The Coldstream Guards, a British Infantry Regiment, is famous for being the oldest regular Regiment in continuous existence since 1650. Distinguished on parade by red plumes worn on the right side of the bearskin, Garter Star on the collar and buttons spaced in twos as the Second Regiment of Foot Guards with the motto “Nulli Secundus” or “Second to None”.
As the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army, the Coldstream Guards is well known for its high-profile ceremonial duties – but it’s an infantry unit first and foremost, with a hard-won reputation as an elite fighting force.
Our Role of the Regiment
Renowned for their discipline and courage, Coldstream Guards are infantry soldiers who specialise in light-role operations: performing reconnaissance, operating machine guns and mortars, and engaging enemy troops on foot and in light vehicles. This versatility makes the regiment one of the most important fighting units in the British Army.
Coldstream Guards also have a ceremonial role as protectors of the royal palaces, including Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards is one of the oldest and best-known military marching bands in the world.
Below is a list of key members of the association and their respective titles. Further below is a historical roll of former and present branch presidents. There is also a comprehensive roll of past and present branch chairmen.
PRESIDENT
Lt Col M Vernon
VICE PRESIDENTS
Capt W E Forbes
Capt A Gane
Capt The Marquess of Donagal.
Capt L Westerman
Major J Blair
WO Class 2 (Drum Major)
S Fitzgerald
Mr R Appleby MBE
Mr W Taylor
BRANCH OFFICIALS
SECRETARY
Mr E Armstrong
CHAIRMAN
Mr R Hardy
TREASURER
Mr K Stott
ENTERAINMENT COMMITTEE
Mr R Gray
Mr S Sutton
Mr K Thomas
Mr G Plumb
Mr K Stott
PAST & PRESENT
BRANCH PRESIDENTS
1913
1929
1957
1965
1975
1982
1995
2004
2022
Brig General Sir H.C. Surtees CB CMG DSO MVO MP
Lt. Colonel W. St Andrew Warde-Aldam DSO DL
Brig The Lord Stratheden and Campbell CBE
Major D.J. Warde-Aldam
Major J.C. Cowley DCM
Captain A.S. Gardner
Captain A.R. Pearson
Lt Colonel R.M. Festing OBE TD DL
Lt Colonel M. Vernon
BRANCH CHAIRMEN
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965 – 66
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973 – 86
1987 – 95
1996 – 05
2006 – 16
2017
2018
2019 – 24
2025
J Calder Esq
R Wood Esq
M Gaynor Esq
S Hetherington Esq
W Hogg Esq
R Patrick Esq
W Forster Esq
R H Miller Esq
R Lowther Esq
L Best Esq
G Carter
W Foster
J R Mark Esq
B Wilkinson Esq
G Waine Esq
W Taylor Esq
S Finnemore Esq
R Hardy
E Armstrong
R Hardy