A SQUADRON of soldiers from Dalton Barracks, near Abingdon, swapped driving supplies for a bit of spit and polish as they took on the honour of guarding the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Usually the 3 Regiment, Royal Logistics Corp troops are more accustomed to driving heavy trucks across great distances delivering all the equipment, stores and supplies needed to keep a modern day army sustained and fighting fit in the field, but for six weeks they were thrust into the international limelight as they took the place of the Queen’s Guard.

They spent weeks in preparation, learning the intricate drill movements to make sure they were in top form for the honour.

Each period of guard duty lasts two days, and when mounting the guard in London, the troops assembled on the parade square in Wellington Barracks, which overlooks Buckingham Palace.

After their final inspection on Wednesday, November 15, and in front of five thousand spectators, they then snapped to attention and stepped off marching out of the barrack gates behind the Band of the Grenadier Guards across and in to the forecourt of the Palace for the time honoured ceremony of the changing of the guard.