, and narrowly
missing out on overall victory by 2 points, to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
Later in the year, after 19 years, the Battalion finally had the opportunity to deploy on Op REDSTRIPE, 6 weeks in Jamaica!! Learning essential combat skills, while operating in tough jungle conditions. The exercise was headed up by members of Number 2 Company. After completing the acclimatisation phase the company deployed into the jungle for 4 weeks, before taking some well-earned R&R.
While Number 2 Company were ’grafting’ in Jamaica, Number 3 and Support Company had the epic opportunity of a 6-month deployment to the Falkland’s. Going forward into 2022/23, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards will turn their attentions to a 5-month deployment to Kenya in the early part of 2023, before returning to prepare for more overseas exercises and operations over the coming years.
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Images from The Household Division Athletics Competition