Hi John
Many thanks.
In his excellent booklet "Coldstream Guards, Dress and Appointments 1658-1972", published by Almark Publishing Company Limited, London 1973, Charles Stadden states the wearing of the Valise was discontinued in November 1905 and the folded greatcoat was worn instead. The Valise star was then worn on the centre strap of three. In October 1936 the greatcoat was replaced by the folded cape, folded 14" x 6 and a half", and the star continued to be worn on the centre strap.
Presumably this was continued up to the outbreak of WW2.
Somewhere I have seen pictures of the St James's detachment of the Palace Guard leaving the Palace and bringing up the rear is a radio operator. The radio has a cover, (matching the colour of the Home Service uniform jacket) upon which is a valise badge. In the absence of one made for QIIR (is this a safe assumption?) would this have been a GVIR one?
Are they still worn? Answers from serving or ex-guardsmen (I know there is no such person as an ex-guardsman, once a guardsman always a guardsman) would be most welcome.
Is there such a badge with a Queen's crown for the Welsh Guards and, if so, what is it called now?
Best wishes
Gordon
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