Lance Bombardier Grace Gostelow

Grace Gostelow was awarded the Major-General’s Award for Bravery after she saved the lives of spectators by guiding a runaway gun team away from them. In February 2016 the King’s Troop were rehearsing in Charlton Park when one of the horses bucked causing the rest of the team to follow suit. Two of the drivers were unhorsed leaving 30-year-old LBdr Gostelow as the only rider with the spooked horses. She could have saved herself by jumping clear but stayed with the gun team to try and steer the horses and the gun away from bystanders. She risked being crushed under hooves and a heavy gun and limber. Finally the lead and centre horses tried to go either side of a tree so that Grace was thrown off. She suffered severe injuries including a broken neck. It was not until February 2019 that she was fit enough to lead a gun team on a landmark parade, the Queen’s Accession Day celebration on 6 Feb 2019.
Grace Gostelow received her award on 5 May 2018 from Major-General Ben Bathurst GOC London District and Major-General Commanding the Household Division. The photo shows Lance Bombardier Gostelow wearing the shoulder flash of the London District of a red sword and yellow crown.

Regimental Details | Soldiers