The King’s ‘Private Army’

Comprising three platoons of infantrymen, mainly drawn from the Coldstream Guards, the Coats Mission, whose first commander was Major James ‘Jimmy’ Coats MC, was reinforced by armoured cars of the 12th Lancers and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry, the so-called Morris Detachment, and six Royal Military Police despatch riders. The latter were known as Bluebirds on account of being recruited by Sir Malcolm Campbell.

In the event of German invasion, the Coats Mission has no written orders other than provide protection for the Royal Family as they were being transported to one of the safe houses established in Britain - the King, Queen, and two princesses to be ferried in armoured cars converted into passenger-carriers, with all guns removed, linoleum flooring, and comfy seating.

The NCOs and men of the mission were carefully selected from Holding and Training battalions, their conduct sheets had to be without serious blemish, and training and fitness of all ranks was maintained to the highest level.

However, in the absence of any real emergencies, there was ample time for the unit’s officers to indulge in fun and games far-removed from military exercises. As well as taking part in royal shooting parties, they also helped lay on entertainment for the King and his family. Not surprisingly, life in the unit was much sought after.

Referring to the Coats Mission as his ‘Private Army’, the King inspected them before church services and afterwards enjoyed drinks with the officers and NCOs at York Cottage, Sandringham, and when the lake there froze in January 1941, Princess Elizabeth joined in an ice hockey match in which she scored a goal.

The Royal patronage extended to Christmas pantomimes and when the men of the Coats Mission came left Sandringham in the autumn of 1942 they were serenaded on their way by Princess Margaret, performing her very own version of Old Macdonald Had A Farm which had proved a hit at the village hall show - a show written and produced by none other than the unit’s future Victoria Cross winner, Ian Liddell.

■ Coats Mission officers with the Royal Family, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, Sandringham, January 1942. Ian Liddell is second from the right. The two Royal Artillery officers on the far left and far right were serving in the antiaircraft unit sited on the Royal Estate.