THE Army confirmed yesterday that more troops from the region are already in the Gulf, or on their way, as Britain and the US continued to prepare for war with Iraq.

There were tears and prayers on a parade ground in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, on Thursday, as the 1st Battalion of the Queen's Dragoon Guards boarded coaches which would take them to military aircraft given the task of flying them to undisclosed locations in the Middle East.

Their Scimitar, Spartan and Striker reconnaissance vehicles had already arrived there and senior officers have confirmed they could be ready for action within a month, scouting ahead of any movement made by Allied troops.

However, although the 600 men from the Welsh cavalry regiment represented the first sizeable force from the garrison to be deployed to the Gulf, the Army has confirmed smaller groups departed for the area last month, including a contingent from 8 Transport Regiment, based at Marne Barracks, Catterick.

Others, from 5 Regiment, Royal Artillery, also based at Marne Barracks, 38 Engineer Regiment, based at Claro Barracks, in Ripon, and gunners from 40 Regiment, Royal Artillery, based at Topcliffe, will also form part of the battle group.

"The 8 Transport Regiment element went in late January and have been helping with logistical matters in the Gulf, but how long they will remain out there is not something we can discuss," said an Army spokesman yesterday.

"We should remember there is still a chance the armed forces will not be required and they could all be on their way home in a matter of weeks.