the household cavalry composite regiment departed the united kingdom in february 1940, transited across france, and arrived in palestine on 20 february 1940. it served as a garrison force under british forces, palestine and trans-jordan. a reserve regiment remained in london to do ceremonials, whilst training regiments took place at windsor. it was overcrowded when regimental hq life guards and two squadrons made their way there from london. b squadron found accommodation at the royal hotel, and c squadron went to the old etonian club at combermere barracks, windsor. 100 reservists were drafted from other regiments for a full complement.