GWASL MK IVC: Cambrai '17

With a legacy as storied as their motto, "Nulli Secundus" (second to none), the Coldstream Guards trace their origins back to the English Civil War, when they were raised by the Parliamentarian General Monck. Following Monck’s instrumental role in the restoration of Charles II, they swore allegiance to the new king, becoming his second regiment of Foot Guards. This motto signifies their seniority over even the 1st (Grenadier) Guards. On 27 November 1917, the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, launched an assault on the northern part of Fontaine during the grueling Battle of Cambrai. Despite their reputation for excellence and bravery, the Coldstreamers faced fierce resistance. Their attack, supported by heavy artillery and bolstered by their historical esprit de corps, aimed to break through the German lines and secure a strategic foothold.

The Coldstreamers were met with relentless German fire, similar to what the Grenadiers faced on their right flank. The entrenched German defenders, fortified by artillery and machine guns, repelled the advance. By 1000 hours, the Coldstream Guards were forced to withdraw back to their starting positions, marking a rare and humbling setback for the elite Guards Division. This defeat at Fontaine underscored the brutal and unpredictable nature of World War I combat, where even the most storied and seasoned units could be stymied by well-prepared defenses and the chaos of battle. The Guards Division's resilience and determination, however, remained undiminished, ready to face future challenges with the same resolve that had defined their long and distinguished history.