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For sixty years
Caterham Barracks in Surrey was the home of No.16 Coy., the
Guards training Company.
Thousands of Coldstreamers passed through the hallowed portals
into an experience that has stayed with Guardsmen for life.
Many have written about this special place, but to endure
and enjoy the twenty weeks of basic Guards training,
is a badge of courage that is worn for life.
It is this education that has ensured our Regiment has survived
and prospered for 350 yrs.
Construction work on Caterham Barracks commenced in 1850,
built to the new 'Army Living Programe',
with modern sanitation, heating and lighting, each man allocated
60 sq. ft. of living space.
The Barracks were handed over in 1877, the home to four Regiments
of Foot Guards, occupied by over 12,000 men.
The standard of discipline and training established the benchmark
for the Guards training Company,
which eventually took the
barracks as its HQ.
The original twelve weeks basic was augmented by a further
eight weeks period of 'Battle Training' in various locations,
then settled at Pirbright, with its ranges and large area's
of heathland for simulated battle engagements.
The last training recruits marched out of Caterham in 1961
and the Depot finely closed in 1990,
taking with it over a hundred years of Regimental history.
By this time the whole of the training was undertaken at Pirbright
in Surrey.
In 1994 The Guards
Infantry Training Company, No. 14 Coy. was established at
Vimy Barracks, Catterick North Yorks.
There has been Army training at Catterick since before World
War One, but this was the first time in the Foot Guards history
that a permanent Company had been active here.
The initial move was fraught with so many integration difficulties,
plus accommodation was always a moot point.
It was with great relief when in 2003 the Guards Training
Company moved to Helles Brks,
alongside the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Gurka Rifles.
This intense competition was the spur that No. 14 Coy needed
to move forward.
During the last two years the standard of young guardsmen
has improved along with their training.
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Sgt Lee Westerman with
his Plt. of young Trainee Guardsmen, during battle training
There should have been a Passing-out-Parade
on Friday 18th November 2011 but it was delayed until Friday
25th November 2011.
I was determined to attend this one as I had been missing
from Catterick for most of the year due to ill health.
As I left Middlesbrough with my travelling companions Billy
Spence and Colin Westerman, it was a chilly but fine day,
but as we approached towards Catterick the sky was getting
darker and darker until the heavens opened.
I had my doubts about any parade, but it eased off slowly.
We entered the barracks and as we passed the parade ground
I noticed the families already in their seats in the stands,
obviously the Parade time had been brought forward.
We parked up and headed straight for the Parade ground and
as we did one platoon was already forming up.
Luckily I noticed something blowing in front of me and picking
it up found it to be a programme of the day..
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There were
to be three Platoons Passing-out, No 17,19 and 26,
No 17 Platoon from the Army Foundation College at
Harrogate.
Plus No's 19 and 26 from the Guards ITC, the total
number of trainee Guardsmen passing out were approx
96 with eleven of them being Coldstreamers.
The Company Sergeant Major of the Guards ITC
is now WOII CSM Pete Downes, Grenadier Guards
He was just finishing his welcoming speech to the
families as we took up our place at the end of the
main stand.
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The three platoons marched smartly on
parade being led by The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band playing
the 'Guards Armoured.
'CSM' Downes took up his position in the centre of the square
and halted the platoons, advanced and gave them their dressing,
before marching over to the senior Platoon Officer and handing
over the Parade.
He then made his way over to the the corner of the square
to meet the Inspection party.
The two accompaning Stick Orderlies were from the Grenadier
Guards because the Inspecting Officer was to be,
The General Officer Commanding London District and Major General
Commanding the Household Division,
Major General G P R Norton CBE late Grenadier Guards.
The parade then got underway as per the usual procedure and
then the wind got became a !hurricane! and the rain poured
down,
people were covering themselves with the blankets and brolly's
were being blown inside out,
I thought at one time Colin Westy who had my brolly had joined
the Guards Para, but these lads braved it out.! Well Done!.
As the platoons started to march past in Slow and Quick time
we decided enough was enough and retired to the NAAFI.
Unfortunately I have little information on the Platoons except
for,
No 17 Platoon.
Platoon Commander
Captain Leonard, Irish Guards.
Platoon Sergeant:..
Sgt Paxton, Scots Guards.
Section Commanders:
L/Sgt Perry: Grenadier Guards.
L/Sgt Clough: Grenadier Guards.
L/Sgt Mann: Coldstream Guards.
L/Sgt Quimuri: Welsh Guards.
PRIZE WINNERS
| Best Endeavour: |
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T/Gdsn Parry. |
| Best Shot: |
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T/Gdsn King. |
| Best at PT: |
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T/Gdsn Whiteside. |
| Best at Drill &
Turnout: |
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T/Gdsn Hanes. |
| Best Recruit: |
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T/Gdsn Butterworth.
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| Soldier's Medal: |
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T/Gdsn Hurst. |
Major Generals Section
Section Commander: L/Sgt Perry
| T/Gdsn Doyle. |
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T/Gdsn Skellern. |
| T/Gdsn Frank. |
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T/Gdsn Ramsbottom. |
| T/Gdsn Peters. |
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T/Gdsn King. |
| T/Gdsn Hurst. |
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T/Gdsn Whiteside |
| T/Gdsn Shingler. |
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T/Gdsn Thornicroft. |
My Thanks
to Billy Spence for the photo's
Manny Cook.
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BACK ON PARADE
I was in my car and heading for Helles
Barracks at Catterick Garrison once again,
having had a few bad months it was nice to get out in the
fresh air again.
Arriving at the barracks I had a steady walk to the NAAFI
for a cup of char and a chat to Ian of Victoria prints,
who as usual was selling his military wares to family of
the trainee Guardsmen.
Gentlemen, Before I start my report you may find the following
information something a bit more informative;
THE FOOT GUARDS COMBAT INFANTRYMAN'S
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Activity/Lessons
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Week
One to Five
Issue of Kit,
Rifle Lessons.
PT,
Drill.
Parents' Day
Fieldcraft Lesson
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Weeks
6 to 11
Adjutant's Drill Inspection,
Long Weekend,
NuclearBiological & Chemical (NBC) Training.
First Aid, Introduction Exercises,
Map Reading and Adventure Training.
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Weeks
12 to 17
Tactical Exercise1,
2 Weeks of leave,
Light Support Weapon (LSW) Lessons.
Tactical Exercise 2,
NBC, First Aid and Drill.
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Weeks
18 to 23
Urban Warfare Training,
Company Commanders Drill Inspection,
Long Weekend,
Signals,
Machine Gun Lessons,
March and Shoot and Battlefield Tour to France.
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Weeks
24 to 26
Battle Camp,
Live-Firing Exercise.
Pass-out Parade and 10 days of leave.
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Now they are Guardsmen!, well they
will be after this Parade I am about to witness.
CSM John Hardy, Scots Guards, marched on parade and gave
his usual forthright speech to the families and friends
of the trainee guardsmen.
Mobile phones switched off, no smoking, when to applaud
and when not to, and to stand when the inspecting Officer
party marched on parade.
He then marched off to bring the platoon on parade.
Today it was the turn of No 20 Platoon who marchedon, led
by The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band.
To the music of Guards armoured.
23 Trainee Guardsmen, 8 Coldstream, 8 Scots, 5 Welsh and
1 Irish.
The two Stick orderlies came from the Coldstream Guards
but the inspecting officer was a Grenadier, unfortunately
not named in the programme.
The Platoon Commander; Lt Cowdry, Scots Guards.
Platoon Sergeant Sgt
Dowling,... Irish Guards.
Section Commanders.
L/Sgt Talbot,........ Irish Guards.
L/Sgt Jones,.. Grenadier Guards
L/Sgt Little,........... Scots Guard,
I have to admit that this was a very
good parade; the platoon performed the ultimate in Foot
and Arms drill,
and thanks to a base drummer who has finally learned how
to keep the right beat
In his closing speech the inspecting officer paid tribute
to the platoon and the training staff for a job well done.
He he also thanked the families' ands friends for their
support.
Prize winners:
Best Endeavour;.............................................
T/Gdsm Tierney, Coldstream Guards.
Best Shot and the Soldiers Medal;.........................
T/Gdsm Nunn, Grenadier Guards.
Best at Physical Training;..............................................
T/Gdsm Owili, Scots Guards.
Best at Drill and Turnout and Best Recruit;...... T/Gdsm
Walkden, Coldstream Guards.
Major Generals Section:
Section Commander L/Sgt Jones Grenadier
Guards
| T/Gdsm Beech
CG |
T/Gdsm Gumede
SG, |
T/Gdsm Nunn
GG, |
| T/Gdsm Owili
SG, |
T/Gdsm Roberts
SG, |
T Gdsm Stewart
SG, |
| T/Gsdm Tosh
SG, |
T/Gdsm Walkden
CG |
T/Gdsm Woodcock
SG. |
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The formalities over it was once again
time for the now Guardsmen to stretch their legs and March
off the parade ground
with the music of "Hielan Laddie and St Patricks Day"
they marched smartly past their families and friends to
rapturous applause and the stamping of feet.
Finally CSM John Hardy in his closing speech reminded the
families to make sure their sons returned to camp in good
time
and anyone feeing a bit sick to get back and he would cure
them,
before releasing them to return to the NAAFI to await their
Guardsmen sons.
My thanks to WOII CSM John Hardy for allowing me to permission
to use his photographs in this report.
Manny Cook
Get on Parade.
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No. 26 Platoon
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Click
to enlarge Pics.
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Roll
Curser over Pics for Text
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A New Year A New Start
No. 26 Platoon
Due to the Government cut backs, training at the Guards Infantry
Company was held back during the previous year.
So on Friday 18th March 2011,the first Platoon
to pass out this year was to be No 26 Platoon.
Once again I made my way
once again to Helles Barracks in Catterick Garrison to witness the parade,
only this time I was being chauffeured by my Branch Vice President
Malcolm Finkill.
We arrived at the Barracks which was bathed in glorious sunshine
and walked down to the NAFFI for a cup of char
and to pay a visit to Ian Sixsmith and his business partner
Graham Prince MBE of Victoria Prints,
who were displaying their goods of Military collectables.
We then made our way to the Parade Ground to enjoy a bit of
fresh air and sunshine prior to the parade starting.
The families and friends of the trainee soldiers started arriving
and took their seats.
Onto the parade ground
marched WOII (CSM) John Hardy, (Scots Guards) and facing the
stands instructed the audience
on what and what not to do during the parade, before marching
off to bring the Platoon on parade.
With the band of the Heavy Cavalry & Cumbrai Band leading,
the Platoon marched smartly on to the Parade Ground
to the traditional music of ‘Guards Armoured’
They then took up their position in the centre of the parade
ground, the CSM gave them their dressing,
before handing them over to the Platoon Commander,
Captain Campbell (Irish Guards).
He then marched away to meet the Inspecting Officer who had
arrived escorted by the two Stick orderlies,
who were both Coldstream Trainees, which was to be expected
because the Inspecting Officer was,
Lieutenant Colonel
R C N Sergeant,
Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Coldstream
Guards.
During this time the Band were carrying out a slow and quick
Troop.
Also on parade was the imaculate Regimental Sergeant Major
of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards WO1 A Stokes.
With the Inspecting Officer in position the parade got underway
with the General Salute to the music of ‘Scipio’,
followed
by the Inspection.
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Five Trainee
Coldstream, FiveWelsh, FiveScots, Two Irish and Two Grenadier's
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Prize
Winners
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Major
Generals Section
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| Gdsn. Adams.
C.G. |
| Gdsn. Irvine.
CG. |
| Gdsn. Brown.CG |
| Gdsn. Condron.
CG. |
| Gdsn. Rodgers.SG. |
| Gdsn. Priestley.
CG. |
| Gdsn. McCann.
SG. |
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Platoon
Sergeant:
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Sgt.
Amis Coldstream Guards
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Section
Commanders:
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L/Sgt
Oddy. Irish Guards.
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L/Sgt
Stott Grenadier Guards
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L/Sgt
Rowlands. Irish Guards
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| Gdsn. Brown.
CG. |
| Gdsn. Hawker.
WG. |
| Gdsn.Harris.
WG. |
| Gdsn. McCann.
SG. |
| Gdsn. Adams.
CG. |
| Gdsn. Garratt.
GG. |
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The
Inspection over, it was then time for the March Past in Slow
and Quick Time and I must congratulate the base drummer
who has finally mastered the beat, which made for excellent
Marching and Drill by these young men
The Platoon then advanced in review order in preparation for
the awards ceremony.
Awards
| Best Endevour |
T/Gdsn
Brown. Coldstream Guards. |
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Best
Shot:
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T/Gdsn Hawker.
Welsh Guards. |
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Best
at Physical Training:
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T/Gdsn Harris. Welsh Guards. |
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Best
at Drill and Turnout:
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T/Gdsn. McCann. Scots Guards.
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Best
Recruit;
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T/Gdsn
Adams. Coldstream Guards.
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Soldiers
Medal:
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T/Gsdn
Garratt. Grenadier Guards.
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The newly passed out Guardsmen,
then received the Blessing
from the Battalion Padre.
Followed by the Address from the Inspecting Officer, Lt. Colonel Sergeant
In his Address he
once again thanked the families and friends
for their support and help during the six months training,
he congratulated the instructors for a job well done and finally
to the new Guardsmen for an excellent parade which for him
was a privilege to witness and wished them all good luck in
their respective Battalions/Incremental companies.
Finally came the March Off and as they marched past the stands
there was a crescendo of applause and stamping feet.
The Sgt.
Major then invited Mac and myself back to Company Office for
a cuppa and sandwich and to meet Lt Colonel Sergeant and his
guests.
It became more of a Coldstream day as we were also joined
by Captain Paul Downes and later as we left to return home
met Captain Neil Sprot
who is now with the 1st Royal Welch.
This had been an excellent
day in very good company.
I have to make sure that the the Lt Colonel’s photo
is on this report so he can show his sons.
Mannie
Cook
With Thanks to CSM Hardy
for the Squad Pics.
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No. 24 Platoon
STILL
GOING STRONG
Friday 20th August and as I thought I was leaving home to
attend what was to be my last report from Helles Barracks,
home of the Guards Infantry Training Company at Catterick
Garrison,but at he end of the day I was told to change my
mind,
but that comes later.
It was overcast but very blustery on my arrival and I went
straight to the parade ground as the families were already
taking up their seats.
I was also joined by members of the Newcastle Branch with
their Chairman Bill Taylor and Secretary Bob Ferguson.
 CSM
John Hardy strolled onto parade with the Platoon Officer
Lt JWN Bentley both Scots Guards.
The CSM then turned to face the stands and inform the families
and friends of the procedure of the parade, as well as the
do's and don'ts and when to applaud stamp their feet and
shout. He then marched off to join the Platoon.
The music today was provided by the band of the Kings and
as the band led No 24 Platoon on parade to the music of
'Guards Armoured'
once again I had my doubts about the bass drummer.
The Platoon consisted of 26 Trainee Guardsmen, 2 Grenadier,
12 Scots, 6 Welsh, 2 Irish and 4 Coldstream.
CSM Hardy halted them in the middle of the Parade ground
and turned them to their left and gave them their dressing,
He marched over to the Platoon Commander and handed them
over.
 He
then proceeded to march over to where the two stick orderlies,
both Coldstream Trainees, were awaiting
the Inspecting officer,
who just happened to be the Regimental Adjutant of the Coldstream
Guards, Major E M Crofton.
With everyone on parade and in their place, the Pass-out
began with the Inspection and the march past in Slow and
Quick time,
and unfortunately the bass drummer missed the beat, well
you can't have precision all the time.
But these young men on parade were quick to pick up the
step and the came back in to line at the end with great
skill not losing one step. Next came the Advance in Review
Order and the General Salute
After being stood at ease for the Inspecting Officers remarks,
in which he thanked the Guards ITC for inviting him and
paid tribute to the now Guardsmen for a good parade.
He went on to also thank the instructors for a job well
done and the families for their support throughout the twenty
eight weeks of training.
Platoon Commander: Lt JWN
Bentley. Scots Guards.
 Platoon
Sergeant: Sgt LS Salton. Scots Guards
Section Commanders:
L/Sgt CT Harte... L/Sgt RS Coltman...
L/Sgt DLR Evans... L/Sgt D Baker......
Time now for the prize winner to receive their awards as
CSM Hardy had them ground arms, march once pace left and
then forward in one line.
| Best Endeavour: |
T/Gdsn Roome,Scots Guards. |
| Best Shot |
T/Gdsn Parfitt, Welsh Guards |
| Best at Physical Training |
T/Gdsn Parr Welsh Guards |
| Best at Drill and Turnout |
T/Gdsn.Woosnam. Welsh Guards. |
| Best Recruit |
T/Gdsn Goodfellow Coldm. Gds. |
| Soldiers Medal |
T/Gdsn Lepcha. Welsh Guards |
Major General's Section:
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Section Commander.................L/Sgt
Coltman, C.G.
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| T/Gdsn Aston, |
T/Gdsn Gorman, |
T/Gdsn Goddfellow, |
| T/Gdsn Mitchell, |
T/Gdsn Murray, |
T/Gdsn Gerrard, |
| T/Gdsn Woosnam, |
T/Gdsn Collins |
T/Gdsn Gray. |
 
With everyone back in their places the Platoon commander
called his men up and marched forward to ask permission
to march his men off parade, this granted he called them
to attention and went to move them to their right, !steady!
Sir, slope arms first and then turn.
So another twenty six, now Guardsmen marched off to their
respective Battalion's or Incremental Companies to the music
of
'Highland Laddie' and 'St Patrick's Day.
As they passed the the guests and visitors in the stands,
it erupted with applause the stamping off feet and cheers,
with the platoon looking forward to a well earned drink
with their families.
I joined the Newcastle branch members for a sandwich and
a pint in the NAAFI, where we were later joined by CSM Hardy,
the Company Commander and the Regimental Adjutant, Major
Crofton.
I was telling the CSM that I had been visiting Catterick
for the past seven years and reporting on the parades and
was about to call it a day,
don't bother he replied, keep coming you will only feel
your age if you pack in now,
so it looks as thought I will be on parade in the near future
God willing.
My grateful thanks to once again WOII (CSM) John Hardy Scots
Guards for allowing me to use his photographs.
Have car will travel
Mannie Cook
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Citation
(Abridged) for award of the Meritorious Service Medal
to Captain J.S. Beattie Coldstream Guards
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Presented by the Major General Commanding the Household Division
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 Captain
Beatty joined the Army on the 8th Dec.1980 and following
his 6 mths training at the Depot he passed out in April
1981
He quickly demonstrated outstanding potential, gaining
promotion and a posting back to the Guards Depot, as a recruit
instructor in 1987.
Following 3 yrs as a Plt. Sgt.he was posted to the RMAS
as Colour Sgt. Instructor in 1992 and then returned to the
1st Bt. as CQMS.
In Nov.1996, he returned to RMAS as a CSM and then took
up the appointment of Drill Sgt. with his Battalion.
He was
responsible for the training of the Bt. for the Queens Birthday
Parade twice.
Freedom of the City Parades for London and Berwick, and
the Presentation of New Colours to his Regiment.
He was responsible for the Bearer Party for Lt. Gen. Sir
William Rous funeral,
where he handled the intricate funeral arrangements with
immense tact and diplomacy.
He has twice organised the Annual Inspection of the Scouts
Association by Her Majesty the Queen, gaining high praise
from the Association for the immpeccable support.
In April 2001 he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One.
For two yrs. that followed he was the Regimental Sergeant
of Old College RMAS, where he was an inspiration to all.
His ability, dedication and further potential were recognised
and he was selected for Commission in the Coldstream Guards
in April 2003.
Captain Beatty has provided almost
22 yrs of faithful and meritorious service to the Colours.
His Commanding Officer at the Royal Military Academy descibes
him as
'one of the most outstanding soldiers he has commanded in
30 yrs Service'.
He has provided an impressive mix of unwavering support
to his family in difficult circumstances.
At the same time, total dedication, loyalty and allegiance
to the Colours that is recognised today by the award of
the Meritorious Service Medal.
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The whole of the material
on this web site is 'Copyright' and solely owned by the Author.
JISC © Reg..1996
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