The Noble Guard of the Charter Rock
In addition to the combat-ready forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Mancunian Armed Forces (MAF) also maintain several uniformed special units with varied historical functions, including: performing ceremonial duties, standing guard at government buildings and border crossings, and providing personal security to the Royal Family and the Government. The elite special units are administered by the Department of Defense Bureau of Special Military Services. The current Superintendent of Special Military Services is Dwight S. Babcock, of Greeley.
Among the oldest and most elite of the Special Units is The Noble Guard of the Charter Rock. Known commonly as the “Noble Guard” as well as the “Palace Guard” when protecting Corvanham Palace, the unit was originally formed from the retinue of the First Margrave Rechtado mac Donnchada to stand perpetual guard over the Charter of 837. The Noble Guard is currently responsible for guarding and defending government buildings in the capital. In this role, they are most visible to tourists, and renowned internationally for their colorful and intricate Changing of the Guard ceremony.
The Noble Guard includes a ceremonial artillery company, charged with firing the historic Cannons of the Charter Rock on ceremonial occasions. The Artillery Company of the Noble Guard also maintains the original tradition of the elite unit, continuing to stand constant guard over the Charter of 837, which is now displayed in the rotunda of Senate House in Manchester. In addition to its duties in the capital, the Noble Guard also posts ceremonial guards at all official border crossings.
The uniform of the Noble Guard is distinctively black and gold, with two dress standards. The ceremonial parade dress uniform (1) for festivals and government ceremonies includes black trousers with a gold stripe (two gold stripes for officers), a double breasted gold-colored jacket with black lanyard, black cuffs and collars, brass buttons and black dress epaulets with black fringe. For officers the cuffs, collars and epaulets are edged in gold braid. The uniform is completed with a black leather belt and a black dragoon helmet decorated with gold and white feathers. For ordinary guard duties the service dress uniform (2) is similar to the parade dress uniform, but with plain gold-colored epaulets, and a black shako with a gold plume secured by a badge depicting the emblem of the MAF on the front, in place of the parade helmet.
Among the oldest and most elite of the Special Units is The Noble Guard of the Charter Rock. Known commonly as the “Noble Guard” as well as the “Palace Guard” when protecting Corvanham Palace, the unit was originally formed from the retinue of the First Margrave Rechtado mac Donnchada to stand perpetual guard over the Charter of 837. The Noble Guard is currently responsible for guarding and defending government buildings in the capital. In this role, they are most visible to tourists, and renowned internationally for their colorful and intricate Changing of the Guard ceremony.
The Noble Guard includes a ceremonial artillery company, charged with firing the historic Cannons of the Charter Rock on ceremonial occasions. The Artillery Company of the Noble Guard also maintains the original tradition of the elite unit, continuing to stand constant guard over the Charter of 837, which is now displayed in the rotunda of Senate House in Manchester. In addition to its duties in the capital, the Noble Guard also posts ceremonial guards at all official border crossings.
The uniform of the Noble Guard is distinctively black and gold, with two dress standards. The ceremonial parade dress uniform (1) for festivals and government ceremonies includes black trousers with a gold stripe (two gold stripes for officers), a double breasted gold-colored jacket with black lanyard, black cuffs and collars, brass buttons and black dress epaulets with black fringe. For officers the cuffs, collars and epaulets are edged in gold braid. The uniform is completed with a black leather belt and a black dragoon helmet decorated with gold and white feathers. For ordinary guard duties the service dress uniform (2) is similar to the parade dress uniform, but with plain gold-colored epaulets, and a black shako with a gold plume secured by a badge depicting the emblem of the MAF on the front, in place of the parade helmet.
PART OF A SERIES ON
THE MANCUNIAN MILITARY
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