Grenadier Guards, British Army 1665

While in exile, King Charles II formed his Royal Regiment of Guards at Bruges, under the Colonelcy of Lord Wentworth from loyal followers. Following the restoration in 1660, a second Royal Regiment of Guards was formed in England under the Colonelcy of Colonel John Russell. 1665 - on Lord Wentworth's death, both Regiments were incorporated into a single Regiment with twenty-four Companies. 1667 - John Churchill joined the King's company as an ensign, eventually to become first Duke of Marlborough, Colonel of the Regiment. 1815 - Following the Battle of Waterloo, became the Grenadier Guards by Royal Proclamation. 1854-56 - the 3rd Battalion formed part of Lord Raglan's Army during the Crimean War. 1899-1902 - fought in the Boer War. 1919 - the rank of Guardsman replaced that of Private in all Guards Regiments. 1940 - At Dunkirk, which the Regiment had garrisoned under Charles II, it took part in the defences of the perimeter, under cover of which the embarkation of the Army was made. It is the most senior regiment of the Guards Division of the British Army, and, as such, is the most senior regiment of infantry. Famousy, guards the monarch.