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The Yeomen of the Queen’s Guarde Valecti Garde (Corporis) Domini Regina Sword Drills
This site best viewed at 1024 x 768. Last updated:
March 3, 2009
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The Yeomen of the Queen’s Guarde
Valecti Garde (Corporis) Domini Regina
Sword Drills
Sword Safety Concerns and Precautions
Standing with the Sword at the Order
Sword at the Advance
Sword at the Port
Sword at the High Ward (Charge)
Sword General Salute
Sword Mourn ArmsUsually, it is only the officer commanding a formation of soldiers that performs the Ceremony Drill with the Sword. When the commander gives a command to his men, they perform the action commanded with the polearm while he performs the action at the same time with the sword.
As with any other weapon, safety to you, other Yeomen, other actors and our patrons is of supreme importance. Weapons drills and improper handling of the weapons are the most dangerous thing that we do, so extreme care must be taken to ensure that no one is endangered.
If at ANY time an order is given that you believe could endanger anyone, you should call "HOLD" as soon as possible.
Running while bearing a drawn sword is strictly prohibited.
Standing with the weapon resting on the ground is called "Standing at the Order". As well as being the position that you will fall in to formation at, it also serves as the position in which you will be standing when at Rest. Holding the sword as though it was about to be used, merely rotate it to counter-clock wise so that the point faces the ground. Place the point of the sword just to the right and to the fore of your right foot. If done correctly, the hand gripping the sword should be turned so that the palm-side faces to the right.
When you (the commander) give the command "Advance Thy Arms," swing the sword forward while rotating it clock-wise. Then bring the blade of the sword to the right shoulder. You will find yourself with the weapon at the advance for most any time that you are moving. When you give the command "Port Thy Arms," bring your left foot forward so that you are standing sideways. Drop the point of your sword so that the blade is at a 45-degree angle with the ground. Your left arm should be held in front of your body as though you were wearing a shield called a Target.
When you (the commander) give the command "Charge Thy Arms," you will move into a position called the "High Ward." Swing your right arm up so that the hand griping the sword is above your head. The tip of the sword should be pointing towards the ground so that the blade is at a 45-degree angle with the ground. Your left arm should be held in front of your body as though you were wearing a shield called a Target.
If you give the command to "LUNGE!", step forward with the left foot and thrust the sword down as if attacking an enemy formation.
Remember, if at ANY time, you either believe an order is given that you believe could endanger anyone, you should call "HOLD" as soon as possible.
Begin at the Advance position. When you give the command of preparation, "General…", bring the sword to your face so that the tip faces the sky and the hilt covers your face.
When you give the command of execution, "Salute," step back with your right foot into a bow and swing the sword down and to the right until the blade is at your side. Your left hand should touch the brim of your cap.
Begin at the General Salute position. When you give the command "Mourn Arms," return to the advance while using both hands to reverse your sword so that the tip points to the ground and so that your right hand grips the blade just below the hilt, leaving the grip open.
This site best viewed at 1024 x 768.
Last updated: March 3, 2009
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