Police World Edition 2 2015

Article

Thames Valley Join the Cavalry Have you ever looked at the jack boots being worn by the mounted guards at Horse Guards and wondered how long it takes to polish them or how much one of those fantastic silver helmets cost? IPA Thames Valley branch members discovered the answers to these questions, and many more, during their visit to the Household Cavalry at Combermere Barracks. G uide and ex-Life Guard, John Lloyd, opened the Thames valley branch

out by The Lord Mayor of London. It is interesting to note that the only time they are not worn in the presence of the Sovereign is at the Lord Mayor’s Show - in recognition of his generosity at that time. A couple of us had the opportunity to try on the uniforms before an impressive and moving visit came to a close. The tour was packed with fascinating information as John recalled one interesting fact, “ The rank of ‘sergeant’ has no place in the Regiment. At the instigation of Queen Victoria the word ‘corporal’ was used instead of sergeant. The word sergeant means servant and her Majesty said that none of her mounted guards were servants so corporal, which

tour with a history of the mounted cavalry regiments which make up the Household Cavalry Division. The Life Guards, which was founded in 1660 by King Charles II, are the most senior regiment in the British Army. John introduced the members to Corporal Major Frankie O’Leary who has been in the Regiment for 8 years and has completed a number of tours in the Middle

Regiment in their normal duties today. It was then back to the museum. John Bull explained that the group were shown some of the ceremonial uniform including the brass and silver helmets and the bright red jackets as well as one of the bandsmen’s gold coats. He said, “These coats were so expensive when ordered that Charles II could not afford them as they were made using real gold. Parliament refused to pay and eventually he was bailed “ He was an impressive young man who had pride in his Regiment ”

East. He showed us his body armour and rifle and we were all surprised at how heavy it was - and that was without the backpack. Thames Valley member, John Bull said, “ He was an impressive young man who had pride in his Regiment and gave us a flavour of today’s serving soldier.” The tour continued with a visit to the stables where they met one of the 10 farriers that the Regiment employ. John Lloyd explained that these are the men who carry the silver axes when on parade. They look after the legs and feet of the horses, and shod them every 4 to 5 weeks. Before heading for the canteen the group

means leader, was to be used.” He ended in saying, “ Again a big thank you to Pauline Plato for her organisation and to John Lloyd for his time, he really was an interesting guide.”

15 If you were wondering? It takes 8 hours to polish the boots and the helmets cost around £8500 each.

took a look at some of the armoured reconnaissance vehicles used by the

POLICE WORLD Vol 60 No. 2, 2015