Army

Household Division switches from summer to winter uniforms as clocks go back

Every year, as the seasons transition, so do the iconic uniforms donned by the Household Division.

As the country moves from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) the Household Division changes from summer to winter uniforms.

The Winter Order sees the iconic scarlet tunics swapped for Athol grey livery.

The transition between the distinct uniform codes happens twice in a year.

When the clocks go back in October, it prompts the switch to Winter Order, and when they go forward again on the last Sunday in March, it signals the return to BST, and the Guardsmen revert to their distinctive scarlet tunics.

Winter Order worn from October to March 281023 CREDIT ARMY — Winter Order is worn from October to March (Picture: British Army).

While the Guardsmen wear grey greatcoats, the Cavalry, meanwhile, still display a splash of colour with red cloaks for the Life Guards and dark blue for the Blues and Royals.

Summer tunics are replaced by single or double-breasted greatcoats, an attire that dates back to the Napoleonic era, initially designed to shield soldiers from the harsh winter elements.

While once standard issue for frontline British soldiers until the 1950s, these greatcoats are now exclusively reserved for ceremonial duties.

The polished breastplates – known by the technical name of cuirasses – of the members of the Household Cavalry are also replaced by warm woollen cloaks for the winter.

Personnel will change back to tunics and cuirasses after March's clock change.

Even if it is a particularly chilly September, greatcoats and cloaks are not worn until after the clocks go back in October.

Ceremonial soldiers sport a single-breasted greatcoat, while officers and warrant officers wear a double-breasted version.

On Sunday, after the clocks have gone back the King's Guard comprising of Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards will be the first to perform their public duty in their greatcoats.