Guards Division   

A World War One Living History Organization

   

The Guardsman...

   Most people recognize these famous British soldiers in their tall bearskin caps and bright red coats that stand guard at Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace and the Tower of London.  However, did you know that those five Foot Guard Regiments are among of the oldest and most respected fighting units in the world?

    The Guards Regiments respectfully hold battle honors dating back to the years following the English Glorious Revolution, the Seven Years War, the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, the Boer War, World War I, World War II, the Persian Gulf War, and several others.  It is very likely that the Guards Regiments will earn more battle honors for their current service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    By the time of the First World War the most senior of the Guards Regiments, the Grenadier Guards, prepared to celebrate their 260th anniversary.  At about the same time the youngest of the Guards Regiments, the Welsh Guards, was just being formed.  During the Great War, the Guards served in every major campaign on the western front, from the early August days of 1914 at Mons, straight through to the occupation of Cologne after the Armistice in 1919.  In 1915, at the request of King George V, the five Guards Regiments were brought together into their own division:  The Guards Division.  As their own division, the Guards continued to build a reputation as a very disciplined and dependable division that exceeded all expectations.  At the end of the war, King George V honored the individual privates of the Guards Division with a title aside from Private.  They would from that point on, respectfully be known as...  Guardsmen.

Guards Division Living History

    Our organization is part of the Great War Association.  Our members have an interest in the history of the Great War, in particular the sacrifice and struggle of the British "Tommy" who served with the Guards Division in the front line trenches in Flanders and France. 

    We dedicate time to take the fascinating history of the Great War out of the history books to experience, study, and better understand the struggles of that passing Great War generation.  In addition, our members volunteer time to educate the public about the history of the Great War and the soldiers who fought it.  It provides a truly hands-on experience for children and adults alike, that promotes a better understanding of the war and those who fought it.

If you are interested in becoming part of our living history organization or you would like information please feel free to email us.