Coldstream Guards
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| 2nd Foot Guards | |
| Title | Coldstream Guards |
|---|---|
| Branch | Infantry |
| Raised | 1661 |
| Colonel | {{{colonel}}} |
| Engagements | Oporto, Talavera, Busaco, Barrosa (second battalion), |
| Nickname | The Coldstream |
| Motto | Nulli Secundus (Second to None) |
The Second Foot Guards, known also as the Coldstream Guards, were first raised in 1650. They are actually senior to the 1st Foot Guards, and take position on the extreme right of the line when on parade and their motto, Nulli Secundus (Second to None), reflects this. They are known for their smartness, both in their appearance and in their drill. They are part of the Household Division, along with the First Foot Guards and Blues and Royals (the Household Cavalry).
During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the Coldstream were involved in several campaigns; three companies were present in America during the American War of Independence (American Revolutionary War), and in 1801 they fought against Napoleon in Egypt during Sir Ralph Abercrombie's campaign there. They took part in the 1807 Battle of Copenhagen under the command of General Sir Arthur Wellesley (the Earl of Wellington in 1811; the title of 'Duke of Wellington' was only granted in 1814 in recognition of the victory at the Battle of Vitoria in 1813).
The Coldstream sailed to Portugal in January 1809 to reinforce the British garrison in Lisbon before Wellesley returned to the Peninsula in May 1809. Under his command during the Peninsular War they have so far taken part in the battles of Oporto (May 1809), Talavera (July 1809), Busaco (September 1810), Barrosa (March 1811) and Fuentes de Onoro (3rd-5th May 1811).
Battles Fought
First Battalion
- Corunna 16th January 1809
- Oporto 12th May 1809 (this battle is also known as the Battle of the Douro)
- Talavera 27th-28th July 1809
- Bussaco 27th September 1810
- Fuentes de Onoro 3rd-5th May 1811
Second Battalion
- Corunna 16th January 1809
- Barossa 5th March 1811
The Coldstream in LL
- Major Felix Sutcliffe was invalided home after the Battle of Barossa in 1811
- Raphael Colborne served with the Coldstream for a short while before being seconded to Horse Guards (the Army headquarters) in London
- Lieutenant Bennet Asquith is an NPC character in Spain with the Second Foot Guards.