First Sikh to perform ceremonial duties in a turban: Guardsman Jatenderpal Singh Bhullar (25) has just joined F Company Scots Guards, an incremental company of soldiers responsible for delivering ceremonial duties in London. A practising Sikh, he has elected to wear a turban rather than the traditional bearskin cap worn by the Guards for ceremonial duties. The Scots Guards were formed in 1642 and began the practise of wearing Bearskins as part of their ceremonial uniform in 1832. Sikh Drummer Boys served with the Scots Guards at the Battle of Waterloo, but when Guardsman Bhullar goes on parade it will be the first time that a Scots Guardsman has guarded the monarch wearing a turban. Guardsman Bhullar is understandably nervous at the prospect of stepping out for his first Queen’s Guard, there’s a lot to remember and it doesn’t get more high profile than parading on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Ceremonial duty is incredibly rigorous and he will be required to stand motionless for up to two hours at a time on rotation during a 48 hour duty. He said: “Conducting Public Duties whilst being a practising Sikh and wearing my turban is a great honour for me. I am very proud to be a member of the Household Division. To be the first Sikh Guardsman to mount guard in a turban will be the best thing I have done in my life. Especially as a member of the Scots Guards, the Regiment is full of history, as is my religion.” Photographer Sgt Adrian
- Scarlet Pimpernel
- Dec 14, 2012
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