The Grenadiers

British Grenadiers

The Grenadiers were formed as Lord Wentworth's Regiment in 1656. They were based in the Spanish Netherlands and were tasked as bodyguards for the exiled British monarch, King Charles II. Four years later a similar regiment known as John Russell's Regiment of Guards was formed and in 1665 the two were combined to form the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards.

At the start of the 18th century, Grenadiers were considered some of the most elite soliders of any European armye. They also began to move away from their original role of throwing grenades and specializing in seige operations. The Grenadiers were more often called on to perform special tactical functions on the battlefield. The regiment faught gallantly against their counterparts from the The Grenadiers of The French Imperial Guard during the battle of Waterloo in 1815. They were honoured with a new name, "The First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards" and became the first and only only regiment in the British Army to be named for one of its battle honours.

The Grenadier regiment has fought in almost every major campaign of the British Army. This has included action in the War of the Spanish and Austrian successions, the Peninsular War, the Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, Urabi Revolt, Opium Wars, Boer Wars, World War I, World War II and most recently, the Persian Gulf War. The Grenadier Guards continue to be part of the modern British Army, and also have the honour manning the Royal Guard in London. Throughout its illustrious history, the regiment has received seventy nine battle honours have been awarded, thirteen members have won the Victoria Cross and one the George Cross.

Current British Grenadier Batallions

1st Battalion (The Dandies)
2nd Battalion (The Models)
3rd Battalion (The Ribs)