The Welsh Guards is the youngest of the five foot guards regiments and this book was timed to mark the regiment's 100th anniversary in 2015. This is a book that works on every level:

1. It works as an easy to read and informative coffee table book. This is not a book that has to be read cover to cover but rather one that can be dipped into. There is most certainly a very structured narrative format but the book is also peppered with standalone call-outs. Thus in the first half a dozen pages we see separate text on some of the battalion's personalities, the regimental choir and the regiment's uniform and insignia.

2. It works for the amateur military historian. There is a load of detail contained within these pages: order of battle, uniforms, tactics and key figures within the regiment seem to leap out from every page. Appendices list everything from regimental affiliations, battle honours and battalion stations over the years to commanding officers, senior NCOs and gallantry award winners.

3. It works as a tribute to the Welsh Guards. The book has been beautifully and lavishly illustrated throughout. HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales has provided the Forward, and Trevor Royle, a vastly experienced military historian has provided the rest of the text.

This is a great book with a good bibliography and a thorough index; a very useful reference work which sits happily next to my copy of Up The Micks!

Amazon Review - Paul Nixon

This book is packed with information, paintings and photographs of past operations and personalities. Even for non-guardsmen there is plenty to hold the reader's attention.

Soldier Magazine

Bearskins, Bayonets and Body Armour is refreshingly different. Beautifully produced, with colour photos.

Literary Review