Coldstream Guards Return Home to Berwick-upon-Tweed in Grand Procession
The Coldstream Guards, one of the most iconic and historic regiments in the British Army, made a symbolic return to Berwick-upon-Tweed yesterday, 375 years after their formation. The soldiers, resplendent in their red tunics and bearskin hats, arrived at King’s Cross station in London before boarding an LNER train to begin their journey north.
According to eyewitnesses, the scene at King’s Cross was lively, with members of the Band of the Coldstream Guards playing music to entertain the crowds. The soldiers, who were accompanied by their bearskin caps in the luggage rack, looked relaxed and enjoyed a change from their normal routine. As Kent Online reports, the atmosphere on the train was lively, with soldiers taking the opportunity to unwind.
The train journey was a precursor to a grand procession through the streets of Berwick-upon-Tweed, where residents had turned out in force to welcome the soldiers home. The Coldstream Guards paraded through the town, their bearskin hats and scarlet tunics drawing admiring glances from the crowds. As Kent Online notes, the soldiers were greeted by cheering crowds as they made their way through the town.
Upon completing their procession, the Coldstream Guards attended a service of thanksgiving at Berwick Parish Church. The service was a fitting tribute to the regiment’s history and heritage, and provided an opportunity for the soldiers to reflect on their service. The event was captured by photographers, who were on hand to record the occasion. Kent Online has published a series of images from the event, which show the soldiers in their finest attire.
The Coldstream Guards are one of the most senior regiments in the British Army, with a history dating back to 1650. The regiment has seen service in numerous conflicts around the world, including the Crimean War, the Boer War, and both World Wars. As Kent Online reports, the return of the Coldstream Guards to Berwick-upon-Tweed was a significant event, marking a major milestone in the regiment’s history.
The event was widely covered by photographers, who were on hand to capture the sights and sounds of the occasion. The images published by Kent Online provide a glimpse into the pageantry and tradition of the British Army, and highlight the strong bond between the regiment and the local community. As one of the images shows, the bearskin caps were even stored in the luggage rack, adding a touch of whimsy to the proceedings.
In a statement, it is clear that the people of Berwick-upon-Tweed are proud to have the Coldstream Guards back in their town. The regiment’s return home was marked by a series of events, including the procession and the service of thanksgiving. As Kent Online notes, the event was a celebration of the regiment’s history and heritage, and provided an opportunity for the local community to come together and welcome the soldiers home.
Photographs: Jeff Moore/PA and Owen Humphreys/PA. Source: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/news/national/in-pictures-bearskin-caps-in-the-luggage-rack-as-coldstream-guards-return-home-148232/.
