BATTLE HONOURS AND ANNIVERSARIES OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS
Edited by
LSGT L PEARCE
Regimental Headquarters Coldstream Guards
September 1990 (Revised April 1994)
LSGT L PEARCE
Regimental Headquarters
Coldstream Guards
September 1990 (Revised April 1994)
1st January 1660
Monck's Regiment left Coldstream to march to London, arriving on 3rd February. The Regiment was then used to quell riots in the city. In May 1660, King Charles II was restored to the Throne, and Moock was created Duke of Albermarle and Captain-General of the Forces.
21st
January 1944
GARIGLIANO CROSSING, ITALY WORLDWARD
On 21st January 1944, the 3rd Battalion crossed the River Garigliano, and took over positions at Trimonsuoli in preparation for an advance Northwards. However, enemy counter attacks made this impossible. The Battalion remained in this position for a fortnight, overlooked by the enemy on three sides, under constant shell fire, and in almost incessant rain. During this time, the Battalion regained com{'lete control of No-Man's Land, and repelled all further counter attacks despite heavy casulaties.
21st January 1945
THE ROER, NORTH WEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
In an attack designed to straighten the Allied Line, the 4th (Tank) Battalion attacked on 21st January in support of infantry attacks directed against die River Roer. For two days the tanks fought in snow and mist, at times against heavy opposition.
25th January 1942
MSUS, NORTH AFRICA
WORLDWARD
This was a fine rear-guard action fought by the 3rd Battalion against a numerically superior enemy, who for five successive days outflanked the Coldstream positions. Each time the Battalion withdrew through the enemy lines under cover of darkness, and across extremely difficult desert country.
7th February 1705
GIBRALTAR 1704-5
WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION
400 Coldstreamers formed part of a composite Guards Battalion sent as reinforcements to the garrison of Gibraltar, who were beseiged by French and Spanish forces. The enemy attacked in great force on 7th February 1705, but were beaten off, and after further failures retired at the beginning of April.
8th February 1945
THE RHINELAND, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLD WAR II
The 1st, 4th and 5th Battalions all played a prominent part in "O{'eration Vertable" which was a series of attacks, lasting until 9th March, desi�ed to clear the Germans from the country between the River Meuse and Rhme.
8th
February 1945
THE REICHSWALO, NORTH WEST EUROPE WORLD WAR II
On 8th February 1945, the 6th Guards Tank Brigade attacked to break through the Siegfrid Line. The 4th (Tank) Battalion was on the right and found that their main enemy was the almost impassible mud. The Battalion reached their objectives, and the Grenadiers passed through to attempt to breach the main defences.
11th
February
1945 CLEVE, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
After the breaching of the Siegfrid Line, 6th Guards Tank Brisade and 15th Scottish Division went on to capture Cleve. The main contribution of the 4th (Tank) Battalion was the keeping open of the only remaining route to the battle: in 24 hours, the Armoured Recovery Vehicles of the Battalion extricated more than 100 vehicles from the mud.
14th
February 1661
The Re�ent was paraded on Tower Hill and ordered to lay down its arms as Moock s Coldstream Regiment of Foot, and to take them up again as the Lord General's Regiment of Foot Guards.
14th
February 1945
MOYLAND, NORfflWEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
After the capture of Qeve, the 4th (Tank) Battalion was ordered to advance towards Calcar. On the 14th February, No. 3 Squadron set out to capture the village of Moyland but were held up by stubborn German resistance. On the following day they were joined by No. 1 Squadron who were, however, then held up by a thick minefield and heavy shell fire. Both squadrons were relieved the next day and withdrew to Cleve.
17th
February 1944
MONTE ORNITO, ITALY
WORLDWAR II
The 2nd Battalion took up positions on Monte Omito, the tip of the Allied salient. The Germans were determined to regain this position and for 12 days the Battalion was subjected to persistent attacks. Despite the bitter cold, the snow and the appalling difficulty of obtainin� supplies the Battalion fought off every counter attack, and when the position was handed over on 20th February, the slopes were strewn with enemy dead. The Battalion suffered 190 casualties, and some 50 men were sent to hospital suffering from frostbite.
19th
February 1943
SBIBA, NORffl AFRICA WORLDWAR II
On 14th February 1943, when the Germans broke through the Kasserine Pass, 1st Guards Brigade were rushed up to stem their aavance. On 19th February, the Germans attacked the 2nd Battalioµ positions near Shiba with tanks and infantry, but were repulsed. The attack was renewed the next day, but with no better success. The failure to break through here and in the Dext valley proved to be the turning point of Rommel's attack within a few days the Allied line was once more secure.
20th February 1945
GOCH, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
On 20th February the 4th (Tank) Battalion supported 227 Infantry Brigade in an attack to the east of Goch. Progress was slow as the infantry were frequently delayed by heavy shell-fire but by nightfall all objectives were reached and two squadrons then withdrew. The remaining squadron helped to repel heavy counter attacks on the following day, and then rejoined the Battalion that evening.
28th February 1943
STEAMROLLER FARM, NORTH AFRICA WORLDWARD
During the final stages of their attacks in Tunisia, the Germans cut the important Madjez-Arrousa road. On 28th February, No. 3 Company of the 2nd Battalion, mounted on Churchill tanks, attacked along the road towards Steamroller Farm, a dominating enemy strong point. On approaching the position they came under heavy fire and were unable to advance further. During the night, the Germans withdrew and the road was again clear.
28th February 194S
THE HOCHWALD, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
In two days of heavy fighting, the 4th (Tank) Battalion supported 185 Infantry Brigade in its attacks on Kervenheim. The German paratroops, supP.orted by artillery, fought hard with bazookas and grenades and it was not unttl 2nd March that the town was entered.
28th February1991
GULF1991
GULFWAR
In 1991 the 1st Battalion deployed from London and served in 1 (UK) Armoured Division as part of the Allied Coalition Forces in the Gulf War. The Allied ground offensive to liberate Kuwait started on 24th February. The Battalion's role included assisting with the rounding up and handling of some 7,300 Iraqi Prisoners of War during the 100 hour campaign. A ceasefire was called on 28th February.
5th March1811
BARROSA
PENINSULAWAR
During the Battle of Barrosa, two companies of the 2nd Battalion took part in a charge that drove French troops from a strong position. For this they were specially commended by the commander, General Graham, in his despatch.
6th March 1943
MEDENINE, NORTH AFRICA WORLD WAR II
201 Guards Brigade, with the 3rd Battalion as the left forward Battalion, were in a position defending a dominating hill, which lay astride the axis of the German attack. In the morning, the enemy attacked with tanks, and in the afternoon with infantry: both attacks were repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy. This was Rommel's last attack on the Eighth Army in North Africa. 4
8th March 1801
EGYPT (THE SPHINX)
The 1st Battalion took part in the landing at Aboukir Bay during the War of the French Revolution. For its share in the campaign that followed, in which Napolean's hope of an Eastern Empire was shattered, the Regiment was awarded the badge of the Sphinx, superscribed 'Egypt'.
8th March 1885
SUAKIN
On this day the 1st Battalion landed at Suakin on the Red Sea to join General Graham's force which was to overthrow the Mahdi at Khartoum and avenge the death of General Gordon. Two months later the expedition was abandoned for political reasons.
9th March 1945
BONNINGHARDT RIDGE, NORTH WEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
The 5th Battalion, supported by a squadron of the 1st (Armoured) Battalion, attacked the German bridgehead over the Rhine at Wesel. The German paratroops fought fanatically, but all objectives were reached, and 120 prisoners were taken. Later that night the Germans withdrew to the far side of the Rhine.
16th March 1943
MARETH, NORTH AFRICA
WORLD WAR II
The 3rd Battalion, together with the 6th Battalion Grenadier Guards, were ordered to attack by night the "Horeshoe" ridge, an advanced position of the Mareth Line. This was thought to be a lightly held outpost, but was afterwards found to be defended by the greater part of the 90th Li�ht Division and a Panzer Grenadier Battalion. Unexpected minefields, extensive wire, and very heavy fire brought the night attack to a standstill, and it was with great difficulty and many casualties that the remaining men of the forward companies were withdrawn. Only 9 men returned from No. 1 Company, which had advanced through a minefield incurring heavy casualties, to capture one of the enemey forward position. It was the only success in an otherwise disastrous attack.
26th March 1918
ARRAS1918
WORLD WAR I
On 21st March 1918, the Germans made their last determined attack of the war from the direction of St Quentin. The Guards Division held a line to the flank of the main attack and resisted every onslaught. All four Coldstream Battalions were involved but did not incur heavy casualties. One of their stiffest encounters was at Douchy-les-Ayette on 26th March.
28th March 1945
THE RHINE, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
After the 6th Guards Tank Brigade had crossed the Rhine, it prepared to advance into Germany to exploit the Wesel bridgehead. On 28th March, the 4th (Tank) Battalion took over the lead in the advance to Munster, which is commemorated by the Regiment on 3rd April.
3rd April 1945
MUNSTER, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWARD
On this day Munster fell to the 6th Guards Armoured Brigade Group after a spectacular dash of fifty miles in less than a week. Supported by American parachute troops, the 4th (Tank) Battalion led the advance through Haltern and on to Munster, clearing the persistent and sometimes heavy opposition by a series of dashing day and night operations.
3rd April 1945
LINGEN, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWARD
No. 3 Company of the 5th Battalion, supported by a squadron of the 1st (Armoured) Battalion, was ordered to capture intact a bridge over the River Ems near Lingen. Captain Liddell, the Company Commander, first crossed the bridge, alone, to neutralise the demolition charges, in spite of the intense fire, and then led his leading platoon across the bridge to charge the well-entrenched enemy, who _were later found to consist of 150 infantry supported by three 88mm and two 20mm guns firing at point black range. Captain Liddell was awarded the Victoria Cross for his superb gallantry, but died of wounds received in a later battle.
12th April 1918
HAZEBROUCK
WORLDWAR I
In this action the 3rd Battalion as part of 4th Guards Brigade, was repeatedly attacked by strong forces. The right of the Battalion's position rested on L'Epinette, a village some 5 miles south-east of Hazebrouck. Very heavy casualties were suffered before the Germans were finally repulsed. In his despatch, the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Douglas Haig, wrote: 'No more brilliant exploit has taken place since the openin¥ of the enemy's offensive, though gallant actions have been without number.
14th April 1814
PENINSULAWAR
In the last action of the Peninsula War, the French sailed out by night from the Citadel of Bayonne. The 1st Battalion, together with the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards put in a fierce bayonet charge which forced the French to retire with heavy losses.
14th
April 1945
ARGENTA GAP, ITALY WORLDWARD
On 14th April, the 2nd Battalion took part in one of the final actions of the War in Italy, the attack on the Argenta Gap. The Gap, lying between two flooded areas, was defended by infantry and tanks in strong positions. After four days of continuous fighting, through minefields and under heavy fire, the Battalion captured its objective on the far side of the enemy defences.
14th April 1945
UELZEN, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWARD
On the night of 14th April, a German armoured column penetrated the harbour area of No. 3 �uadron of the 4th (Tank) Battalion. After a night of fierce and confused fi�tmg, the squadron and its supporting infantry repelled the counter attack ancfinflicted heavy losses on the enemy. The squadrons then fought their way on to Uelzen, which fell on 18th April.
5th May 1811
FUENTES D'ONOR PENINSULAWAR
The 1st Battalion were present at this battle, and during its preliminary stages, repulsed a French attack on the village of Fuentes d'Onor, However the main battle was fought at another part of the British Line.
7th May 1943
TUNIS, NORTH AFRICA WORLDWARD
On this day Tunis was entered by the leading elements of the 6th and 7th Armoured Divisions, in the former of which, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Regiment were serving. Although the fi�ting lasted another week, the capture of this city was symbolic of the end of all German resistance in North Africa.
8th May 1943
HAMMAM LIF, NORTH AFRICA WORLDWARD
In order to evacuate their African forces from the Cap Bon peninsula, the Germans delayed the British advance at Harnmam Lif, a narrow gap between a range of hills and the sea. The Welsh Guards gained a foothold at one end of these hills, and on the night of 8th May, the 2nd Battalion captured the rest of the ridge overlooking the gap. Next day the armour broke through and the remains of the Afrika Corps were rounded up.
8th May 1945
V.E.DAY WORLDWARD
During the Second World War, the Regiment maintained 5 service Battalions in the field: some 850 Officers and 17,500 Other Ranks served in the Regiment. Total casualties were 250 Officers and 4,520 Other Ranks.
11th May 1745
FONTENOY
Fontenoy, although not a battle honour, was one of the most jtlorious battles ever fought by the Brigade of Guards, who marched over haff a mile under heavy fire to halt thirty yards away from the French Guards. The French fired first, doing little damage; the British then fired with deadly effect, decimating the enemy ranks. If this attack had received proper support, a decisive victory would have been won.
14th May 1940
THE DYLE, NORTH WEST EUROPE WORLD WAR II
On the 10th May 1940, the British Expeditionary Force moved forward into Belgium to check the German invasion of the Low Countries. The 1st Battalion took up a position on the River Dyle, near Louvain, and here on the 14th May t�ey were attacked by German motorised troops. It was with considerable difficulty that the forward troops were withdrawn from close contact with the enemy forces when the Battalion retired some two days later.
16th May 1785
FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT AL BAND
Twelve German Musicians were enlisted by the Duke of York, Colonel of the Regiment, to replace the eight civilian performers who had previously supplemented the 'Drums' which had been formed in 1650.
21st
May 1940
DEFENCE OF THE ESCAUT, NORTH WEST EUROPE WORLD WAR II
. D1:1ring the withd�awal to Dunkir�, the 2nd Battalion was en�aged in heavy fighting at Pecq, an important crossing on the River Escaut, which was denied to the Germans for 3 days until the Battalion was ordered to retire.
27th May 1941
HALFAYA 1941, NORTH
AFRICA
WORLD WARD
The 3rd Battalion, supported only by a field battery and a few tanks, was attacked b _ y the 15th German Panzer Division. After 24 hours of heavy fighting, the B�ttahon was o�dered to withdrav.: and �ith great difficulty slipped away from its overwhelming adversary. Dunng this battle there were 100 casualties in the Battalion.
28th May 1944
MONTE PICCOLO, ITALY
WORLD WAR II
The 1st Gu�rds Brigade was ordered to capture a German rear-guard position that was holding up the advance of the Eighth Army. During the early morning of 28th May the 2nd Battalion attacked and took up positions on Monte Piccolo, which they defended against savage German counter attacks throughout the next day. On the following morning it was discovered that the Germans had retired.
2nd June 1940
DUNKIRK, NORTH WEST EUROPE
WORLD WARD
Both the 1st and 2nd Battalions were engaged in the heavy fighting during the last days of the evacuation from Dunkirk. The 1st Battalion at Fumes held out against determined German attempts to break into the perimeter until they were ordered to retire to the beaches on 1st June. On the w�st of �he pe�imeter, the 2nd Battalion held a position for four days against increasingly heavy attacks, until ordered to withdraw into Dunkirk as part of the Rear-Guard of th� British Expeditionary Force. They finally embarked for England on the evening of 2nd June. In this short campaign, each Battalion suffered nearly 200 casualties.
4th June 1902 SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902
On this day the peace treaty that ended the South African War, in which both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Regiment fought, was signed. Although few large battles were fought, there were many arduous marches and small engagements in which the Regiment well acquitted itself.
12th June 1942 KNIGHTSBRIDGE, NORffl AFRICA WORLD WARD
On the 17th May 1942, the 3rd Battalion, together with supporting artillery, started to fortify the Knightsbridge 'box', a vital position in the British defence against Rommel's expected attack. The 'box', which was only a stretch of flat desert with a wire perimeter, was first attacked by tanks on the 27th May, and from then onwards it was incessantly shelled by German artillery. On the 7th June, a determined attack made by infantry and tanks, was beaten off, and on the 12th the Battalion was ordered to withdraw, which it did after repulsing a further attack made by the Germans in a dust storm, in which they lost 70 men.
The defence of the Knightsbridge 'box' for eighteen days by the 3rd Battalion ranks as one of the finest exploits of the Regiment in the Second World War.
16th June 1743 DEITINGEN
An Army of British, Austrian and Hanoverian soldiers, commanded by King George II, defeated the French under Marshall Noailles. The 1st Battalion, although present, were not heavily involved in this battle, the last in which an English King personally commanded his troops.
18th June 181S WATERLOO
The Duke of Wellington, with some 68,000 men was attacked by Napoleon's 72,000. The Light Companies of the Brigade of Guards occupied the farm of Hougoumont, a key position on the right of the Allied Line, under Lieutenant Colonel MacDonell of the Coldstream, who was told by the Duke "to defend the post to the last extremity". The French attacked Hougoumont continuously for many hours but failed to capture the position. This gallant defence had a decisive effect on the result of the Battle. After the J3attle, Sgt Graham, of the 2nd Battalion, was awarded a special medal by the Sergeants of the Regiment for his gallant conduct, having shut the gates of Hougoumont in the face of the enemy. In later years, the Duke of Wellington named this Sergeant as one of the bravest men in England.
20th June 1944
CAPTURE OF PERUGIA, IT ALY
WORLD WAR II
On the 20th June 1944, the 2nd Battalion entered the town of Perugia, and were then held up by strong enemy positions on Monte Pacciano. On the 26th June, the 1st Guards Brigade captured these positions by a night attack. 9
21st June 1942
TOBRUK
1942,
NORTH AFRICA WORLD WAR II
After withdrawing from the Knightsbridge 'box' on 13th June, the 3rd Battalion joined the garrison of Tobruk. On the 21st June, orders were given for the garrison to surrender as further resistance was not thought possible. However, the remaining members of the Battalion, some 17 Officers and 183 Other Ranks, refused to surrender and fought their way out to rejoin the Eighth Army.
5th
July 1942
DEFENCE OF THE ALAMEIN LINE, NORTH AFRICA WORLD WAR II
In the early weeks of July 1942, Rommel was making his final attempt to advance into Egypt and reach the Suez Canal. Troops were needed to check these attacks and so the weary remnants of the 3rd Battalion and the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, were formed into the Composite Guards Battalion. This Battalion went into the Alamein Line·on the 5th July and held part of it for 5 days, bef ore moving further south to help fight off the final German attacks.
11th July 1708
OUDENARDE
WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION
Six Coldstream companies formed part of the Guards Composite Regiment which took part in the fighting when the Allied Army under the Duke of Marlborough defeated the French Army at Oudenarde.
15th July 1944
ARREZZO, ITALY WORLD WAR II
The 1st Guards Brigade were ordered to take Monte Ligano, a position that was preventing 6th Armoured Division from entering the city of Arrezzo. After the Grenadiers had captured part of the ridge, the 2nd Battalion passed through on the morning of 15th July to seize the rest of the hill. A heavy counter attack was launched by the Germans as the companies left the start line but this was repulsed, and the Battalion went on to capture its objective after very heavy fighting. By nightfall, the whole mountam was securely in our hands, and Arrezzo fell on the following day.
18th July 1944
CAGNY, NORTH WEST EUROPE
WORLD WAR II
Operation 'GOODWOOD' was the first stage of the break-out from the Normandy beach-head, and the first action of the Guards Armoured Division. Both the 1st (Armoured) and the 5th Battalions took part in this attack, which was halted, after very heavy fighting, by a strong German anti-tank gun screen.
19th July 1693
LANDEN
The 1st Battalion formed part of the Allied Army under the command of King William III fighting the French. The French had far superior numbers, but although they won the battle, they were unable to follow up their success because their losses wei:e so great. A soldier of the Regiment captured the standard of the French Life Guards.
20th July 1680 TANGIER
A company of the Regiment landed about the 20th July 1680, at Tangier as part of a composite Guards Battalion. Fierce attacks were made against the Moors, who had obtained a footing on the outworks of the town, finally defeating them by controlled and well-aimed musket fire. The Battalion remained in Tangier until it was abandoned for political reasons.
22nd July 1812 SALAMANCA
In this battle, the Duke of Wellington defeated the French under General Marmont. The Light Company of the 1st Battalion tookfart in the defence of a key point in the British position. This victory enable Wellington to enter Madrid in the following month.
23rd
July 1944
MONTE DOMINI, ITALY
WORLD WAR II
The British advance on Florence was held up by German positions on the 2,000 ft. high Monte Domini. An attempt to by-pass the mountain having failed, the 3rd Battalion attacked, supported by tanks of the Pretoria Regiment, and drove the enemy from their position. Next day the advance continued.
28th July 1809 TALAVERA
The 1st Battalion took part in this two day battle, during which the Brigade of Guards played an important part, making a decisive counter attack, after having been thrown back by the French.
30th
July 1944
MONT PINCON, NORTH WEST EUROPE
WORLD WAR II
The 1st, 4th and 5th Battalions took part in the attacks that took place over the heavily wooded and hilly country, known as the Normandy 'Bocage'. These attacks were intended to occupy large German fo rces, leaving the American forces free to break out from the Normandy beach-head.
30th
July 1944
QUARRY HILL (Hill No. 309 near Caumont)
WORLD WAR II
On the 30th July 1944, 6th Guards Tank Brigade, in their first action of the war, attacked southwards from Caumont in support of the 15th Scottish Division. During the battle the 4th (Tank) Battalion, although it had out-run its infantry, went on to seize its final objective, Hill 309, and defended it until the infantry arrived at midnight. On the 31st July, the Battalion helped to defeat heavy German counter attacks directed against the hill. This advance, largely due to the fighting qualities of the Coldstream Battalion, ensured that the break out from the beach-head was at last under way.
31st July 1917
YPRES 1917
WORLDWAR I
The 1st and 2nd Battalions, forming part of the Guards Division, attacked to the east of the Yser Canal. The attack was very successful: the line was advanced 3,000 yards to Pilckem. Private T Whitham, of the 1st Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross for silencing a machine gun that was holding up the advance.
3rd August 1944 ADVANCE TO FLORENCE, ITALY WORLDWARD
From the beginning of June until the 3rd August, the 24th Guards Brigade and the South African Armoured Division fought their way to Florence. The Germans fought fierce rear-guard actions and the 3rd Battalion were involved in several battles, the last of which took place on 3rd August at San Gersole, a small town two miles outside Florence. This was the last resistance offered by the Germans south of the River Amo, and the Scots Guards entered Florence the following day. The 2nd Battalion also took part in the advance as part of the 6th Armoured Division.
6th
August 1944
ESTRY, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWAR II
In an operation designed to protect the flank of the Guards Armoured Division, the 4th (Tank) Battalion attacked near Estry in the BOCAGE on 6th August. A vigorous and well co-ordinated German defence caused many casualties amongst tanks and the supporting infantry, and the attack was only a partial success.
13th August 1650
THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT
On this day in 1650, Oliver Cromwell formed a Regiment of Foot for Colonel George Monck, with men from Hazelrigge's and Fenwick's Regiments. Both these Regiments has been part of the New Model Army of 1645, and took part in the final battles of the First Civil War.
18th August 1793
LINCELLES
WAR OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
The British Forces fighting against the French in the Low Countries during the years 1793-5 were commanded by HRH Frederick, Duke of York, the 13th Colonel of the Regiment. During this campaign, after a long day's march, the Brigade of Guards, in which the 1st Battalion was serving, stormed and captured the village of Lincelles, which was held by numerically superior French forces.
18th
August 1940
EGYPTIAN FRONTIER 1940, NORTH AFRICA WORLDWARD
On the 18th August 1940, the 3rd Battalion took up positions at Sollum, on the Egyptian-Libyan frontier, and spent the next month actively patrolling against the Italian forces. They were attacked on 13th September by three Italian divisions and a tank group, and were forced to withdraw to Mersa Matruh.
20th August 1695 NAMUR
The 1st Battalion took part in the attack made by the Brigade of Guards against the outworks of Namur. The Brigade moved up to the enemy's position, and reserving their fire until the last moment, charged through the outworks of the city, which fell some days later. The Brigade forces in this battle were commanded by Lord Cutts, 4th Colonel of the Regiment.
21st August 1918
SOMME1918
WORLDWAR I
During the Guards Division attack on 21st August 1918, the 1st Battalion captured the village of Moyenville, without serious loss.
25th August 1914
RETREAT FROM MONS WORLDWAR I
At Landrecies, on the evening of 25th August 1914, the 3rd Battalion acting as rear-guard to 4th Guards Brigade, fought its first action since it was formed in 1897. Throughout the night, the Battalion fought off fierce German attacks until ordered to retire. During this action, a haystack was set on fire, disclosing our positions to the enemy and enabling them to fire at J?Oint blank range with a field gun. Private G H Wyatt twice went out to extmguish the blaze under heavy fire, and was later awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry.
27th August 1918
ARRAS 1918
WORLDWAR I
At 7 a.m. the 2nd Battalion, leading the 1st Guards Brigade, launched an attack on an important system of German trenches east of St. Leger. The enemy position was taken the same day, but the Battalion lost 10 Officers and 314 men.
1st September 1914
RETREAT FROM MONS WORLDWAR I
Both the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were engaged in a rear-guard action at Villers-Cotterets during the Retreat from Mons.
3rd September 1944
BRUSSELS, NORmWEST EUROPE WORLDWARD
The Guards Armoured Division, in which the 1st (Armoured) and the 5th Battalions were serving, reached Brussels on the night of 3rd September, having left Douai, 93 miles away, that morning. This was the highlight of the Allied armoured drive across North-West Europe, and constituted the longest advance in one day by a division in the history of war.
8th September1914
MARNE1914
WORLDWAR I
When the Allied Armies had retreated to almost within sight of Paris, they were given the order to advance to expl�it the mistakes made by the G_erman Army. All three Battalions took part m the Battle of the Mame, without, however, being engaged in any heavy fighting.
8th September1944
IIEPPEN, NORmWEST EUROPE
WORLD wAR n
On the 8th September 1944, the 5th Battalion supported by tanks of the 1st (Armoured) Battalion, advanced to try to capture Bourg Leopold. In spite of launching five attacks in 36 hours, the Coldstream Group could not capture Bourg Leopold itself, but established itself in Heppen.
9th September1855
SEVASTOPOL CRIMEANWAR
The 1st Battalion was present throupiout the sie�e which lasted a year and which ended on this day with the Russians abandonmg the fortress.
10th September1943
SALERNO,ITALY
WORLDWARD
The 3rd Battalion landed at Salemo as part of the 201st Guards Brigade, and on the 10th September it was first involved in heavy and confused fighting which lasted for four days, until it established itself in the line of a canal four miles inland.
11th September1709
MALPLAQUET
WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION
The Allied Army under the Duke of Marlborough gained a victory over the French Army. The Coldstream were on the right of Lord Orkney's force, which attacked the Frenc� line. A contempor� record �en�ons the losses of the Regiment as the heavtest of the twenty Bntish battalions involved.
13th September1882
TEL-EL-KEBIR & EGYPI'1882
The 2nd Battalion formed part of a Guards Brigade that was prese�t at this victory over the �tian rebel, Arabi Pasha. �er the battle _ , which ��k place after a long rught march across the desert, Cairo was occupied by Bntish troops.
13th September1943
BATTIPAGLIA,ITALY WORLDWARD
In attempts to crush the Salemo beach-head, The Germans launched determined and savage counter attacks. On the night of 13th September the last great attack was made by two Battalions and 50 tanks against the positions held by the 3rd Battalion. For an hour and a half there was heavy fighti!1S, during which time the Battalion fired 54,000 rounds of S.A.A. ammumtion. The attack was finally beaten off with heavy losses to the enemy.
14th September1914
AISNE1914
WORLDWAR I
In the advance across the River Aisne, all three Battalions of the Regiment were involved in much bitter fighting. After this battle, both sides settled down to the trench warfare that was to last for four years.
15th September1916
SOMME1916
WORLDWAR I
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, in line, attacked the German trenches at Ginchy, and in spite of severe losses and great opposition gained their objectives. At a critical moment in the battle, Lieutenant Colonel J V Campbell DSO, rallied the 3rd Battalion with his hunting horn, and led them in a successful attack. Later the same day, he led a further successful attack, being himself one of the first to enter the enemy trenches; for his gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
20th September1854
ALMA
CRIMEANWAR
The 1st Battalion was engaged in this, the first battle of the Crimean War. Whilst crossing the River Alma, the Battalion lost its formation, and so, in spite of the enemy being only 600 yards away, the markers were called out and the Companies formed up on them. The Battalion then wheeled into line before advancing to the assault.
23rd September1944
THE NEDERRIJN, NORTHWEST EUROPE WORLDWARD
Attempting to reach the Airborne Division who were fighting for the bridges over the Nederrijn at Arnhem, 30 Corps advanced along the Eindhoven-Amhem road, leaving the flanks to be cleared later. On 22nd September, the Germans cut the supply route and the Coldstream Group, composed of the 1st (Armoured) and 5th Battalions, was ordered to clear the road. The next day, in bitter fighting that lasted for two hours, the Group cleared the village of Vokel and re-opened the road to supplies.
25th September1916
SOMME1916
WORLDWAR I
The Guards Division, in which the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions were serving was engaged in an attack on Les Boeufs. The attack was completely successful.
25th September 1943
CAPPEZANO (Hill 270
near Salerno)
ITALY WORLDWAR II
Two weeks after landing at Salemo, the 3rd Battalion was engaged in bitter fighting in the advance towards Naples. they attacked a dominant feature, known asHill 270, defended by a Battalion of Panzer Grenadiers, and despite intense opposition and severe casualties, the position was captured and held.
In this battle, CSM Wright won the Victoria Cross for his magnificent leadership and outstanding bravery. All the Officers in his Company being either killed or wounded, he rallied the Company under heavy fire, and led them on to their objective. During the attack, he attacked, single-handed, three machine gun posts and silenced each one with his bayonet and hand-grenades. Later, with complete disregard of heavy enemy shell fire, he re-organised the Company which then successfully fought off a fierce counter attack.
27th September 1915
LOOS
WORLD WAR I
All four Coldstream Battalions took part in this battle, the first fought by the Guards Division. On the 27th September the 1st Battalion recaptured a wood, and in spite of heavy casualties held it until relieved two days later. On the 8th October the 2nd and 3rd Battalions fought off a determined German counter attack, during which LSgt Brooks recaptured a trench, winning the Victoria Cross for his gallantry.
27th
September 1918
HINDENBURG LINE
WORLD WAR I
On the 27th September the 1st Battalion attacked across the Canal duNord. During the advance, Captain CH Frisby and LCpl TN Jackson each won the Victoria Cross for rushmg enemy machine gun posts that were holding up the advance. Due to the heavy opposition, it was not until evening that the German resistance was overcome.
1st
October 1944
CATARELTO RIDGE, ITALY WORLDWAR II
Whilst the Scots Guards and the Grenadier Guards were engaged in heavy fighting on the Catarelto Ridge, the 3rd Battalion were ordered to advance on the opposite side of the valley. Supported by tanks of the Pretoria Regiment the Companies advanced until held up by extremely heavy shell and machine gun fire. The Battalion then dug in and remained in these positions until the 3rd October, when it was discovered that the enemy had retired.
3rd October 1944
BATTAGLIA, ITALY
WORLDWAR II
The 2nd Battalion held this mountain position for 30 days against incessant Germans attacks and heavy and accurate shell fire, and despite appalling conditions 9f rain, mud and cold. One company position could only be reached by the use of ropes, owing to the slippery condition of the steep path leading up to it.
9th October 1917
YPRES 1917
WORLDWAR I
The 2nd and 3rd Battalions attacked the German defences south of the Houthulst Forest, and in spite of the appallingly thick mud, took and held their objective.
9th October 1918
CAMBRAI 1918
WORLDWAR I
During the final advance to victory in 1918, the various Battalions of the Regiment, serving in the Guards Division fought many fierce actions with the enemy; that of the 2nd Battalion at Wambaix was typical, with the Germans fighting fiercely for every yard that they retreated.
12th October 1944
VENRAIJ, NORTHWEST EUROPE
WORLDWARU
The 3rd Division, sufported by the 6th Guards Tank Bri�ade, attacked on 12th October, the object o widening the Allied corridor leadmg toNijmegen. The 4th (Tank) Battalion attacked towards Venraij, which fell 7 days later after fierce fightin�, during which the tanks were severely handicapped by mines, mud and ram. The success of the operation lessened the threat to the communications of 21 Army Group.
15th October 1943
VOLTURNOCROSSING, ITALY
WORLDWAR II
After the fall of Naples, the Germans fell back to their Winter Line: a position of immense natural strength. On the 15th October, the 3rd Battalion crossed the River Volturno, the southernmost outpost of the Winter Line, and for the next week, advanced slowly through mountainous country, sometimes fighting and at other times, carrying supplies for the remainder of the Brigade.
21st October 1914
YPRES 1914 WORLDWAR I
The 4th Guards Brigade, with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions leading, attacked some high ground covering Langemarck. In spite of fierce German opposition, the feature was taken, and held until the Battalion was relieved on the 23rd October.
29th October 1914
YPRES 1914
WORLDWAR I
The Germans attacked the Ypres salient, attempting to break through to the Channel Ports, and sever the lines of communication of the British Expeditionary Forces. The 1st Battalion at Gheluvelt lost all 11 Combatant Officers and was reduced to a par:ty of 60 other ranks under the Quartermaster. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions successfully defended Zonnebeke some three miles to theNorth.
30th
October 1944
MEIJEL, NORTHWF.ST EUROPE WORLDWAR ll
The 6th Guards Tank Brigade were hurriedly summoned from another part of the Front to help repel a German counter attack made by two German Panzer Divisions. This battle was fought by squadrons of the 4th (Tank) Battalion in SUPP.Ort of infantry Battalions advancing along the road towards the village of Me1jel. Resistance was heavy and tanks were often seriously delayed by the mud.
5th
November 1854
� CRIMEANWAR
In this battle, sometimes known as the 'Soldiers Battle', the 1st Battalion formed part of the Guards Brigade, which was called forward to repel Russian attacks during the early morning of 5th November. For two hours, the Brigade fought off Russian columns, vastly superior in numbers, until the enemy was finally repulsed.
6th
November 1943
CALABRITIO, ITALY WORLDWAR Il
The approaches to the Winter Line were comeletely dominated by the German position on Monte Camino. 201 Guards Bngade was allotted the task of assaulting the mountain, with the 3rd Battalion securing the lower slopes, together with the small town of Calabritto, which lay at its base. The Battalion occupied the town at dawn on the 7th November after hard fighting on the prevtous day, and remained there for the next three days to protect the flanks of the remainder of the Brigade, who were fighting fiercely to maintain their positions on Monte Camino.
10th November 1943
MONTE CAMINO, ITALY
WORLDWAR ll
On the 10th November, the 3rd Battalion relieved the Grenadiers on the slopes of Monte Camino, and then occupied the positions, on the open mountain side in appalling weather and under continuous enemy shell fire, until the Brigade was ordered to retire on the 14th November. The attack was renewed on the 2nd December, with the 3rd Battalion talcing up its old positions, but the·next day they could only advance some 1,000 yards. Here they remained, isolated for the next two days, without rations or water, under heavy fire from enemy snipers and mortars, and in bitterly cold weather. On the 8th December, the remainder of the Brigade passed through to clear the far side of the mountain.
11th November 1918
ARMISTICE DAY
Armistice Day found the Guards Division at Maubeuge, no great distance from where the British Expeditionary Force first fought in 1914. Since August 1914, the Regiment maintained four Service Battalions in the field. During the War 584 Officers and 20,072 other ranks served in the Regiment, whilst the total casualties were 515 Officers and 13,269 other ranks.
18th November 1941
TOBRUK 1941, NORTH AFRICA
WORLDWARD
This day saw the start of the final and successful attempt to relieve Tobruk, which had been beseiged for months, and clear the way to Cyrenaica. The 3rd Battalion took part in a number of small eniagements, and finally led the advance for the last 100 miles, in difficult conditions to Agheila.
22nd November 1918
WORLDWAR I
In recognition of their service during World War I, His Majesty King George V, authorised 'Private' in the Brigade of Guards to be known in future by the title of 'Guardsman'.
27th November 1917
CAMBRAI 1917
WORLDWAR I
The 1st Battalion attacked and captured the village of Fontaine Notre Dame, taking 500 prisoners. Unfortunately the Battalions's losses were so great, that they were unable to find sufficient escorts and nearly half the prisoners escaped. The Germans then counter attacked and the Battalion was ordered to withdraw to the original Front Line.
28th November 1899
MODDER RIVER SOUTH AFRICANWAR
Both the 1st and 2nd Battalion fought in the Guards Brigade which had been sent to South Africa at the outbreak of war. During this battle, the Brigade, which was part of the force advancing to relieve Kimberley, came under heavy fire whilst tryin$ to force a river crossing. '.fhe troops lay under _ fire !n the blazing sun until dusk when they were withdrawn. Next mornmg, 1t was discovered that the Boers had retreated during the night.
30th November 1917
CAMBRAI 1917
WORLDWAR I
The Guards Division was called forward to help stem a German break through. On the 30th November, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions counter attacked at Gouzeaucourt, without artillery support and in spite of intense machine gun fire regained the lost positions.
4th December 1944
MONTE PENZOLA, ITALY
WORLDWAR II
On this day the 2nd Battalion attacked Monte Penzola to clear the way for the 6th Armoured Division to drive down the Santerno Valley. The attack was entirely successful, and the Battalion then remained on the mountain for three days under heavy shell and mortar fire.
8th December 1659
The Regiment took up its quarters in the town of Coldstream in Scotland, from whence it takes its name.
10th December 1940
SIDI BARRANI, NORm AFRICA
WORLD wAR n
The 3rd Battalion took part in the first victory of the war: the capture of Sidi Barrani and 6,500 prisoners by a small British force. On the 9th December, the Battalion captured Fort Maktilla, and, on the following day, took part in the final storm of Sidi Barrani.
13Cb � 1813
NIVE PENINSULA WAR
The 1st Battalion hel� to force the passage of the River Nive, thus opening the way for Wellington s army to enter France.
24th December 1942
WNGSTOP HILL, NORm AFRICA
WORLDWARD
On the 22nd December, the 2nd Battalion attacked Longsto1;> Hill, near Medjez-el-Bab, in order to clear the way for a British drive onTunis. Once the hill was captured about midnight, the position was handed over to an American unit, and then the Battalion marched back 12 miles, through heavy rain to a rest area. However, on the 23rd December, the Germans successfully counter attacked, and the Battalion had to go forward again and recapture the hill on the evening of the 23rd. Heavy counter attacks by infantry and tanks on Christmas Day forced the Americans and the Battalion off the hill, and at 1000 hours they were ordered to withdraw, having suffered in this particular fierce battle some 10 Officers and 200 men were killed or wounded.
The Battle Honours shown in heavy type below are borne upon the Queen's and Regimental Colours:Tangier 1680, Namur 1695, Gibraltar 1704-5, Oudenarde, Malplaquet, Dettingen, Lincellea, Talavera, Barroaa, Fuentes d'Onor, SalamancaL. Nlve, Peninsula, Waterloo, Alma, lnkerman, Sevastopol, Tel◄l•Kebir, Egypt 1882, Suakin 1885, Modder River, South Africa 1899-1902
The Great War- Mons Retreat from Mons, Marne 1914, Aisne 1914, Ypres 1914, 17, Langemarck 1914, Gheluvelt, Nonna Bosschen, Givenchy 1914, Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, Festubert 1915, Loos, Mount Sorrel, Somme 1916, 18, Flers-Courcelette, Morval, Pilckem, Manin Road, Poelcapelle, Passchendaele, Cambrai 1917, 18, St Quentin, Bapaume 1918, Arras 1918, Lys, Hazebrouck, Albert 1918, Scarpe 1918, Drocourt-Queant, Hindenburg Line, Havrincourt, Canal du Nord, Selle, Sambre, France and Flanders 1914-18.
The Second World War- Dvle, Defence of Escaut, Dunkirk 1940 Cagny, Mont Pincon, Quarry Hill, Estry, Heppen Nederrijn, Venraij, Meijel, Roer, Rhineland, Reichswald, Cleve, Goch, Moyland, Hochwald, Rhme, Linge_n, Uelzen, North-West Europe 1940, 44-45, Egyptian Frontier 1940, Sidi Barrani, Halfaya 1941 Tobruk 1941, 1942, Msus, Knightsbridge, Defence of Alamem Line. Medenine, Mareth, Longstop Hill 1942, Shiba, Steamroller Farm, Tunis, Hammam Lif, North Africa 1940-43, Salemo, Battipaglia, Cappezano Volturno Crossing, Monte Camino, Calabritto, Garigliano Crossing, Monte Omito, Monte Piccolo, Capture of Perugia, Areuo, Advance to Florence, Monte Domini, Catarelto Ridge, Argenta Gap, Italy 1943-45'.
Post War- Gulf 1991
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