(9-05-09} Grenadier guards Band {1st Battalion Irish guards}

[Scoobermabbz]

The Sgt Maj at the back of the band Is the band Sgt Maj. They have the option of playing in the band or marching at the back. IF hes not the same cap badge then i can only guess that he wanted to march behind the band. no sence 2 Sgt Maj's marching behind the returning guard

[polamalu2009]

Impressive! One of the great American marches not by Sousa at the end of the tape: Grafula's "Washington Grays"

[MetalenTon]

man this is freaking great, goosebumbs all over

[danmeyers55]

I see the Sgt Major is also armed with a loaded machine gun..and the Bobby posted under the green traffic light surely is looking directly upon "Windsor Soliders" at the 2:27 minute mark . If this was done in the States--the Homeland Security people would have probably opened fire on him- as a suspected sniper..LOL Stay highly visible son--get a traffic vest and stencil PHOTOGRAPHER on it.

[99Smudge99]

Superb military music typical of the British Army and The Brigade of Guards! This video shows it at its best. Well done!

[gavsky23]

Very good! At about 4:00 there is a guy standing at the bus stop probably thinking "I wanted a bus and I get the Irish and Grenadier Guards!"

[rmorecook]

great music and great commentary here! Looks like you are using your tripod again too. Oh what a difference it makes! That and your wonderful new HD camera. thanks from USA. Bob M

[grengds]

No need to refer to the !st battalion this regement or other as there are now only 1 battalion of each

[blackie005]

Whats the tune they play as they come past the camera and into the baracks?

[sgoudie]

the march is called Washington Grays composed by Claudio S Grafulla

[CeremonyConnoisseur]

Interesting to know as well is that 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Corps of Drums will take part in this year's Beating Retreat as will 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards Corps of Drums. Both Battalions are preparing for operational commitments, although the 1 Gren Grds is in London; they will line the route only for Trooping the Colour. Although not in ceremonial theatre any longer, 1st Bn Coldstream Guards will take part in ceremonial like Beating Retreat with its Corps of Drums.

[01MarchHare]

Why would they need the other Sergeant Major though in addition to the one from the Micks?

What's more the Drummer is from the Coldstream Guards as well - isn't the 1st battalion deployed on operations now, with I assume there machine-gun/mortar (I am not sure which) platoon?

[prhayes1968]

Just to clarify the Coldstreamer at the rear of the band is a Colour Sergeant rather than a Sergeant Major although I don't know what he's doing. Each of the public duties incremental companies has a Drummer attached so I presume this Coldstreamer is the drummer attached to No. 7 Company, Coldstream Guards based in Woolwich. You are correct, the 1st Bn is currently is deployed on an operational role and based in Aldershot.

[01MarchHare]

I didn't consider a drummer attached to an incremental coy. Still I would have thought it would have been one from the Irish Guards.

To be honest the Windsor Guard change holds some enigmas for me. In London the drummer holds the Colours cover and helps dress the Ensign and the Colour Sergeant presents the Colours to the Ensign.

[emptyangel]

By Drummer you guys mean the soldier from the Corps of Drums at the rear with bugle?

[prhayes1968]

Yes, all privates in the Corps of Drums, irrespective of whether they play side drums or flutes, are called Drummers.

[prhayes1968]

I assume the New Guard was found by No 7 Company so he marched up with them. He does sound bugle calls during the ceremony when the old and new guards "officially' arrive on parade.

There are a couple of oddities about the Windsor Guard Mount. I'm not sure why the two Lance Corporals go out as an escort during the march to and from the castle when there is no colour on parade.

[gavsky23]

I think it is because the Officer, in the absence of a colour, would become a rallying point on the Battlefield. So to continue the tradition they guard him instead!

[formerdoc]

One  runs out of adjectives!

[noskcajluap]

First view!!! hehe! It looks as if the coldstreamer was not needed at the castle so he marched back, it is not that unusual to see.