Bearskins, Bayonets and Bravery - Notes from The Guards Museum Andrew Wallis, MBE, OL, DL

This week the Director looks at the life of one of the more colourful officers in the world of Guards music.  He examines the biography of Lieutenant Colonel Jiggs Jaeger written by Colin Dean.  Jaeger was a larger than life character who spent 19 years leading the band of the Irish Guards.  A highly talented man who gave his life to military music. 
Support the Show.

Continuing with the virtual tour of the museum's galleries, this week the Director looks at three relatively recent campaigns namely, the Falklands and the two Gulf Wars.  
Support the Show.

Due to a bit of a health issue, the Director has been a bit of a drain on the National Health Service and has been nipping in and out of hospital over the last few weeks (for which he offers his abject apologies).  So this week he offers a few amusing stories which will hopefully bring a smile to your face.  Having recorded this episode several stories hit the cutting room floor as being a tad 'politically incorrect'....which is a great sadness as they were VERY funny!  As they used to say on telly....normal service will be resumed as soon as possible......  Enjoy!  
Support the show

Finishing of the Second World War and moving on to post war operations, this week the Director looks at two very different Guards officers.....both highly competent and both very brave.....but both very different.
Support the Show.

Concluding the third instalment of the Guards in the Second World War, this week the Director examines the history of The Guards Armoured Division from its inception in 1941 through to its disbandment in 1945 following a remarkable and highly successful series of actions.  Their ability to go from an infantry role, to re-invent themselves as an armoured unit, to fight with outstanding success and then to revert to infantry underlines the determination and flexibility of these iconic soldiers.
Support the Show.

Continuing the story of the five regiments of Foot Guards in World War 2, this week the Director looks at the move from North Africa into mainland Europe.  He follows the exploits of these remarkable soldiers through the gruelling battle northwards through the entire length of Italy suffering desperate rearguard fighting by the German troops through mountainous country in harsh winter conditions.
Support the Show.