1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Frontline and Ready.

We are the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, a proud and professional fighting unit of the British Army. Based at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, we serve as light infantry within 4th Light Brigade Combat Team, blending high-readiness operational capability with the ceremonial excellence for which the Guards Division is renowned. While we’re well known for our role in State Ceremonial and Public Duties — wearing the red tunic and bearskin with pride on the world stage — that’s just one part of who we are. At our core, we are infantry soldiers, trained to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice.

In recent years, we’ve balanced ceremonial commitments with a demanding operational tempo. We’ve deployed on exercises across Europe and North America, supported operations in the Middle East, and maintained a constant focus on readiness. Right now, we’re in the midst of an intensive training phase as we prepare for Exercise ASKARI STORM in Kenya later this year — a major test of our combat skills in a challenging environment. This exercise will sharpen our edge and get us battle-ready for the next big chapter in our story.

Next year, we begin a new operational tour — relocating as a battalion to Cyprus for a two-year posting on the Sovereign Base Areas. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to represent the Regiment abroad, continue our professional development, and live and work in a strategically important location. After the Cyprus deployment, we’ll return home to Combermere Barracks, ready to resume ceremonial duties and pick up the baton once again — proud of who we are, and prepared for whatever comes next.