Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms

The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, often only briefly mentioned Gentlemen at Arms, is one of several ceremonial bodyguard of the British monarch.

History

The unit was founded in 1509 as a mounted bodyguard of King Henry VIII. From 1526, the Gentlemen at Arms, however, are served and equipped with battle-axes. Since it was the last time been in the English Civil War in combat, the unit has only ceremonial functions, although it was part of the British Army until the 19th century.

Presence

The Gentlemen at Arms take their job to guard the British monarch, at several important protocol-related events of the state, the royal family and the various British orders of chivalry true, for example, in the opening of Parliament, Garter Day and the parties in the gardens of the royal palaces. Also at the coronation of British monarchs and state funerals they occur.

The unit consists of five officers and 27 gentlemen. Highest rank officer ( Captain ) is always the Group Chairman ( Chief Whip ) of the ruling party in the House of Lords. In fact, the command authority is exercised by the Lieutenant. He must have just like the other officers previously served in the Corps.

The gentlemen are all retired officers of the British Army ( usually in the rank between major and colonel ); upon entry, they must be younger than 55 years. With the 70th year they are retired.

The uniform of the Gentlemen at Arms corresponds to that of the British heavy Dragoon Guards around 1840. Helmet with a plume of swan feathers always takes place when the unit is on duty, even in churches. Except with a cavalry sword every gentleman is equipped with a long ceremonial battle ax.

Battle Honours

From the time in which the Corps has not yet had purely ceremonial functions, it has some Battle Honours ( honorable mentions that are listed on the regimental flag ).

Battle Honours ( English names ):