24th June 2009
The Corps of Commissionaires achieves 150 year milestone
In February 1859, The Corps of Commissionaires founder, Captain Edward Walter, established what has now become a thriving security services company. Back then, his vision was to provide jobs for the ex-servicemen returning from war that wanted and were able to work.
After 150 years The Corps of Commissionaires is still an employer of choice for many exservices personnel when they return to civvy street, and over 40 per cent of Corps Security staff have spent some or all of their careers in the military, fire or police services.
To celebrate this milestone The Corps of Commissionaires hosted a very special event in the presence of the Chief Life Governor, Her Majesty The Queen. The event, held at St James’s Palace in London on 9th June saw The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh join staff and customers from The Corps of Commissionaires offices all over the world.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh inspected a specially selected group of Commissionaires who formed a 48 strong Guard of Honour at the event, then they moved onto greet guests and staff in attendance. Over half of those invited to the anniversary celebrations were employees serving within the company today.
The Guard of Honour were all uniformed officers representing the Corps Security offices in the UK and Asia Pacific. They were joined by colleagues from partner companies in Canada and Australia at this prestigious event. Six of the Guard of Honour representatives travelled over 50 hours from Papua New Guinea on what will be a trip of a lifetime.
The company will continue the celebrations for the 150th anniversary with local events nationwide, where staff and customers will be able to see pictures and exhibitions from the Royal event.
It is not all about these events either. The company feels strongly that the heritage should be celebrated individually too. To mark the occasion every member of staff working for The Corps of Commissionaires in the UK, Australia and Papua New Guinea will be given a commemorative scroll and badge to serve as a memento of the date. Officers will be encouraged to wear the badge throughout the anniversary year.
Corps Security is extremely proud of its heritage and will be encouraging all employees to take part in at least one of the portfolio of activities planned to mark the 150th anniversary of The Corps of Commissionaires.
