Winged Warriors, the Old Royal Bodyguard of Russia The Shiljez, the bodyguard of Ivan the Terrible 1550 The shiljez were formed at the same time as the Strelski from whom they were distinguished by two wings fastened at the back of the kaftan to the shoulder. They carried a halberd, but their duties were ornamental rather than useful. They belonged to the immediate entourage of the Sovereign and when on foot they somewhat resembled the Gentlemen at Arms of the British Court. Both the Strelski and the Shiljez were disbanded at the accession of Peter the Great