The Road to Basra, Southern Iraq, 7th April 2003 by David Pentland  Challenger II tanks of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and Warrior APC's of the Irish Guards, 7th Armoured Brigade, the "Desert Rats" supported overhead by US Marine Corps Cobras during their epic dawn attack to finally take and secure Basra.  Anzio, Italy, February 1944 by David Pentland  Replacements from 1st Battalion Irish Guards and Sherman tanks of the 46th Royal Tank Regiment move through the debris of Anzio town towards their jump-off positions for the Battle of Campoleone Station. How Lance-Corporal Michael OLeary Won The V.C. At Cuinchy.     On February 1st 1915, in the brisk action at Cuinchy, the Germans captured a trench held by the Irish and Coldstream Guards.  A tremendous storm of gun and rifle fire was poured upon the trench with a view to its recapture.  During the action, Lance-Corporal OLeary spotted a German machine gun which would play havoc with our men when they advanced.  Orders were given for the Irish to go forward, but OLeary meanwhile had not forgotten the machine gun.  He put on his best pace, and within a few seconds found himself in a corner of the German trench on the way to his goal.  Immediately ahead of him was a barricade, but its five defenders quickly paid with their live the penalty of standing between an Irishman and his hearts desire.