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LONDON Three Infantry Battalions of the British Army are currently tasked with the provision of Public Duties. Two of these are from the Foot Guards of the Household Division , and one (since 1996) is a Line Infantry battalion. The former are normally based at Wellington Barracks in central London , within a short distance of Buckingham Palace , and at Victoria Barracks in Windsor Castle , while the latter is at the Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow . Permanent Public Duties Companies of the Foot Guards also supplement these men.
The 1st Bn, 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment served in this role 1986-1988, stationed at Caterham , the first to do so. The 1st Bn, King's Own Fusiliers in the series '' Soldier Soldier '' served for a period on public duties during the run of the series. Apart from providing the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace , and the Tower Of London Guard, the Public Duties battalions occasionally also provide the Windsor Castle Guard, which is otherwise provided by the battalion based at Windsor . All ceremonial events in London involve the Public Duties battalions. They are also available, should this be necessary, to fulfil the primary role of a royal Bodyguard , that of providing armed troops for the defence of the Sovereign and the Capital , and of providing military assistance to the civilian authorities as and when needed (such as the Firefighters Strike ).
Arms Plot Battalions on public duties are part of the regular arms plot; this is where infantry battalions are periodically rotated to various locations and different roles. From approximately 2006 , the arms plot system will cease - battalions will be given fixed roles and locations. In theory, this will include public duties in London, which will retain its two guards and one line infantry battalion. However, for unpopular postings (including public duties), Light Role Infantry battalions will continue to rotate. OTTAWA Public duties are also performed in Ottawa , the capital of Canada . The primary ceremonial duties involve mounting guard at the Canadian Parliament and at Rideau Hall , the official residence of the Governor General . These are performed primarily by the two Canadian regiments of foot guards, detachments of which are formed into the Ceremonial Guard . However, as in London, it would be possible for any Canadian regiment to serve in this capacity. The guard at Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall are mounted daily from early June until late August, with the first parade usually on the Friday before Canada Day . Since 1989 , the Governor General's Foot Guards have performed additional public duties in Ottawa during the autumn and winter months. |
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