Coldstream Guards in China

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by shfalkiner, Apr 19, 2012.

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  1. shfalkiner

    shfalkiner Junior Member

    I am researching my family history. My father served with Coldstream Guards 1924 to 1929 (reserves to 1936) -1st battalion. I have his military records from Records Office. His China posting was Jan 1927 to Mar 1928.
    Any details of what he may have done there?
     
  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I thought you may have a reply by now.........

    II will look up details for you but from memory I think 2nd CG were based in Shanghai.

    It is often said that The Brigade of Gurads never served serve east of Suez......

    Will be back on the forum in a few days.

    Steve Y.
     
  3. Wills

    Wills Very Senior Member

  4. Orwell1984

    Orwell1984 Senior Member

    Here's some more images and information:
    ARMED FORCES: Troops leave Southampton and London for Shanghai: | ITN Source
    Soldiers Of The 2Nd Battalion Coldstream Guards In Shanghai… News Photo | Getty Images Canada | 3311580
    13 Mar 1927 - CHEERING CROWDS WELCOME THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS On...
    Local Sells Cigarettes To Members Of The Coldstream Guards… News Photo | Getty Images Canada | 3310374
    BRITISH MILITARY OPERATIONS 1919-1939
    Scroll down to section on China 1927
    Finally a tribute site to the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards which contains this snippet:
    During the inter war years cuts in the defence budget meant that training was severely curtailed. There were times when platoons and weapons were represented on exercises with flags!. The Regiment was employed on several overseas expeditions. In 1927 the Second Battalion was sent to Shanghai after the British concession had been sacked by Nationalist Chinese. They arrived on 10 March 1927 and took up positions within the Concession to prevent its occupation by the Nationalists. By May the situation had calmed, despite attempts by the Chinese to persuade the British troops to kill their officers!. On 3 June the Battalion trooped the Colour on the Kings Birthday Parade at Shanghai Race Course. The remainder of the time passed uneventfully and the Battalion arrived backack in England on 21 March 1928.
    Tribute to 2nd Bt.
     
  5. Wills

    Wills Very Senior Member

  6. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I have sourced this post from the 2000 publication “Second To None” – The Coldstream Guards 1650 – 2000 edited by Julian Paget.

    In Chapter 6, Pages 76 to 79, written by Robin Alderson, it states that in January 1927 the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, commanded by Lt Col P.R.B. Lawrence MC embarked for service in China. They were the first foot guards battalion to serve “east of Suez”.

    Due to the ongoing Chinese Civil War the British Government felt obliged to protect British Commercial interests in Shanghai and hastily despatched a division to reinforce the Shanghai Defence Force. 2nd C.G. embarked on SS Kinfauns Castle 22nd January 1927 and arrived at Shanghai 10th March 1927.

    The 20th Indian Brigade had arrived some weeks earlier and had secured the perimeter of the British portion of the international concession in Shanghai. 2nd C.G. was responsible for the foreshore of Soochow Creek between Markham Road and Prices’ Candle factory and was billeted in a hutted cantonment in nearby Jessfield Park.

    On 22nd March 1927 it was reported that Cantonese troops were marching on Shanghai with the result that many refugees fled to the city. The Cantonese came into contact with various British positions and small skirmishes occurred – none involving 2nd C.G.. However Number 1 Company did assist Shanghai City Police in an operation to regain 2 Police stations which it was thought had been overrun by rebel gunmen.

    The situation calmed very quickly and a normal routine established with company relief’s every 6 days. In May it was calm enough for the Battalion to begin rehearsals for The Kings Birthday Parade (Trooping The Colour) which took place 3rd June 1927 in temperatures over 100F at Kiang-Wan Racecourse (international territory) with the salute taken by Sir Miles Lampton KCMG, the British Minister for the settlement.

    By this time 2nd C.G were accommodated at a tented camp at Hungaio, 7 miles from Shanghai. In July the battalion moved to more comfortable accommodation in huts in Kiachow Road.

    The summer climate was uncomfortable and unhealthy and sentries were posted wearing mosquito nets on their helmets. There were some 10 deaths from various causes during the tour. The battalion embarked on TS Assaye less than a year after its arrival in China and reached Southampton 28th March 1928.

    Regards,

    Steve Y.
    :)
     
  7. Andrew Hillier

    Andrew Hillier New Member

    Have you found out anything more about hist time in China since these posts? Andrew Hillier
     
  8. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    As the OP hasn’t been on the forum since July 2012 it is unlikely he will see your message. It might be better if you sent him a Personal Message - although no guarantee you will get a reply.

    Steve
     
    Tricky Dicky likes this.
  9. shfalkiner

    shfalkiner Junior Member

    Hi Steve, my profound apologies. I got seriously side tracked and haven't done any military family history for a while - a long while! Thank you for your reply and information. Today I have been looking at my father's military history and have found quite a lot. Why I didn't find it before is a mystery. Your reply has given me further info which is very interesting. thank you once again. Regards, Sue
     
  10. shfalkiner

    shfalkiner Junior Member

    Sorry, Andrew. I have not done any military history for some time but I found your info very interesting. I have found more info so I am getting an idea about my father's time in Shanghai. Thank you for your reply and again, apologies.
    Regards, Sue
     
  11. shfalkiner

    shfalkiner Junior Member

    Hi, sorry for not replying to you before. I have not looked into any military history for quite a while - a long time really! I have being looking today and have found quite a lot of references including this forum. It has been very interesting. again, deep apologies, and thank you for your time. Regards, Sue
     

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