They were "dishonourably discharged'' for disciplinary reasons, the Regiment's Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Burch said.

But he declined to give details of their alleged offences.

"In my recollection over the last 30 years there have been less than a dozen dishonourable discharges,'' he said. "It is not a decision taken often, and it is not taken lightly.'' The four Privates are David Leroy Albouy, Shawn Lynden David Hollis, Jermaine Noel Pearman and Damon Sionay Smith-Allen.

Governor Lord Waddington agreed with Lt. Col. Burch's recommendation that they be booted out from February 6.

Lt. Col. Burch said it was normal to name those dishonourably discharged from the Regiment.

"It is all part of the process, just as we name people enlisted or promoted.

It is quite normal. It seems exceptional because it does not happen often.'' Lt. Col. Burch pointed out a dishonourable discharge went on a person's Regimental record.

But a potential employer would not be aware of it unless he read about it in the public notices.

Asked to say why the privates had been expelled, he said: "It is a matter for them.'' A source told The Royal Gazette only serious misconduct warranted a dishonourable discharge.

He explained the Regiment had the power to fine someone for offences such as failing to show up for training. Another penalty was being sent to court.

"Usually a dishonourable discharge follows a pattern of behaviour over a period of time, and not a one-off offence.'' He added: "Dishonourable discharges do not do any good for your reputation.'' In the United States, people dishonourably discharged from any of the military services were prevented from owning property.

"I believe they are also not allowed to vote. It puts you in an invidious position. It is very, very serious stuff in the States,'' the source said.