A SQUADDIE from Swindon has helped his regiment into the history books by standing guard for the Queen.
Sapper Phil Cozens, 19, was one of 45 soldiers from 48 Field Squadron (Air Support), 39 Engineer Regiment who recently provided the Queen's Guard for the first time in the regiment's history.
Preparations for the regiment's big day were intensive and included three full weeks of drill and kit preparation.
Their ceremonial uniforms, comprising of blue jackets, blue trousers with red stripe and peaked caps were all specially-tailored.
Sapper Cozens, 19, from Park South said: "I've enjoyed doing the guard duty, it's nice to be able to say I stood guard at Buckingham Palace.
"I've had more photos taken of me in the last couple of weeks than I have in my entire life."
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The former Headlands School pupil said: "I came to London on a school trip to see the Changing of the Guard.
"I never thought that one day I would be doing it."
Sapper Cozens, pictured, joined the Army two years ago with a plan to learn a trade.
"My mum was happy that I joined as long as I got a trade," he said.
I’ve enjoyed doing the guard duty, it’s nice to be able to say I stood guard at Buckingham Palace.
Phil Cozens
"So I did and I'm now a fitter in air conditioning and refrigeration."
As a fitter, Sapper Cozens is trained to install, maintain and operate both military and civilian static refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
"It really was a privilege to take part in the guarding.
"Each Guard Duty lasted two hours, but the time flies by.
"You are allowed to change arms when your arm gets heavy from holding your weapon and you can march 15 paces either side of the sentry box. We had to brush up on our drill.
"At the end of the day we are engineers not guards, but the hard work paid off.
"It was nice to be able to take part, but now I'm looking forward to getting back in the field and using my engineering skills."
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Brent MBE, said: "The squadron was immensely proud to perform ceremonial duties.
"My soldiers worked extremely hard to reach the highest standard of turnout and drill. It was an experience of a lifetime."
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 10:20am Thu 8 May 08
There has been picture if them in the national press and western daily press digging footings etc all without planning permission, but if that was me i would have to knock it down. Why??
There has been picture if them in the national press and western daily press digging footings etc all without planning permission, but if that was me i would have to knock it down. Why??
Posted by: LordBelacqua, Swindon on 11:05am Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Donkey[/bold] wrote:
Be proud of our armed forces, in every duty they perform![/quote] For once, Donkey, I think you and me are going to agree on something, haha!
Donkey wrote:
Be proud of our armed forces, in every duty they perform!
For once, Donkey, I think you and me are going to agree on something, haha!
[quote][bold]LordBelacqua[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Donkey[/bold] wrote: Be proud of our armed forces, in every duty they perform![/quote] For once, Donkey, I think you and me are going to agree on something, haha![/quote] I would hope that all of use would be proud of our armed forces.
LordBelacqua wrote:
Donkey wrote: Be proud of our armed forces, in every duty they perform!
For once, Donkey, I think you and me are going to agree on something, haha!
I would hope that all of use would be proud of our armed forces.
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