Coldstream Guards

[A Sparks]

Thanks, that's interesting.
One of my father's uncles was in the Coldstream Guards, unfortunately killed in WW1.
I believe you had to be over 6ft tall back then?

 

[paul stacey]

That would probably have been "Cambrai", 1915, Coldstream, loss's were considerable , in the early part of the 20th C, up to the Mid 50's, early 60's, you had to be 6' in your stocking feet, then reduced to 5' 9". now only God knows, I was 5' 10 1/2 ". Paul

 

[NOTSHARP]

My Grandfather was in the Coldstream Guards. I knew nothing about him, until about three years ago, when I tracked him down during my family tree research.

He died in WW1, 17/12/17, and is buried at Gouzaeaucourt. https://www.ww1cemeteries.com/gouzeaucourt-new-british-cemetery.html

I obtained copies of his complete service records from Birdcage Walk.


Steve.

 

[Diane1947]

My husband’s uncle now deceased 2013 joined the ColdStream guards in World War 2, became a sergeant, went through Europe in the tank command. After the war was sent to Palestine for a number of years.
I do believe he came out of the service in the 50’s.
We used to take him down to the chapel service in Westminster Barracks to commemorate the anniversary of Black Sunday in memory of the bombing of the Guards Chapel in 1944 when soldiers, and civilians were killed.
In 2005 my husband went with him to Holland to celebrate the liberation of Enschede of which he was part. The veterans were treated with great honour, and respect, but most how thankful they were for there freedom from occupation
My husband was amazed how many people were there from very young to very old. Apparently the stories of occupation, and liberation were passed from generation to generation.
One resident said to my husband you have to know occupation, and what liberation is, that’s why the history is told I believe in their schools.
My grandson in now serving LC ColdStream guards.

 

[NOTSHARP]

As an aside, if anyone has relatives in war cemeteries abroad, and has not been able to visit their grave, this may help.

https://britishwargraves.co.uk/

My wife and I had a trip booked to visit my Grandfather's grave, three years ago, but had to cancel it when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I was keen to go, as I believe, no one from our family has ever been.

I contacted British War Graves (link above), and they kindly sent me a picture.



When the dreaded lurgy is kicked into touch, we will try and get there.


Steve.

 

[Vivienne14]

The annual dinner of old Coldstreamers (Old Coldstreamers Association, Birmingham) in 1925. Viv.

 

[paul stacey]

What a great body of men they are too, lot Boer War, vets among, them and 1 looks like he might have been a boy at Balaclava. Paul

 

[Gerry Cannell]

The annual dinner of old Coldstreamers (Old Coldstreamers Association, Birmingham) in 1925. Viv.

View attachment 157129

Thanks for this.
This was me in 1959 and the other photograph, is me at last years Memorial Day, November 2020. Oh, not forgetting Public Duties at Buckingham Palace.

 

[paul stacey]

Looking Good Gerry, on Public Duty's, note the .303, drill pose. Paul

 

[Gerry Cannell]

Looking Good Gerry, on Public Duty's, note the .303, drill pose. Paul

Still proud to have been there mate. (SLR in the denim photograph).

 

[cba]

My uncle was in the Coldstream Guards. He joined before WW2 but was in during and after the war. His name was Desmond Francis Murphy known as Frank. Born and brought up in Sutton Coldfield.

 

[paul stacey]

Yes Gerry, 6.72, SLR, must have just come into service when you enlisted, brilliant weapon. Paul

 

[Gerry Cannell]

Yes Gerry, 6.72, SLR, must have just come into service when you enlisted, brilliant weapon. Paul

Hi Paul 7.62mm Buddy.

 

[paul stacey]

Quite correct, Mate,knew it well typing error, Paul

 

[E. Lanfear]

My grand farther was a Coldstream Guard and I have tried to find his service record a couple of times with no success, let me say this some times here in the states it can be frustrating looking up things on the web in other countries with Google most everything comes back to the U S, so if anyone can point me in the right direction I will be for ever greatfull his name Jess Ensor, there use to be a painting of him in uniform above the fireplace where he lived with my grandma I wish I had been smart enough to ask for it when my grand parents where gone

Hi my granny chidler brother was in Coldstream guards also from Birmingham... Very interesting reading what happen to him..

 

[E. Lanfear]

Hi my granny chidler brother was in Coldstream guards also from Birmingham... Very interesting reading what happen to him..

Go onto ancestry. I found my relative...

 

[aggie2347]

Ah, that's why I wouldn't know him. I went in in that year, and my first four were 2365****. Ask him if he remembers this guy...JAN HOOPER! I bet he will, as he would be in with Jack. This is Jan inspecting rifles for cleanliness, in 1958

Thanks for this.
This was me in 1959 and the other photograph, is me at last years Memorial Day, November 2020. Oh, not forgetting Public Duties at Buckingham Palace.

Hi Gerry I took the liberty of posting your picture of Jan Hooper on the Pirbright Web site which drew quite a few comments cross section attached

View attachment 167262

 

[Gerry Cannell]

Hi my granny chidler brother was in Coldstream guards also from Birmingham... Very interesting reading what happen to him..

Bob, this is in answer to your message regarding your Grandad. The best place to start will be: REGIMENTAL HQ. COLDSTREAM GUARDS, WELLINGTON BARRACKS, BIRDCAGE WALK, LONDON. That will get the ball rolling. If after a week or two, you haven't had a reply, please contact me again, and I will do all I can to help. Thank you Gerry. 3rd and 1st Bttn. Coldstream Guards.

Hi Gerry I took the liberty of posting your picture of Jan Hooper on the Pirbright Web site which drew quite a few comments cross section attached

View attachment 167262

No probs mate. Gerry Whats the site called...just Pirbright?

 

[aggie2347]

Ah, that's why I wouldn't know him. I went in in that year, and my first four were 2365****. Ask him if he remembers this guy...JAN HOOPER! I bet he will, as he would be in with Jack. This is Jan inspecting rifles for cleanliness, in 1958.

Ah, that's why I wouldn't know him. I went in in that year, and my first four were 2365****. Ask him if he remembers this guy...JAN HOOPER! I bet he will, as he would be in with Jack. This is Jan inspecting rifles for cleanliness, in 1958.

Hi Gerry. I took the liberty of posting your picture of Jan Hooper on the Pirbright Web Site which drew quite a few comments selection attached.

 

[aggie2347]

"I went to Pirbright Guards Depot, and Survived" well used site with lots of photos and comments. I should join if I was you. You can use my name if needed. Ken Weston 23474176.ex Coldstreamer

 

[Gerry Cannell]

Hi Gerry. I took the liberty of posting your picture of Jan Hooper on the Pirbright Web Site which drew quite a few comments selection attached.View attachment 167264

Believe me, that IS Jan Hooper. I will never forget him.

 

[Gerry Cannell]

The dreaded JAN HOOPER: Here he is again, with the young 'uns at Pirbright, where he was I/c Juniors.