Jamaica Regiment at Buckhingham Palace

The Jamaica Defence Force created ceremonial history in April this year when the annual Operation Calypso Hop contingent to Britain undertook, what is known as Public Duties and mounted guard at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James Palace and the Tower of London. The usual four week exercise was extended by a fortnight to allow soldiers of the Second Battalion the Jamaica Regiment to carry out these duties.

Throughout most of the period when the Jamaica Regiment mounted guard at Windsor Castle, The Queen was in residence and the officers on Guards dined with Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family. The Jamaicans’ drill and turnout was of a very high standard and the troops held up well despite being unaccustomed to the cold weather at the time. British media coverage, especially by radio and television, was extensive.

The occasion was a rare honour; infantry regiments of only two countries other than the United Kingdom itself – Canada and Australia – have ever previously been accorded this privilege. The Nepalese Gurkhas who from time to time carry out these duties belong to Gurkha regiments of the British Army.

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