Hi Ken !
Thought this maybe of interest !!
History of the Irish Guards in World War Two
1st Battalion Irish Guards in Norway
At the outbreak of World War II, the 1st Bn. Irish Guards were stationed at Wellington Barracks in London under the command of Lieut.-Colonel W. D. Faulkner, M.C. Once the Nazi invasion of Norway was underway, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards were made part of the 24th Guards Brigade with 1st Bn. Scots Guards and 2nd Bn. South Wales Borderers just returned from a long tour in India. On 4 April the King visited the battalion during training exercises. A visit from the King was a sure sign the battalion was to be sent overseas soon as he always visited units about to embark. The next day, leave was stopped and packing began in earnest. Most men believed that France was their destination. On 10 April 1940, the battalion was given its marching orders. The 1st Bn. was to leave London through Euston station at 8pm that night. The destination was Norway. Full "Christmas Tree Order" - "Change of Quarters" with additions was to be worn with British Warms and a haversack slung on either side and the respirator at the alert. A full kit inspection was held in the square before enbussing. Some of the kit issued was as follows: one mess tin, ground sheet, two pair socks, one cap comforter, holdall complete, two towels, soap, two pair laces, housewife, canvas jacket and trousers, one pair canvas shoes, one shirt, one vest, small kit, clasp knife and lanyard, A.B. 64 and identity discs, field dressing, gas cape, gloves, wallet, anti-gas eyeshields and ointment, and ration bag. This was also the first time the battalion as a whole wore the new battledress.
http://home.att.net/~mick3ig/history.htmAnnie
