Fusiliers changing guard at Buckingham Palace

7:39am Monday 16th June 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THEY’RE changing the guard at Buckingham Palace today — to Bury’s famous Fusiliers.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will take part in their first public duties parade on Monday when they mount the Buckingham Palace guard in front of more than 15,000 spectators.

The battalion, which recruits from across the borough and Manchester, recently moved to London from Cyprus and are now based in Hounslow, the historic home of the Royal Fusiliers. The regiment’s association with London dates back to June 11, 1685, when the Regiment was raised by Royal command from the Tower Guard to protect the ordnance train. Captain David Falconer said: “For all the men and officers taking part it will be a tremendous privilege and honour to be on parade in the nation’s capital city and the home of the Regimental Headquarters, the Tower of London.

“The forecourt of Buckingham Palace will be a far cry from the front line in Afghanistan and Iraq where the majority of those taking part served this time last year.

“The image of the distinctive red and white hackle being worn on Buckingham Palace forecourt will be a memorable occasion for all those watching and participating. The determination and effort that has been put into the preparation will ensure the parade is carried off with style for which the 2nd Fusiliers are rightly proud.”