WELSHMAN, WARRIOR, INFANTRYMAN, GUARDSMAN
The Welsh Guards are Wales’s Senior Infantry Regiment with a formidable reputation forged throughout the last century.
First and foremost we serve our nation as fighting soldiers, and also take immense pride in our ceremonial role as the guardians of the royal palaces. Every Welsh Guardsman strives to maintain the high standards of the Household Division in the continual pursuit of excellence.
FACTS & FIGURES
ACTIVE FROM
26 February 1915
ROLE
Infantry
SPECIALISM
Light Role
our skills
We are first and foremost front-line Infantry soldiers, but are also one of the world’s best ceremonial Regiments, guarding Royal palaces and the Royal Family, and taking part in State Ceremonial duties. When you join us, you will first join a rifle Platoon as an Infantry soldier, but you will have to chance to develop and build your skills to become a specialist:
- Combat Infanteer
- Reconnaissance
- Sniper
- Machine Gunner
- Mortar Operator
- Anti-Tank Operator
- Combat Communications Specialist
- Assault Pioneer
- Airborne Infanteer
- Physical Training Instructor
- Intelligence Specialist
- Combat Team Medic
Operation Toral (Afghanistan)
The Welsh Guards are frequently deployed. We are currently training to deploy on Op SHADER (Iraq) in 2021.
- Our recent operational deployments include:
- Operation TORAL 6 (Afghanistan), 2018
- Operation HERRICK 16 (Afghanistan), 2012
- Operation HERRICK 10 (Afghanistan), 2009
- Operation TELIC 5 (Iraq), 2005
We also routinely deploy on exercises and Adventurous Training around the world. We have recently been in the jungles of Belize; the Falkland Islands; skiing and bobsleighing in France and Austria; on exercise in Germany, Romania and more. You can travel the world with us.
Our People
We are incredibly proud of our Welsh heritage, and most of our soldiers are from Wales or have Welsh roots, but we also welcome recruits from across the UK and Commonwealth. Wherever you are from, you will be welcomed into our family Regiment.
Elizabeth Barracks
The Welsh Guards
I wanted to do a job I could be proud of Jordan, 21
Our Role
The Welsh Guards have a dual role. We are Light Role Infantry, allowing us to lead from the front as a mobile and flexible attack force and deploy on operations around the world. We are also world class ceremonial soldiers, guarding the Royal Family and Royal palaces such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London and conducting State Ceremonial duties. Our red tunics and bearskins are recognisable all over the world.
Past to Present
The Welsh Guards was formed in 1915 by order of King George V. Over the course of their 100+ year history, they have distinguished themselves both on and off the battlefield, and have taken part in almost every British Army campaign since World War I.
List of Equipment used
SA80 Individual Weapon
L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifle
L115A3 Long Range 'Sniper' Rifle
81mm Mortar
Heavy Machine Gun
Grenade Machine Gun
Locations
1st BATTALION WELSH GUARDS
Combermere Barracks,
St Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 3DN
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS
Welsh Guards Regimental Headquarters, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ