The UK put on a fine ceremonial display to welcome General James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, to London this week.
The United States’ General is a guest of the Chief of the General Staff of the United Kingdom, and during his visit he will deliver the Kermit Roosevelt Lecture at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The Major General Commanding the Household Division, Major General Chris Ghika, welcomed General McConville to his London District Headquarters, Horse Guards in Whitehall.
Just over a century ago, the magnificent historic building was the former HQ of the entire British Army.
General Ghika led General McConville through the 18th century arches to the parade square, where every year Trooping the Colour takes place for Her Majesty The Queen’s official birthday. There, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards provided a ceremonial Guard of Honour of 48 Rank and File Guardsmen and greeted The Chief of Staff of the United States Army with a General Salute, Slope Arms.
The Coldstream Guards, fresh from operational training, and recently returned from duties in the Middle East, were on parade with their Regimental Colour, richly embroidered with the Battalion’s many battle honours.
The unit, one of the oldest in the British Army, has fought with distinction and honour in almost every war and conflict since 1650.
During the course of the 20th century and today, the Coldstream Guards have trained and served alongside our US allies, most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, each benefitting from the partnership.
Today, the Guards were on parade in the iconic Summer Guard Order military uniform of scarlet tunics and bearskin caps. The Band of the Irish Guards performed a rousing musical accompaniment as the US General was invited to inspect the Guard of Honour.
