The four Machine Gun Companies in the Guards Division were formed into the 4th Battalion Machine Gun Guards on 1st March 1918.

By a Royal Warrant of 10th May 1918, the Guards Machine Gun Regiment was formed. It comprised four Machine Gun Battalions: the three Household Cavalry Regiments (the Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards) formed the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, and 4th Battalion Machine Gun Guards joined and was renamed the 4th (Foot Guards) Battalion.