10 YEARS AGOMay 2003

May 22, 2003: Following the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the Irish Guards were sent fo fight the Baathist regime of Saddam Hussein. The Guards were part of the 7th Armoured Brigade, successor of the famed ‘Desert Rats.’ Upon crossing the Iraq Border, the Desert Rats began the journey towards the area around Basra, gradually taking control of much of the area that surrounded Iraq’s second largest city. In 2005 1st Battalion, Irish Guards became the first unit to be officially awarded battle honours for service in Iraq - this was to enable these to be displayed on the battalion’s new regimental colour during the Queen’s Birthday Parade. The regiment was formed on April 1, 1900, by Queen Victoria in response to the courageous actions performed by Irish regiments in the Second Boer War. The regiment’s first Colours were presented by Edward VII in May 1902 at Horse Guards Parade. The regiment claimed six Victoria Crosses.