Basra Blog - Iraq

Helicopters home from Iraq

2009-08-11T21:58:00.001+03:00

After six years of service in Iraq, the last Puma and Merlin helicopters have come home to Royal Air Force Benson in Oxfordshire.

Merlin and Puma Force Commander and Station Commander Group Captain Jon Burr addressed the gathered crowds, praising the professionalism and performance of the men and women of the Support Helicopter Force.

“The Pumas have played an active role in Iraq since 2003, to be joined by the Merlins 2 years later” he said. “The Merlin made its name in casualty evacuation, carrying out daring rescues in a hostile environment to rescue British and coalition lives”. It’s been a big commitment for the personnel of RAF Benson. “Some staff have been deployed in Iraq several times over, which combined has added up to almost 2 years of their life spent in Iraq” said Group Captain Burr.

For the crews returning today there is a chance to catch up on family life and take some time off before the task of working up to Afghanistan deployment. “It’s fantastic to bring home the Squadron” said Wing Commander Nigel Colman, Officer Commanding 78 Squadron. “We faced quite varied and significant challenges in Iraq, on an Operation which has at times, involved intense war fighting. Now we’re able to prepare for and be completely focused on Afghanistan.”

As the Helicopter Force prepares for a four month training exercise in the United States, the Station Commander explained the benefits of training ‘hot and high’ in a different climate. “We are pulling out all the stops to make sure we are ready for Afghanistan. We must ensure crews are trained to operate safely and that both crews and aircraft are in tip top condition.”

Vehicles return from Iraq for redeployment to Afghanistan

2009-07-28T22:24:00.002+03:00

One of the final deliveries of heavy equipment has arrived back in the UK from Iraq enabling some of it to be refurbished and sent to support operations in Afghanistan.

The MOD logistics ship 'Anvil Point' docked at Marchwood military port on Southampton Water in the early hours of Friday 24 July 2009 with its cargo of vehicles, stores and equipment from Operation TELIC (Iraq).

Among the vehicles on board were several Mastiff armoured personnel carriers lashed to the upper decks, which will be refurbished now they are back in the UK and made available to commanders for operations in Afghanistan.

Providing the manpower at the Marchwood military port is 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, part of the Royal Logistic Corps, whose personnel comprises of port operatives such as crane drivers, stevedores, railway operators and boat handlers, among many other trades.

Since the end of Operation TELIC and the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq over 4,000 containers of kit and over 600 vehicles have made their way back to the UK and into the system for redistribution wherever they are needed.

The logistical challenge is huge involving a massive operation in Iraq and Kuwait to document and track each piece of valuable equipment.

This gruelling task was undertaken by the Joint Force Logistic Component (JFLogC) using a innovative tracking system that works through a combination of identification stickers and electronic 'guns' that read the stickers' information; and 'bricks' containing electronic information, attached to equipment, that are tracked by mobile electronic data sensors.

The system used by the MOD is a modified 'off the shelf' purchase, saving considerable research and development costs. It has the added advantage that it is compatible with the US military version.

The system can be set up at the roadside at the end of a convoy route in under five minutes and can register over 100 containers as they are driven past at 50mph (80km/h). That information can then be used to tell exactly what is in every one of those containers and where they are going.

Captain Richard Hall, the Theatre Drawdown Unit Technical Officer, explained:

"Consignment tracking is widely used by civilian companies to track stock as they export and deliver it to their customers. Recently the Armed Forces have harnessed this technology to our advantage.

"Knowing where our stock is saves us money; we have a large logistic focal point here in Kuwait, and smaller ones at key Middle Eastern air and sea ports. We also have series of similar nodes in the UK at the delivery locations and ports of entry."

All the data sensors on the equipment are connected, via satellite, to a central computer server in the UK which can be accessed by users all over the world. This gives total visibility of where items of equipment and vehicles are but, most importantly, when they are going to get to their destination.

Corporal Mark Wright, who is responsible for making sure that the data bricks are secured to every piece of kit, said:

"You can see Total Asset Visibility readers at most ports, airports and border crossings. They look similar to a small satellite dish, and these scan the bricks as the consignment physically passes by, and then relay the information to a central server.

"We can't have soldiers deployed across the world to zap the barcodes, so this is a way of capturing the information automatically, saving on manpower and money."

The technology means that as the Anvil Point docked in Southampton the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment personnel quickly and easily unloaded the cargo and organised it for onward transit - and possible return to front line operations.

The majority of kit has been shipped from Iraq to the UK on one of four civilian roll-on/roll-off ships, operated on a long-term lease by the MOD to transport military supplies and equipment.

In total there will be eight ships' worth of military hardware returning from Iraq when the operation is complete.

RAF Engineer - "first in and last out of Iraq"

2009-07-17T13:21:00.003+03:00

A Royal Air Force engineer who was amongst the first British military to enter Iraq in 2003 is now going to be one of the last out.

Squadron Leader Graem "Pingu" Corfield was flown with the Royal Marines into Iraq's Al Faw Peninsula on day one of the British operations in Iraq in 2003.

He was part of One Marine Expeditionary Unit who provided air engineering support for the Royal Marines' assault on the Al Faw Peninsula.

Now after much change in southern Iraq, Squadron Leader Corfield is serving as second-in-command of the Joint Helicopter Force (Iraq) (JHF(I)), based in Kuwait, supporting Operation Brockdale; the drawdown of British equipment from.

And he now expects to return home on one of the last, if not the last, flight. Reflecting on the change in Iraq since the start of Operation TELIC, Sqn Ldr Corfield said:

"Iraq was a police state when I first arrived. Now it's an organised, democratic and self-reliant nation."

He also spoke about the use of the Merlin helicopter in Iraq:

"Chinooks and Lynxs were world class at their job in the original invasion of Iraq but now, the Merlin is the battlefield helicopter of choice and it has made Iraq its own. It's saved lots of lives," he said.

In the UK, Sqn Ldr Corfield works as a Senior Engineering Officer on Tornado aircraft, based at RAF Lossimeouth.

He is currently working with JHF(I)'s three Merlin helicopters as part of the Joint Force Logistic Component (JFLogC) in Iraq which is running the operation to recover six-years-worth of kit from the country, through Kuwait and onward to the UK.

The task faced by JFLogC when they arrived in Iraq on 28 March 2009 was immense with almost 4,200 troops in Iraq, an estimated 5,000 containers of equipment to process, and over 600 vehicles from Challenger tanks to quad bikes to deal with.

The majority of kit has been shipped to the UK on one of four civilian Roll-on/Roll-off ships, operated on a long-term lease by the MOD to transport military supplies and equipment. To date six ships' worth of military hardware has been dispatched, with another two to go later this month.

Apart from a small number of forces who will likely remain in Iraq, subject to the agreement of the Iraqi Government, to continue training and mentoring the Iraqi Armed Forces, British personnel, kit and equipment are due to be home by 31 July 2009.

80 per cent of kit removed from Iraq

2009-07-10T23:17:00.004+03:00

The operation to return British military equipment from Iraq, one of the biggest logistic challenges to be undertaken by British military forces in modern history, reached its 100-day point on Friday 10 July 2009

The Joint Force Logistic Component (JFLogC) is the driving force behind Operation BROCKDALE which commenced on 1 April 2009, and they estimate that 80 per cent of the work is already complete.

Commenting on Operation BROCKDALE on Friday, the Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth said:

"The withdrawal of UK forces from Iraq has been conducted in good order and with consummate skill and I congratulate everyone who has been involved. This is intelligent logistics at its best, ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

"In their first 100 days, the Joint Force Logistic Component, supported by forward-based civilian teams from the Defence Support and Distribution Agency, has made magnificent progress and I am confident they will continue to do so until the task is complete."

The Commander of JFLogC is Brigadier Paul Stearns Royal Marines who said:

"Today's military equipment is at a premium, it is high quality and high value. It's vital we get it to its next home fully refurbished or put on the shelf ready for use again as quickly as possible.

"The taxpayer has invested a lot of money in our equipment and my team are acutely aware of this. It is my job to protect that investment."

The task faced by JFLogC when they arrived in Iraq on 28 March was immense with almost 4,200 troops in Iraq, an estimated 5,000 containers of equipment to process, and over 600 vehicles from Challenger tanks to quad bikes to deal with.

Since then the JFLogC have made every one of the 100 days count.

Lieutenant Colonel Darrell Amison, the Commanding Officer of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, who make up the mainstay of the specially formed Theatre Drawdown Unit or TDU, said:

"Of the 5,000 containers we had to deal with we have shipped to the UK, sold or disposed of almost all of them.

"We have now processed all but 100 of the vehicles that are due to go back home, and we are on track to get the remainder where they need to be by our target date of September."

In an innovative military development the TDU was specifically generated to reflect the requirements of Op BROCKDALE, incorporating a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Armoured Equipment Support Company to process vehicles and a Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) General Support Squadron to deal with the hundreds of thousands of items of kit and equipment.

RAF Merlin flies 3500 miles back to UK

2009-07-07T19:27:00.002+03:00

An RAF Merlin helicopter lifted off this morning from the Headquarters of the Joint Force Logistic Component in Kuwait for a marathon journey of 3500 miles back to UK.

Many helicopters making their way back to UK go on either a ship or in the hold of one on the RAFs massive C17 transport aircraft however on this occasion flying it directly represented the most speedy and economical option as well as providing important training for the crew.

Flight Lieutenant Max Bond is leading a team of six from the Joint Helicopter Force in Iraq (JHF-I) who will be onboard for the four day journey.

‘Planning is the key to success on a mission like this’ he explained form the operations room of the Joint Helicopter Force. ‘We are travelling though seven countries and will stop a total of 10 times for fuel and rest’

‘There are flight plans, diplomatic clearances and plenty of pre-booking required’ we’ve spent several days planning this trip’

For the past 5 years the Merlins have been supporting combat operation in Iraq however for the last 4 months the helicopters have provided direct support to the Joint Force Logistic Component (JFLogC). The Logistic force is co-ordinating the drawdown of six years worth of kit, equipment and personnel from Iraq since the end of combat operations in April this year.

So far JFLogC have completed about 80% of the task of handling over 4000 containers of kit and equipment; returning 600 vehicles to UK and reducing numbers from 4200 to the 500 troops now split between Iraq and Kuwait.

‘Good order’ is our watch word explained Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Watkins, the JFLogC Chief of Staff, ‘and the helicopter force here in Kuwait are a key enabler in achieving this’.

The Merlin’s have provided a vital link between the Kuwait Support Facility, the Military port of Umm Qasr and the Contingency Operating Base on the outskirts of Basra which has been home for British forces for the past 6 years.

‘Now that UK troop numbers have reduced we can release one of the three helicopters’ explained Squadron leader Mark Biggadike, the Officer Commander the Merlin flight.

The helicopter will be going back to the UK for an overhaul then on to join the existing force in Afghanistan.

Signals soldiers given Iraq medals

2009-07-03T13:06:00.000+03:00

60 communication specialists from 20th Armoured Brigade (The Iron Fist), the last serving British brigade in Iraq, received their operational medals this week in front of family, friends and partners.

Paderborn-based 200 Signal Squadron, which supports the Brigade Headquarters, were responsible for shutting down the communication networks in the south of Iraq while handing command over to the Americans.

Brigadier Tom Beckett (late Para) presented all first-time recipients of the TELIC medal on Wednesday 1 July 2009, followed by a speech in which he congratulated all members of the Headquarters and 200 Signal Squadron saying:

"The brigade has been there three times and to see our collective efforts over the last six years produce a good result in Basra is great.

"TELIC 13 was historic because it was the last British tour in Iraq and done successfully."

Troops from 200 Signal Squadron were based at the majority of British force locations in southern Iraq including as far south as the port at Umm Qasr and at Iranian border crossings.

MOD auctions off surplus kit to Iraqis

2009-07-01T18:17:00.002+03:00

As the UK withdraws all its equipment from Iraq, auctions are being held to sell off kit that won't be brought back to Britain to businessmen in the Middle East.

As the UK withdraws all its equipment from Iraq, auctions are being held to sell off kit that won't be brought back to Britain to businessmen in the Middle East.

While equipment that can be used again is being returned to Britain in good order for refurbishment and redistribution to troops elsewhere, surplus kit, from scrap metal to pick-up trucks, that would cost more to return to the UK than it is actually worth, is being sold off locally.

The auction operation benefits both the expanding Iraqi economy, with good deals on scrap, vehicles and furniture, and the British taxpayer, who stands to recoup in excess of £1m as well as reap savings in dismantling, decommissioning, transportation and storage costs.

Head of Overseas Disposals for the Ministry of Defence's Disposal Services Authority, Scott McCulloch, has made numerous visits to Basra to get the best return on surplus equipment for the taxpayer.

He said:

"The amount of money we save is very important, not only is the price paid quite significant but it’s a big saving when you look at shipping and storage costs in the UK. Overall it’s been a huge saving to the UK taxpayer."

Sandstorm blasts UK troops in Kuwait

2009-06-30T11:54:00.000+03:00

British troops in Kuwait and Iraq are being blasted by a fierce sandstorm which for the last 48 hours has made their work of bringing UK kit home from Iraq almost impossible.

With winds of over 52mph whipping up the sand in temperatures of 47 degrees, the logistic force, ensuring that six years' worth of combat equipment returns from Iraq in good order, are battling with terrible working conditions, but they are still managing to get some work done.

Private Simon Ameet Limbu says as he takes an hourly atmospheric reading:

"It's like standing in an oven, in a wind tunnel, and on the beach all at the same time."

Private Limbu is a Combat Medical Technician from 4 Medical Regiment based in Aldershot who are manning the medical centre for the Joint Force Logistic Component (JFLogC).

He and others provide the medical care for 500 troops split between Iraq and Kuwait. They are bringing out the remainder of the kit and equipment from Iraq following the end of combat operations in April this year:

"We hear on the news that they are experiencing a heat wave in Britain at 33 degrees. That's nothing! It's hotter than that in the middle of the night here," he added.

"It's tough, but it's not impossible. We get issued top spec goggles that keep the sand out and we're all pretty well acclimatised now. We just work at a pace that suits the heat and take in as much water as possible. The Army have even given me a Camelback drinking system to keep my fluid levels up in the heat of the day."

Captain Ned Brown, a pilot from the Joint Helicopter Force, said it was a tough day to fly in:

"The helicopters are modified to fly in the sand but there comes a point when it just becomes impossible."

He explained that planning ahead can beat the weather:

"We knew it was going to be a tough day weather-wise so we got our business done in a weather window this morning."

Meanwhile troops from the specially deployed Theatre Drawdown Unit continue in their mammoth task of accounting, checking, packing and moving thousands of items of equipment either back to the UK or to Afghanistan. Many of them working in the open.

The storm is forecast to continue for the next few days.

Rebuilding Iraq: the role of IT staff

2009-06-26T16:27:00.001+03:00

IT contractor Peter Moore has been held hostage in Iraq for over two years.

His plight has highlighted the dangers facing ordinary workers and civilians living and working in the country. Even aid agencies have deemed the situation too perilous, and most moved their staff out years ago.

There are 31 million Iraqis in the country, as well as thousands of contractors and military staff, including technology workers working on projects that will play a crucial role in the rebuilding of the country.

The war decimated much of the country's infrastructure, including the telecommunications network and any hope of a reliable internet.

Some restructuring work is underway, but Gartner analyst Vittorio Dorazio predicts it will be at least five years before Iraq sees any real changes.

Many would consider technology as relatively low down the list of priorities in a country that does not have enough doctors or schools. But IT will be a crucial part of improving basic living standards.

Building records and systems

IT company EMC is working in Iraq through its business partners. Mohammed Amin, regional manager for EMC Middle East, said IT is central to providing public services and standards of living.

"IT has to work in parallel with building roads and schools, and improving transport and healthcare," he said. "These developments need records and systems. You need healthcare databases, and systems are needed to determine who is eligible for new passports and citizenship, for example."

The main areas of activity are telecoms, government and the banking sector, which is now starting to re-awaken. Most telecoms investment is going into mobile communications, because landline networks are more cumbersome and expensive. The government, with help from oil revenues, is investing large amounts in basic infrastructure equipment and in archiving government information.

"There are so many documents from the past 30 years which are very important - they detail how to run the country, how to handle the security situation, how to control Iraq's borders. They need a huge archiving system," Amin said.

Full of potential

Despite the hurdles that Iraq will no doubt have to get past, there is plenty of activity and potential, according to Dorazio.

"The Iraqi IT industry is definitely growing, despite the crisis. There are small companies, but you don't see large companies. It is in a very early stage. The fighting is even now ongoing and it is very hard to provide a service when the overall infrastructure is disrupted," he said.

EMC's Amin agrees the security situation is still a problem. EMC has considered opening an office in the safer northern part of Iraq, but has had to put its plans on hold after a resurgence of violence in the past couple of months.

Progress on security is still being made. Large IT companies and consultancies, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, do business in Iraq and transfer knowledge to the country.

The armed forces have also played a big role in training up the Iraqi security forces in all kinds of skills, ready for the UK's departure in July this year.

Lt Col Jon Cole, commander of joint forces for communications and information systems in Iraq, said, "We have assisted with training the Iraqi forces so we are not leaving them in the lurch. There is also a small British army presence that is staying in the country, at the invitation of the Iraqi government, to help with training."

The army, navy and airforce have worked in partnership with local contractors throughout their six years in the country, although the military operations have been self-contained and will have had little impact on civilians. In mid-March the information systems engineers started winding down the military IT operations in Iraq, and they expect to be finished in mid-July.

Throughout the war, IT and communications have been a central part of military operations. "It is absolutely crucial," Cole says. "More and more equipment that comes into service is technologically far superior than in previous generations. Command and control officers use large screens and advanced systems to keep track of where soldiers and vehicles are. If the IT is not working, a patrol will not go out - it is as simple as that."

Once the military has moved out, the UK government will help reconstruction efforts through the Provincial Reconstruction Team, based in Basra. There is a long way to go, but hopes are high that Iraq could one day become a technological hub in the Middle East.

"First, we need stability," says Dorazio. "But Iraq could really leapfrog other countries in terms of technology. Back offices will not be constrained by legacy systems, and people starting businesses can get the newest technology. There is a massive amount of potential."

Anna-Lee the brains behind Forces day

2009-06-25T16:24:00.000+03:00

Major Anna-Lee Johnston, who is currently in command of 9 Armoured Company, part of 4 Close Support Battalion REME based in Bordon, is organising the first Armed Forces Day in Kuwait on Saturday.

Major Johnston (34), is responsible for the work of more than 50 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers personnel who are repairing vehicles in Iraq and Kuwait and preparing them to be sent back to Britain in good order, now that the UK combat missions in Iraq have finished.

The unit has so far overseen the movement of around 5,000 containers and shipped more than 600 vehicles – from quad bikes to Challenger Two main battle tanks – back to the UK.

All the kit being returned to Britain is quickly refurbished and either redistributed or 'put on the shelf' ready for reuse at a later date.

The REME is part of the force of more than 600 personnel in Iraq and the Kuwait Support Facility at Camp Buehring near Kuwait City, supporting the withdrawal of combat kit in good order from Iraq.

When not busy at her 'day job', Major Johnston is organising a day of events to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Kuwait.

She said: "It's important to remember servicemen and women past and present and our Armed Forces Day will be a celebration for them. It will also be a landmark in our deployment in Kuwait and gives the guys something to look forward to."

Major Johnston joined REME in 1997 after gaining a Masters Degree at Cranfield University. Since then, she has enjoyed an exciting career, serving in Germany, Cyprus, Canada, the Balkans and Afghanistan.

l The British Army have finished combat operations in Iraq and are currently bringing their personnel, kit and equipment home, to be out of the country by Friday, July 31.

RAF Merlin helicopters continue to operate in Iraq

2009-06-23T00:24:00.003+03:00

Joint Helicopter Force (Iraq) continues to operate three Royal Air Force Merlin helicopters to provide the lift and shift capability for British forces in Iraq.

Flown by RAF aircrew, with support elements from the Army, Navy and RAF, helicopters remain the movement and logistic workhorse of choice to ensure the drawdown of forces from Iraq in good order.

Although UK combat operations were successfully completed at the end of April, the men and women of the Joint Helicopter Force are still flying operational sorties into Iraq every day. They are supporting the Joint Force Logistic Component, a specialist logistic team charged with bringing UK forces and equipment home from Iraq in good order.

In full body armour and flying tactical profiles constantly honed through the conflict thus far each Merlin takes off with twin front and one rear-facing General Purpose Machine Guns and over 1000 rounds of ammunition for each flight. Flares are carried and fired to protect against the possibility of heat-seeking missiles. At night they are often required to fly low level across a featureless desert with only Night Vision Goggles to aid their final descent into tight landing areas, often bristling with unlit masts and pylons.

“One of the biggest challenges here is the weather” said pilot Flight Lieutenant Mike Barclay, “it can be fine gin clear at take off but in less than 5 minutes the wind can whip up the sand into a ferocious storm, making a landing impossible. We have to be ready to make some swift decisions when that happens.

“The Merlin is a fantastic helicopter, but like any helicopter the heat presents its own challenges. We cannot lift the same payload we can in UK for example, this means careful planning and co-ordination is a constant feature of our activity” said Capt Ned Brown, an Army pilot who is Operations Officer for the Force.

Iraq receives Italian-built fast patrol boat

2009-06-20T20:45:00.002+03:00

Iraq on Saturday took delivery of the first of four Italian-made patrol ships it has ordered, as part of a plan to treble the country's naval forces in the coming years.

Iraq's navy is rebuilding itself after being destroyed in the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 US-led invasion.

It now has about 2,000 sailors, and defence chiefs have said they aim to boost its manpower to 6,500 in the next two to three years.

The Fatah, which can mean to conquer or victory in Arabic, is a Saettia MK4-class fast patrol ship that will be used to patrol Iraq's economic zone and in search-and-rescue missions.

It set sail after its completion at the Fincantieri shipyard in La Spezia, Italy, a month ago, with three other such fast patrol boats due to be delivered at a rate of one every three months.

In total, the four ships are worth 80 million euros (110 million dollars), with each measuring some 54 metres (177 feet) long, weighing 390 tonnes, and attaining a speed of 23 knots with crews of 38.

The Fatah was escorted variously by Italian, American and British warships during its journey through the Mediterranean Sea, the Suez Canal, the pirate-filled waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

The long voyage from Italy was be the first time the new navy has travelled outside Arabian waters, and is the first such journey for the force in decades.

Military matters: A luggage mountain two and a half miles high - The Times

2009-06-20T15:32:00.002+03:00

Deborah Haynes, Defence Correspondent

The Iraq mission is over for Britain’s combat troops, but hundreds of support soldiers are still hard at work destroying, selling or transporting out of the country six years of military kit, in a quiet reverse of the 2003 invasion.

It is the biggest logistical challenge that Group Captain Richard Hill, Deputy Commander of the Joint Force Logistic Component, has ever faced.

“Having the opportunity to bring the whole headquarters to do a theatre extraction and drawdown, that’s very interesting and rewarding,” he told The Times from a US camp in Kuwait, where the military removals force is based.

From Challenger tanks and Lynx helicopters to socks and boots, everything has to be accounted for. The 1,000-strong team dealt with equipment needed for combat missions in Afghanistan first, including Mastiff armoured vehicles and devices to counter the threat of roadside bombs.

British Forces have amassed mountains of gear since they rolled over the border from Kuwait in March 2003. If every ISO container was stacked on top of each other it would stand more than two and a half miles above the desert.

The majority of the equipment, including computers, tables, chairs, Land Rover Discoveries and tents, ended up at the Contingency Operating Base, a sprawling camp just outside Basra city, where thousands of US troops are now located after some 4,000 British forces pulled out.

In an operation dreamt up last summer and put into action earlier this year, the military assesses every item to decide what needs to be brought back to Britain or a British base in Germany, what can be left behind and what should be destroyed.

The 5,000 ISO containers, stacked up like Lego bricks at the Basra base, are central to the mission. However, it transpired that many had deteriorated over the years under the burning Iraqi sun. So, in a novel attempt to recoup cash, the logistics team filled some of these cast-offs with other unwanted items — such as army towels and rolls of barbed wire — and sold them though a private contractor at auction to local Iraqi businessmen.

The rest of the damaged ISO containers were sold for scrap metal. The military also flogged other piece of kit, such as a number of the Land Rover Discoveries and pick-up trucks, because it would have been more expensive to ship them back. In total, the troops raised more than £1 million through the sell-off.

The remainder of the gear, anything from generators to air-conditioned dog kennels, is bound for home. Night after night, long lines of convoys make the 185-mile journey from Basra to the Kuwaiti camp and then on to the port, laden with ISO containers packed with kit as well as trucks laden with combat vehicles.

Up until May 11, the convoys were run by the British military, but as troop numbers decline — there are only about 50 military personnel left in Basra — the remainder of the gear is hitching a ride with US convoys.

Even some helicopters are driven out by road. Warrior armoured vehicles are stripped down and loaded up. They are destined for Britain for a complete overhaul.

Members of the logistics team in Kuwait go through the containers, assessing the kit before it is loaded into cargo ships — private roll-on-roll-off ferries rented by the Ministry of Defence.

In the latest departure, MV Hurst Point is due to dock in Marchwood next week after setting off from Shuaiba port in Kuwait at the start of the month. The ship is carrying 200 ISO containers packed with gear and 51 armoured vehicles.

Sergeant Justin Crocker, 28, from Wales, helps to load the vehicles on to the boats. “We just make sure that they get on the boat without any accidents,” he said, adding that each vessel takes about eight hours to load. Soldiers have to unload and check the kit inside the containers in temperatures up to 60C/140F.

“It is interesting. I have never done a tour like this,” Sergeant Crocker said. “It is a bit of a weird tour for us.”

In a symbol of the Iraq exit, British Forces handed back the sand-coloured stone building that served as their headquarters in Basra for the past six years to the Iraqi authorities on Monday. It is one of the last British-occupied buildings in the south to be returned.

“I am not a sentimental chap,” said Group Captain Hill, who attended the handover. “It was the final act as far as the Iraqis were concerned of the British Forces’ extraction from Iraq.”

The building, which is situated close to Basra airport, is expected to be converted into a hotel or a conference centre.

British forces hand over Basra HQ building to Iraqis

2009-06-16T15:25:00.002+03:00

Some of the last British forces based in Basra handed back the former headquarters building of the to the authorities at Basra International Airport.

The building, a former hotel sited near the main airport terminal, was handed over to the airport's director, Mr Ameer at a ceremony yesterday as part of the ongoing withdrawal of the British forces.

The building was an unfinished shell when coalition forces arrived in 2003 but the UK has since carried out millions of dollars worth of work to make the building habitable.

British Forces are now leaving Iraq in accordance with the UK's security agreement with the Iraqi government. The Airport authorities will now decide on any future use of the building

The building has been the work place of thousands of coalition personnel over the past six years as well as civilian staff from the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and UK Department for International Development. This building represented the very heart of the UK's efforts to make Iraq, and particularly Basra, a safer and more prosperous place.

RAF Tactical Supply Wing returns from Iraq

2009-06-15T15:00:00.002+03:00

A highly specialised unit within the Joint Helicopter Command, the RAF Tactical Supply Wing, which has been refuelling battlefield helicopters in Iraq for the last six years, has now come home. Report by Neale Adams.

Battlefield helicopters will not fly unless the RAF Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) is on operations to make it happen.

The best mechanics and pilots can ensure an aircraft is airworthy or flown well, but without fuel the war bird stays on the ground.

Usually the first in and some of the last to leave operational areas, personnel from the TSW literally 'dig in' to establish and maintain a battlefield fuel capability to keep the helicopters in the air to move troops and equipment and, where necessary, extract casualties.

The fuel depots are a high-level target. In 2006 a major offensive by local insurgents against the Forward Operating Base at Al Amarah saw a direct mortar strike on a TSW rubber storage tank, resulting in the loss of 94,000 litres of aviation fuel.

Two days later, during a further bombardment, refuelling hoses were set on fire, but the swift action of the TSW detachment prevented a further loss of fuel and allowed helicopter operations to continue.

Moreover fuel and replacement equipment was rapidly redeployed from the main operating base in order to swiftly re-establish TSW's full operational capability.

In another incident a General Service Tanker containing 28,000 litres of fuel suffered a direct hit, resulting in the total loss of the vehicle.

During the same period TSW personnel continued to refuel aircraft while coming under fire, to ensure that the aircraft were able to take off and counter the threat.

In recognition of the dedication and bravery of the TSW personnel, two members were awarded the General Officer Commanding Commendation for their actions.

This article is taken from an edition of RAF News - Voice of The Royal Air Force.

Royal Marine brings kit home from Iraq

2009-06-12T00:00:00.004+03:00

A local senior Royal Marines officer, who is Commander British Forces in Iraq, is leading the huge operation to bring home six-years-worth of operational equipment from Iraq in good order.

Brigadier Paul Stearns, is the commander of the Joint Force Logistics Component, a specialist headquarters that can be deployed anywhere in the world to support UK operations.

His headquarters of 25 staff is currently in the Iraqi desert, overseeing the removal of more than 4000 combat troops, 5000 containers of kit and more than 1000 vehicles – from quad bikes to the 72-tonne Challenger Two main battle tank from Kuwait.

The operation has been ongoing since before the completion of UK combat operations in Iraq was announced in April and is now well under way.

Their aim is not only to recover all the combat kit used in operations in Basra Province but to make sure it is done in good order and as efficiently as possible.

Brigadier Paul explained: ‘Today’s military equipment is at a premium, it is high quality and high value. It’s vital we get it to its next home fully refurbished or put on the shelf ready for use again as quickly as possible.

‘’The taxpayer has invested a lot of money in our equipment and my team are acutely aware of this. It is my job to protect that investment.“

Most of the equipment has left for the UK on a fleet of military container ships leased by the Ministry of Defence. By the end of the operation they will have moved

Naval Service pitches in to bring Iraq kit home

2009-06-08T23:50:00.002+03:00

The Naval Service is well-represented in the team leading the massive operation to bring home six-years-worth of equipment from Iraq in good order.

Brigadier Paul Stearns Royal Marines is the Commander of the Joint Force Logistic Component, the specialist headquarters currently deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.

There are around 80 matelots currently serving in theatre, from Baghdad to Um Qasr and Kuwait.

And there is plenty of dark blue among his headquarters staff of 25, based in the Kuwait Support Facility situated in the desert around 100 km outside Kuwait City

They are supporting the recovery of 5000 containers of kit and more than 1000 vehicles – from quad bikes to the 72-tonne Challenger Two main battle tank - from Kuwait.

Their task is not only to recover all the combat kit used in operations in Basra Province but to make sure it is done in good order and as efficiently as possible.

Most of the equipment has left for the UK on a fleet of military container ships leased by the Ministry of Defence and manned by RNR sponsored reservists.

By the end of the operation they will have moved

• More vehicles than in the bus fleets serving Bristol and Bath

• Around 5000 containers – enough to build a Jenga tower 2 ½ miles high

• 102 convoys were needed to bring the equipment out of Basra to the port, driving a total distance equivalent to 5 ½ times around the world

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have been well represented of late in Iraq. Until the end of March, the Commander Multinational Division Southeast, based in Basra, was Major General Andy Salmon Royal Marines, supported by a large contingent of CAF staff.

Iraq police prepare for new responsibilities

2009-06-06T17:33:00.001+03:00

Iraqi police are preparing to take charge of security in most of the country's cities as US troops withdraw from urban centers on June 30, but the Iraqi army will help in the most dangerous areas, a senior security official said.

With just weeks to go before Iraqi security forces take sole control of the country's cities, towns and villages, the interior ministry unveiled the main features of a strategy that will see 500,000 police officers deployed across the country.

Eight (provinces) are our sole responsibility and seven others will fall under the joint responsibility of security forces from the defence and interior ministries," interior ministry spokesman Brigadier General Abdel Karim Khalaf said.

The army will support the police in the provinces based on Iraq's three main cities of Baghdad, Basra and Mosul, in the predominantly Sunni Arab western province of Al-Anbar, in Diyala and Salaheddin provinces north of the capital and in Karbala to its south.

Khalaf said troops were being deployed in those seven provinces either because of the continuing insecurity of their main towns, or because of their economic or religious significance.

In the case of Baghdad, 70 percent of the capital falls under our control, and the rest will be secured by the army," Khalaf said. "We will fill the vacant space left by the departure of the Americans.

We can, according to the agreement, ask for the presence of American forces to help us but we have not yet done so, even in Mosul and Diyala," he said, referring to a defense pact between Baghdad and Washington that has governed the presence of US troops since the start of the year.

Insurgents loyal to Al-Qaeda remain active in both Mosul and Diyala, where levels of violence are much higher than most of the rest of the country.

In the past three years, the interior ministry has accelerated the formation of the police force, helped in part by a priority allocation in this year's budget.

In the run-up to the June 30 deadline, the process has quickened further -- 11,000 new police officers took their oaths of allegiance in May.

Nine divisions have been deployed-four made up of national police, including elite troops, and five of border guards.

The force numbers will give Iraq a ratio of one police officer for every 134 inhabitants. By comparison, France has one police officer for every 252 inhabitants and Canada one for every 537.

The Iraqi security forces will also gradually take responsibility for patrolling the country's 3,600 kilometres (2,250 miles) of borders, where some 700 observation posts have been erected.

By mid-2010, we hope to control the entire border with Iran," Khalaf said. Interior ministry officials have said that Shiite militias continue to smuggle arms across Iraq's eastern frontier but Khalaf insisted that the western border with Syria was now well secured.

Where once there was "one border post every 15 km, there is now one every 1.5 km," he said. US Colonel Bryan Bequette said: "We are proud of the accomplishments the ministry of interior has achieved with its training program.

He said the program had moved Iraq "toward the goal of police primacy, where the Iraqi police maintain primary responsibility... in the cities." Khalaf acknowledged that the Iraqi police still had some deficiencies.

We lack equipment for air support, arms and other military equipment provided by the United States," he said. But he added: "I don't think the threat will evolve-the attacks remain urban, and against the Iraqi population. The terrorists will not exclusively target American soldiers." --- AFP

Iraq carries on preparations for US pull out

2009-06-06T12:12:00.002+03:00

The image of the post withdrawal period from Iraqi cities and Provinces at the end of the current month started to become clearer day after day especially on the security level.

National Command Central Chief Brigadier General Abdul Karim Khalaf said that police forces constituted of 500000 policemen will take care of the security responsibilities in all the towns and cities and provinces after the withdrawal of the US forces.

Khalaf said that police will take full responsibility in 7 big provinces in the areas situated in the middle and south of Iraq. Khalaf added that the same forces are going to be charged of security along with Iraqi army and that in 8 regions which are: Baghdad, Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, Salah Addin, Karbala and Basra.

The regions in which maintaining security will be shared enjoy a political and economic importance such as Basra and Kirkuk while some others did not reach security stability until now.

Brigadier General Abdul Karim Khalaf stressed that the Iraqi forces will fill the vacuum that would be left by the withdrawal of the US forces, according to the security agreement.

Nine units of Iraqi police including 4 Commandos units and 5 units of borders forces will be deployed. He also uttered hopes that by the middle of next year Iraq will be able to impose full control on its borders with Iran pointing out that the situation on the border with Syria is better especially after deploying checkpoints all along the border on each 1.5 km.

Khalaf also pointed out that Iraqi forces need the support of the US forces since they don’t have developed equipments and they need the support of air forces, as well as they need arms and US expertise.

British Challenger main battle tanks return home from Iraq

2009-06-05T13:32:00.002+03:00

After six years of service in Iraq, seven 72-tonne Challenger Two main battle tanks started their three-week sea voyage back to the UK this week.

The Challenger tanks, 51 armoured vehicles and 162 containers full of other British military equipment that has been used in Iraq left Kuwait's Shuaiba Port onboard the container cargo ship MV Hurst Point on Wednesday 3 June 2009.

Since the end of UK combat operations in Iraq, a specialist logistics headquarters, the Joint Force Logistic Component or JFLogC, has been in Kuwait and Iraq co-ordinating the massive effort to inspect, pack and return six-years-worth of military hardware to the UK.

The number of military shipping containers that need to be shipped home is so great in fact that if every one sent out of Iraq was stacked in a Jenga tower it would rise over two-and-a-half miles (4km) above the desert.

Good order and value for money are the watchwords for the JFLogC which has instigated a number of innovations to make sure equipment from simple stationery to the 72-tonne tanks leaving this week can be reused as quickly as possible on return to the UK.

JFLogC's Commander in Iraq, Brigadier Paul Stearns Royal Marines, said: "Withdrawing equipment after operations is not something we've always given our fullest attention to. Today's military equipment is at a premium, it is high spec, high quality and high value. It's vital we get it to its next home fully refurbished or put on the shelf ready for use again as quickly as possible. The taxpayer has invested a lot of money in our equipment and my team are acutely aware of this. It is my job to protect that investment."

Flypast marks RAF tankers' farewell to Iraq

2009-06-04T08:51:00.002+03:00

CREWS from 101 Squadron came home to RAF Brize Norton tonight after almost 19 years serving in the Middle East.

A flypast of the squadron’s VC10 tanker aircraft was held at the base at Carterton to mark the return home of the air-to-air refuelling unit, which was first deployed to the region in 1990 in the build-up to the first Gulf War.

Its crews also saw service in the skies above Afghanistan and Iraq, refuelling British and allied aircraft on combat patrols following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US in 2001 and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Wing Commander Steve Lushington, the squadron’s commanding officer, said: “The past 18 years have shown the incredible capability and versatility of the VC10 force.

“Circumstances naturally change, we stand ready to provide our world-renowned service and go to wherever it is required.

“We look forward to the future and hope to further contribute to the illustrious and enviable record of 101 Squadron.”

Flt Lt Chris Haywood, 27, from Carterton was among those returning, after three-and-a-half weeks away. He was reunited with his wife Melanie, 26, and 10-week-old son Oliver.

He said: “It’s good to be back in the UK.”

Mrs Haywood said “It’s nice to see Chris again, and its nice for him to see Oliver again. It’s quite a relief to have him back safely.”

The withdrawal of British forces from Iraq ends the six-year deployment of land forces that began with the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. Picture Damian Halliwell l More reaction in tomorrow’s Oxford Mail

DADDY! - Elation as Iraq heroes come home - Mirror

2009-06-04T08:43:00.003+03:00

RAF Tornado GR4 flypast at RAF Marham yesterday before landing on home soil

With arms outstretched and a beaming smile, Daddy's home.

Squadron Leader Nathan Giles sweeps up daughter Holly, four, and Edward, two, for their first cuddles in months.

It was a precious moment yesterday after another tough tour of duty in Iraq.

Squadron Leader Giles, 37, said simply: "It's great to be home."

His wife Ann, 38, held back tears as she looked on. She said: "It's nice to have him back - he's been on tour for the last five years.

"And he is off to Afghanistan in a few months."

The Tornado pilot was one of six returning from the Gulf. They staged a flypast before landing to cheers at RAF Marham near King's Lynn, Norfolk. Senior officers and 100 relatives were at the homecoming after one of the RAF's longest deployments and to mark the end of 18 years of ops in Iraq.

But there was disappointment that Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth failed to show. A diary mix-up meant he was at a meeting with MoD Chiefs of Staff.

A soldier was killed in a blast yesterday in Helmand province, Afghanistan, taking the British death toll to 166 since 2001.

RAF ends 19-year mission in Iraq - BBC

2009-06-03T08:49:00.002+03:00

The Royal Air Force will mark the end of nearly 19 years of operations in Iraq when seven aircraft fly personnel back to the UK.

Their families will be waiting at RAF Marham in Norfolk to welcome them home.

Six Tornado jets and a VC10 transport aircraft will fly personnel from Iraq following the end of combat operations.

The RAF has been operating in and over Iraq since 1990 after Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait led to the first Gulf War.

One of the RAF's jobs then was to hunt down and destroy the dictator's notorious Scud missiles.

After the end of the conflict the RAF patrolled the northern and southern no-fly zones.

The RAF played a key role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the subsequent six-year British military mission.

Operating from four bases in the Gulf, it has provided support to ground forces and performed an important logistical role.

The RAF said its time in Iraq had helped to stabilise the country. In particular, it said its work to make Basra International Airport "a genuinely international, civilian-run airport" would be "a lasting legacy".

Basra airfield was officially handed over to Iraqi control in January as part of moves to wind down the UK's commitments in the country.

The British military mission in Iraq officially came to a close at the end of April. In May the RAF ensign was lowered at Basra airport.

There will be a fly-past at RAF Marham to mark the return of the last personnel.

The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to remember the 35 personnel who lost their lives during the deployment.

Royal Air Force Waves Farewell To Middle East - Sky

2009-06-03T08:44:00.002+03:00

Mark Stone, Sky News reporter
The Royal Air Force today ends the longest overseas deployment in its history.

Following the withdrawal of the British military from Iraq, the RAF's 19-year presence in the Middle East has come to pass.

"This is a significant milestone for the Royal Air Force," Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy told Sky News.

"Within days of the initial Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, RAF aircraft deployed to the Middle East to deter further Iraqi aggression.

"And they then played a major role in defeating Iraq's force during the first Gulf War."

"For many in the service, Iraq has dominated the majority of their careers, with some personnel completing more than 20 deployments to the region."

After the end of the conflict the RAF remained in the Middle East. For the next 12 years they patrolled Iraq's northern and southern no-fly zones.

In 2003 they played a vital role in the second invasion of Iraq and have provided support to ground forces in the region ever since.

"There isn't a part of the RAF that has not been involved in one shape or form in these operations, be it in the air or the ground," Sir Glenn said.

"Indeed, for many in the service, Iraq has dominated the majority of their careers, with some personnel completing more than 20 deployments to the region."

Today, the last contingent of that long deployment will return to UK soil.

Six Tornado GR4 fast jets and a VC10 transport aircraft carrying personnel will arrive back at RAF Marham in Norfolk, where their families will be readied to greet them.

The role of the RAF in still-active conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan is often far less visual than that of their Army colleagues. But without them, ground forces would be unable to operate.

As well as providing aerial support in the form of fighter jets and helicopters, the RAF is the logistical backbone of the British Armed Forces.

It is their helicopters who taxi the troops around, deliver supplies and medivac the injured. With its fleet of passenger aircraft it deploys and repatriates thousands of troops to and from combat zones every six months.

Troops from the RAF Regiment have also provided ground support in Iraq alongside the Army. In 2007, three RAF Regiment Gunners were killed in a mortar attack on Basra Air Station.

In all, 34 RAF personnel have been killed in the 19-year deployment; 22 of them since the start of the 2003 Gulf War. That loss will be recognised at today's ceremony at RAF Marham.

The returning planes will perform a fly-past and among those returning will be airmen who have received prestigious gallantry honours.

As well as conducting aerial and ground combat operations in Iraq, the RAF has helped to develop Basra International Airport. Civilian flights now operate from there to countries including Jordan, Oman and Kuwait.

The mission has not been without controversy though. Southern Iraq is still unstable.

For the last 18 months, British Forces have been largely confined to their bases.

The British may have pulled out now but they have been replaced by American troops who are due to remain in Iraq until 2011.

Heroes welcome for returning Iraq battalion

2009-06-02T14:42:00.002+03:00

THE families of Hull soldiers gave a heroes' welcome to some of the last troops to return from a six-month tour of duty in Iraq.

Waving banners and cheering loudly, dozens of wives, parents and children gathered to greet their loved ones who have been responsible for mentoring the Iraqi Army and guarding senior British officials.

The troops, from the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, are the final soldiers to return from the British Army's 20th Armoured Brigade, known as The Iron Fist, following last month's ceremonies to end the UK's combat mission in the Iraqi city of Basra.

They arrived at their base in Münster, north Germany, to a sea of colourful hand-painted welcome home banners that had been hung in front of the Battalion's Headquarters in Oxford Barracks, in the outskirts of the picturesque cathedral city.
Reflecting on what they have achieved whilst in Iraq, armoured vehicle driver,
Private Liam Blowman, 30, of east Hull, said the troops had made a real difference.

He said:: "I'm so excited to be back. I'm looking forward to getting out around Germany as much as possible this summer – just to have a good laugh and a few beers.
"We were the protection team for senior British and Iraqi officials. One of my jobs was as a driver for the rest of the platoon.

"It was a bit difficult at times because the roads can be a bit tight. I was in Iraq in 2007 and this time it seemed a bit more stable. You can definitely see the difference in how it was now and then."

Lance Corporal James Clark, 28, of Hull said: "It's just nice to be back now and see the kids and family.

"The kids have grown up so much and changed in the six months that I've been away.

"Now I'm looking forward to sitting down and having a cup of tea in my own home."

The soldiers will enjoy a period of normalisation before completing their homecoming by exercising the freedom of Hull and Beverley, with parades on Thursday, July 23.

Last 20 Brigade combat soldiers back home

2009-06-02T13:06:00.004+03:00

The final combat troops from 20th Armoured Brigade (known as the Iron Fist) to leave Iraq arrived home in Munster, North Germany, on Saturday where they were greeted by overjoyed family members and friends.

The 40 soldiers from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (1 YORKS) were welcomed home from a six-month deployment to Iraq on Saturday 30 May 2009 with colourful hand-painted banners which were hung in front of the battalion's headquarters in Oxford Barracks.

In Iraq, 1 YORKS have been responsible for mentoring and training the Iraqi Army in locations across Basra province as well as guarding senior British officials in the Iraqi capital.

Officer Commanding A Company, Major Phil Bassingham-Searle, said:

"The battalion's been split between Baghdad and Basra. It's good to return and get back together. I didn't realise until today that we're the last combat troops from 20th Armoured Brigade out of Iraq. So it's good to be home, to see our families again, and the job well done by the boys.

"We've got a period of 'normalisation' back here in barracks for about 10 days, then a couple of weeks leave and then we've got some freedom parades.

"There'll be 150 soldiers on parade and it'll be nice for the people of Yorkshire to come out and show their appreciation for what the guys have done this year."

Armoured vehicle driver, Private Liam Blowman, added:

"We were the protection team for senior British and Iraqi officials. One of my jobs was as a driver for the rest of the platoon. It was a bit difficult at times because the roads can be a bit tight.

"I was in Iraq in 2007 and this time it seemed a bit more stable. You can definitely see the difference in how it was now and then."

Returning from his first tour of Iraq, Private Luke Hawkin said:

"It's good to say that 'I've been there and done that'. It was satisfying work in Baghdad, helping the General with his movements and protecting him. It was nice to be there and do our jobs professionally.

"We didn't have to fire our weapons, so to get a tour out of the way without anyone getting injured is the best bit of all.

"I'm now looking forward to a few weeks in Germany and then getting back to the UK. I can't wait to march through York, it'll be good."

Lance Corporal James Clark concluded:

"It's just nice to be back now and see the kids and family. The kids have grown up so much and changed in the six months that I've been away. Now I'm looking forward to sitting down and having a cup of Yorkshire tea in my own home."

1 YORKS will be exercising the freedom of a number of Yorkshire towns and cities at the end of July; on Tuesday 21 July 2009 they will march through York and Harrogate, and on Thursday 23 July 2009 they will parade in Hull and Beverley.

They will complete their Yorkshire homecoming with a parade in Leeds city centre on Friday 24 July 2009.

U.S. Combat Troops on Pace to Leave Iraqi Cities by June 30

2009-06-01T23:32:00.002+03:00

American combat troops are on pace to leave Iraqi cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated by the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, U.S. officials in Baghdad said yesterday.

Army Brig. Gen. Keith Walker, commander of the Iraq Assistance Group, said in a news conference that security throughout the country has continued to improve.

The security agreement calls for all coalition combat forces to be out of the cities by the end of the month. “We will adhere to the security agreement,” Walker said. “So, all combat forces will be out of the cities unless there is a specific invitation from the government of Iraq.”

U.S. forces will be available in advisory roles and to provide enabler capabilities, the general said.

In 2007, there was an average of 900 attacks per week. In 2008, that number dropped to 200 attacks per week. In 22 of the 26 weeks this year, fewer than 100 attacks have taken place per week nationwide, Walker said.

This improvement in security happened as the number of U.S. forces in Iraq declined by more than 20 percent from the height of the surge. “We have returned over 100 bases to Iraq since October,” the general said. “The provisions of the security agreement make our partnership with Iraqi forces that much more important.”

Today, Iraqi security forces conduct all operations. Coalition forces participate only with Iraqi concurrence. The coalition-Iraqi partnership “is characterized by combined planning, preparation and execution with Iraqi security forces in the lead,” he said. “It is enabled by a close working relationship and the collocation of partnership units and transition teams.”

The partnership’s coalition units help the Iraqi units with enablers, logistics and to ensure situational awareness between Iraqi forces and coalition forces.

Coalition transition units are now shifting attention to beefing up Iraqi command and control capabilities, sustainment and enabler units. “We have reached the point where partnership units are the core of what Multinational Corps Iraq does,” Walker said.

The corps will take over the partnership chores from the Iraq Assistance Group. “It no longer makes sense to have two organizations doing the same thing,” Walker said, so the mission of the group is folding into the corps.

Multinational Corps Iraq will handle the military and police transition teams and training for Iraqi forces in addition to operational responsibilities. The Iraqi Assistance Group will case its colors June 3.

Even once the U.S. units move out of the cities, they will remain associated with their Iraqi partners, Walker said. “They’ll have to drive a bit more, but they will be available,” he said.

The security agreement covers the entire country, so coalition forces will move out of areas such as Mosul, which have been fairly hot in the past months, the general said.

More than 600,000 Iraqis serve in the country’s security forces.

Logistic soldiers ship out equipment from Iraq

2009-05-29T19:06:00.000+03:00

The operation to remove all UK vehicles and equipment from Iraq continues, with this week seeing a massive haul being shipped out of Kuwait to be returned home.

The civilian roll-on/roll-off cargo ship MV (Motor Vessel) Eddystone left Shuaiba Port on Monday, 25 May 2009, carrying everything from quad bikes to armoured vehicles and helicopters. The ship is bound for Marchwood military port in Southampton.

As the responsibility of the Joint Force Logistics Component (JFLOGC), transporting all kit destined for re-use by the Armed Forces is in full swing as UK combat operations in Iraq have come to an end.

JFLOGC is a deployable headquarters, currently stationed in Kuwait. It is responsible for co-ordinating the efforts of around 1,300 personnel working in Iraq and Kuwait to recover six-years-worth of accumulated equipment and send it home in good order.

Soldiers from the Royal Logistic Corps' 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, based at Marchwood, have been in Kuwait for nearly a month loading a series of massive cargo vessels permanently leased by the Ministry of Defence, one of which is MV Eddystone.

Major Darren Osborne, from the JFLOGC, said:

"By the time the equipment gets to us it's already been inspected and repaired where possible. This has been a well thought out operation, seven months in the planning, and it's far in advance of any other operation I've been in.

"Everything's going back in better order than it would, with minor faults identified and repaired if possible, and can go through the refurbishment process if needed."

A new database has been created to determine exactly where up to 20,000 different types of stores will be distributed around depots in the UK and Germany and in what state it should leave Iraq.

Inspections are identifying faults which can be repaired before kit leaves Kuwait, saving time and making it available sooner to troops. A record of all documentation, including inspection records for every piece of kit, will also be kept as a full audit trail.

MV Eddystone will be arriving in the UK in June 2009 where its cargo, including Mastiff armoured personnel carriers and four Lynx helicopters, will be unloaded by the same soldiers who loaded it on.

The ship's master, Captain Paul Hamlin, said:

"The process has gone remarkably well, particularly the quality of work and support from the loading troops who have done a very good job."

The ship's crew is all-British and are sponsored naval reservists, which means they can be required to serve in war zones.

This is the seventh visit so far of a roll-on/roll-off vessel during the UK withdrawal from Iraq and several more visits are expected before the end of June.

The British Army has finished combat operations in Iraq and the military are currently bringing their personnel, kit and equipment home although some personnel, notably from the Navy, may be staying on to train their Iraqi counterparts.

We missed you so much daddy - The Daily Express

2009-05-28T20:38:00.002+03:00

SISTERS Lauren and Megan Cooke cannot contain their joy as they welcome their father Sergeant Richard Cooke home from Iraq.

Sgt Cooke, from Swansea, was part of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment which returned to Honington in Suffolk yesterday.

They were among the final frontline troops to leave Basra.

Lauren, five, and Megan, nine, were joined by their mother Sue, 40, and clutched banners saying “Welcome home Daddy” and “We missed you”.

Mrs Cooke said: “I had a bit of a tear when I saw him. The children have been so excited.”

Sgt Cooke said Iraqis exchanged gifts with troops on their last patrol. “We gave them duvets and they gave us rings,” he said.

You did it, dad! - The Sun

2009-05-28T11:58:00.001+03:00

LITTLE Thomas Berryman, four, waves as dad Chris hoists him on his shoulders as 15 Squadron RAF Regiment returns home from Iraq.

Sq Ldr Chris, 40, was one of 40 personnel greeted by family and a piper at RAF Honington, Suffolk, last night. They are among the last UK frontline troops to return.

Chris said: “I am pleased we’ve left Iraq a much better place than it was six years ago.”

Corporal Chris Smyth, 26, hugged his five-month son Ethan and wife Sarah, 28.

Emotional return for Iraq troops - EDP

2009-05-28T11:50:00.002+03:00

FAMILIES gathered last night for an emotional reunion with the last of the British combat forces to arrive back from Iraq.

The gunners of 15 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, which is based at RAF Honington, near Bury St Edmunds, had been part of the RAF's force protection wing at Basra airport.

Yesterday, having flown into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, 37 gunners made the final leg of their journey home to Suffolk.

As they stepped off their white coach onto the tarmac at the Suffolk airbase they were applauded by family members, friends, defence minister Quentin Davies and fellow military personnel from 1st Battalion the Royal Tank Regiment, who are also based at RAF Honington and who arrived back just a few days ago.

For 26-year-old Corporal Chris Smyth, arriving home had added poignancy because it was the first time he had seen his son Ethan in the flesh since he was just seven weeks old.

“It is tough,” said Cpl Smyth. “But we've got a job to do. Seeing Ethan is fantastic - I have been sent pictures pretty much every day.”

His wife, Sarah, 28, said: “Having him back home is really fantastic and exciting and a relief.”

That excitement was shared by Megan and Lauren Cooke, aged five and nine respectively, who made small banners to welcome home their father Sgt Rich Cooke.

Sgt Cooke said: “It is brilliant to see the girls - it has been a long way home. Being out in Iraq was the end of a task for the British. The villagers were really sad to see us go and they gave us presents to say thanks for everything we have done. We can't believe we were the last few back.”

Megan Cooke told how she had delayed having her fifth birthday party so that her father could join them.

Describing life while her husband was on tour, Sue Cooke said despite this being Sgt Cooke's third tour in Iraq it “doesn't get any easier for the family”.

Squadron Leader Chris Berryman, 40, said: “This has been hard work in a hard environment with very real threats. I am pleased to say that every one of my team has lived up to the challenge, they have responded to this most difficult of jobs as I would expect of any member of the RAF Regiment: with vigour, enthusiasm and a determination to see the task to the very end with total professionalism.”

The US military has now taken over the running of Basra airbase, where 12 members of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment remain in order to ensure the safe withdrawal of UK kit and equipment from Iraq.

British soldiers back from Iraq - BBC

2009-05-27T21:42:00.001+03:00

Click here for the BBC video report http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8071017.stm

The last British combat forces to leave Basra in Iraq have arrived in the UK to be reunited with their families.

RAF Regiment conducts the last British patrol in Basra

2009-05-27T21:12:00.000+03:00

24 May 2009: Soldiers of the RAF Regiment's 15 Squadron prepare for and conduct the final British patrol in Basra.

15 Sqn RAF Regiment return hom from Iraq having done last British patrol

2009-05-27T11:31:00.004+03:00

The Force Protection of the Contingency Operating Base, or COB, at Basra International Airport has – from the initial operation to occupy the country – been the responsibility of the Royal Air Force, delivered by Force Protection Wings which deploy for 6 month tours.

The final Force Protection Wing to deploy, commanded by Wing Commander Simeon Sharples (42) from Louth, recently handed over their responsibility for protecting the base to American Forces. The US have taken over the COB at the airport which includes a number of remaining UK personnel who are tasked with ensuring a safe and ordered withdrawal of all UK forces’ kit and equipment from Southern Iraq.

“I am immensely proud to be here as our mission in Iraq draws to a close and we prepare to leave,” commented Simeon, who was also in Iraq at the outset of hostilities in 2003.

Since their arrival, the RAF Regiment and other elements of the Force Protection Wing have been instrumental in fostering relations with the Iraqi people in their patrol area. Now Simeon sees that the tribal infighting of 2003 has given way to co-operation between tribes and families as Iraqis pursue new economic opportunities unavailable under Saddam’s regime.

As his troops prepared for their final patrol a few days ago, Simeon said: “I regularly visit village leaders and over time we have developed genuine trusting relationships. To me, the proof that Iraq is changing for the better is that these days my guys can go out and work alongside the Iraqi police and Army and help develop something close to a normal policing role.”

He added: “I see great potential for this country and I find the fact that my guys have had a significant hand in helping achieve that – alongside our colleagues from all three services - immensely satisfying”.

At the forefront of the Force Protection Wing’s activities are the RAF Regiment Squadrons who have rotated through the COB in 6 month tours. This week sees the return of 15 Squadron to the UK commanded by Squadron Leader Chris Berryman, (40) from RAF Honington, who is completing his third tour in Iraq. He deployed with 115 RAF personnel from his squadron to Iraq in early February.

“This has been hard work in a hard environment with very real threats”, he said as the last patrol carried out their weapon checks. “I am pleased to say that every one of my team has lived up to the challenge, they have responded to this most difficult of jobs as I would expect of any member of the RAF Regiment: with vigour, enthusiasm and a determination to see the task to the very end with total professionalism”.

Reflecting on his tour he said: “Our Regimental history has been linked with Iraq since 1922 when 3 RAF Armoured Car Company was formed at Basra. The Iraqi people have been our friend for a long time and I like to think that we have now invested in their future”.

However there has been a price to pay for the rewards of the RAF Regiment. Four of their gunners have been killed on operations in Iraq, three during one rocket attack in July 2007. In its time the Wing has responded to many incidents ranging from intruders to the airfield to combating insurgent rocket teams targeting the airfield, who launched over 220 attacks on the base during one three month period in 2007.

The sad loss of Leading Aircraftsman Martin Beard from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment during a battle with insurgents marked a low point in the history of the RAF Regiment; however the bravery of the Squadron members under fire was recognised when Corporal Dave Hayden was awarded the Military Cross for his acts of selfless bravery during the fierce battle. Other Squadron members were awarded honourable mentions for their activities on that day.

This weeks final patrol was led by Flying Officer Jon Giffin (26) from Gloucester. He estimates that this is the last of over 5,000 combat patrols that the Wing have conducted in the past six years. His ten man patrol equipped with both agile Weapons Mount Installation Kit or ‘WMIK’ and the more robust Mastiff patrolled into the small hours of the morning covering ground that so many of his colleagues have grown to know intimately over the past six years. Whilst theirs were the last combat UK boots on the ground in Basra, there is still much work to be done by the many troops remaining in Iraq.

15 Squadron’s vehicles, kit and equipment must now be prepared for an ordered return to UK with hundreds of tons of similar military hardware. This job has fallen to the Joint Force Logistic Command. They will remain in Iraq until every item on the Iraq military inventory, from Chapsticks to Challenger tanks, are cleaned, checked, fixed, packed and properly accounted for and then shipped to their next shelf, camp or warehouse ready for use again.

The patrol was welcomed in by Royal Marines Brigadier Paul Stearns the Commander of British Forces in Iraq. “It gives me great pleasure to see our combat role come to an end” he said “The RAF Regiment have provided a pivotal function here in Basra, they have afforded us and the local population the peace of mind that we are safe going about our business in and around the base.” he added. “We can now look forward to a new relationship with the Iraqi people, one of close co-operation in terms of economics, culture, commerce, defence and development. Without the efforts of the Force Protection Wing and all the three services’ personnel who have served in Iraq over the past six years, this would not be possible”.

On behalf of the RAF Force Protection and RAF Regiment capability at headquarters Air Command, Group Captain Andy Hall said: “This is time to reflect on the considerable commitment that our people and families have made over the years in Iraq, their professionalism, grit and determination. Our thoughts especially go out to those who have died whilst serving on this operation, they will always be remembered.

“The return of our final combat troops from Iraq marks another important phase in our very proud history. The men of the RAF Regiment have risked their lives daily over the past six years, so that our other servicemen and women can go about their missions as safely as possible. It is a great testament to their efforts that the lives of the local people have improved through the security that has been provided, along with projects to enhance their way of life, education and agriculture – this is, after all, why we came to Iraq in the first place. This is an honourable end state and the RAF Regiment should be proud of its legacy in Iraq and the immense capability that it has to offer.”

RAF Hercules - one of the last to leave Iraq

2009-05-26T22:09:00.002+03:00

As the drawdown in Iraq gathers pace, RAF Hercules aircraft and their crews will be the last to fly out of the region later this year.

Having been the mainstay of operations since May 2003, the aircraft are helping transport more than 4,000 troops and their kit back to the UK.

24, 30, 47 and 70 Squadrons based at RAF Lyneham have all been deployed to Iraq over the last six years, with the first two squadrons using the 'J' variant of the C130, spending the most time in Basra and the Middle East.

A permanent deployment of engineers, ground crew and air crew (made up from all four squadrons) has been working through freezing conditions, sand storms and intense heat in Iraq since the beginning.

Bedworth soldier to end tour of duty in Iraq

2009-05-26T09:52:00.001+03:00

A SERVICEMAN from Bedworth who was with the first British invasion force into Iraq six years ago will now feature in the final withdrawal from the country this summer.

Sgt Jason Griffiths, an RAF gunner, is currently deployed at the Contingency Operating Base just outside Basra, helping to provide critical security to the multi-national military.

The 40-year-old former Ash Green pupil - know as “Griff” to his colleagues - was initially deployed to Kuwait with the collation forces and in January 2003, when the invasion first took place, he moved to the port of Umm Qasr and ended his first six months in Iraq being stationed in Basra.

“I was the Junior Non Commissioned Officer in charge of the Combined Incident Team responsible for providing protection for RAF Helicopters as the British Forces advanced north from Kuwait,” said Sgt Griffiths.

“I have really enjoyed working in Basra. Interacting with the local Iraqi population, in and around the surrounding area, has been one of the best parts of the job.”

After joining the RAF in1986, Sgt Griffiths has had various roles, including jungle operations in Belize, desert deployments in Afghanistan and active service in Germany and Cyprus.

At home, he is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire - and, as an avid Coventry City supporter, always looks forward to watching his team in action at the Ricoh.

Turkey responds to thirsting Iraq

2009-05-25T09:48:00.001+03:00

Turkey will release more water from its dams along the Euphrates in order to help its neighbor Iraq, which is facing drought. An Iraqi delegation appeals for help, drawing attention to the plight of local farmers. In response, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu says Turkey will allow as much water as possible to flow into neighboring Iraq and Syria.

Following Iraqi complaints, Turkey yesterday confirmed that it had opened dams on the Euphrates to allow more water to flow into Iraq to help the neighboring country cope with drought.

"We know the situation is worsening in Iraq due to the drought. Necessary measures are being taken to increase the quantity of water," a foreign ministry official told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.

An Iraqi delegation led by Saleh al-Mutlaq, leader of a Sunni-Arab bloc in parliament, held meetings with President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to request the release of more water from the Euphrates, the region’s largest river. According to diplomatic sources, al-Mutlaq informed Turkish leaders on the impact of the drought. "The Iraqi farmers were in a very difficult situation," he said.

Two days after the delegation’s meetings in Ankara, the issue was also discussed yesterday in Damascus between the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iraq, Ahmet Davutoğlu and Hosyhar Zebari. "We had a wet fall. Especially in the last 15 days. We’ll give as much water as possible to our Iraqi and Syrian friends," Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu told reporters..

"We understand the difficulties of the farmers in Basra. Their difficulties are our difficulties. Their future is our future. The expectations of the farmers in Iraq and Syria are equally important for us," Davutoğlu said.

For his part, Zebari said that Iraqi agriculture needed more water, adding: "Turkey has made an important decision on the water. Water flow will be provided soon. A good amount of water from Turkey’s Euphrates will meet a great amount of Iraq and Syria’s needs."

The regions’ two main water sources, the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, start in Turkey and pass through Syria and Iraq. As downstream countries, Iraq and Syria criticize Turkey for not allowing enough water to flow into their territories. As relations between the three countries were improved in recent years, the tone of criticism softened but never fully ceased due to growing drought in the region.

50 percent increase

According to Iraqi officials, Turkey has increased the flow of water by 130 cubic meters per second, making the flow of water to Iraq 360 cubic meters, up from 230 cubic meters. Turkey gives 500 cubic meters of water to Syria upon an agreement signed between the two countries in 1987. Both Iraq and Syria want Turkey to increase that quantity to 700 cubic meters per second.

Iraq's parliament voted last week to force the government to demand a greater share of water resources from neighbors upstream of its vital rivers, Turkey, Iran and Syria, turning up the heat on long-running disputes. They agreed to block anything signed with the nations that did not include a clause granting Iraq a fairer share of water.

FOREIGN MINISTRY’S THREE-PART PLAN FOR TWO RIVERS

A memo posted on the Foreign Ministry’s official Web site indicated Turkey’s official position and proposal for an overall solution to the problem, saying: "The problems of the Euphrates and Tigris basin are not going to go away. Turkey, Syria and Iraq will always be neighbors and the two great rivers will always flow through them." Accordingly, Turkey designed a three-staged plan for the equitable use of the trans-boundary watercourses of the Euphrates-Tigris basin on the grounds that the two rivers actually formed a single basin.

The first stage aims to compile an inventory of water resources, covering the whole range of available data on the rivers and their water, including evaporation, temperature and rainfall levels. Compiling an inventory for the land resources is the second stage, to find out water requirements for each country. In the third and final stage, potential methods of irrigation would be established in the light of an analysis of water and land resources.

Hopes pinned to Iraqi police as U.S. trainers get ready to exit Basra

2009-05-25T09:44:00.001+03:00

The 100 men and women with the Army’s 793rd Military Police Battalion’s headquarters unit have been in Iraq so long they’ve seen units arrive, serve their 12 months, and return home.

Finally, with less than a month to go on one of the Army’s last 15-month tours, the military police are headed back to Bamberg, Germany — "to the hefeweizen (wheat beer)," as one soldier said Saturday.

The unit has spent the last months of their tour working with the Iraqi police in Basra, who are on a 15-month journey of their own.

In March 2008, about the same time the 793rd arrived in Baghdad, the Iraqi army swept through Basra and cleaned out the Shiite-backed militias who waged much of the violence in the area.

During the campaign, some Basra police either joined the militias or abandoned their posts, according to Marine 1st Lt. Mike Masters, the intelligence officer for an Iraqi army training unit inside Basra.

Now the police must try to clean up that bad reputation. The locally-hired police must also prove their worth to the Iraqi army, who are outsiders but remain the dominate law enforcement authority in the city and province, Masters said from his unit’s operation headquarters at Naval Base, a U.S. outpost next to an Iraqi Army base in the city.

The military police units are preparing the police to take over in Basra, one of Iraq’s most populated cities, according to Lt. Col. Mike Blahovec, the 793rd’s battalion commander.

"It’s an important police force, on par with Baghdad," Blahovec said last week during an interview in his office at COB Basra. "The difference here [with the situation in Baghdad] is the partnership is new."

In December, the battalion and its attached companies — 900 military police in all — were among the first U.S. troops to move to Basra to begin the transition from British to U.S. military.

Since then, those police split into about 30 U.S. military police transition teams, called PiTTs. Those teams moved in with Iraqi police around the province, which holds 1.8 million people and the country’s second-largest city.

Currently there are about 20,000 Iraqi police in Basra province, though about 10 percent have yet to go through basic training, which is about average. Iraq is bringing large blocks of recruits in before running them through a training class, according to Army Capt. Jay Cash, a 793rd member and the intelligence officer for the police training team working with the provincial-level police in Basra.

Internally, the Iraqi police’s biggest obstacle remains their supply chain, a common problem in police units throughout the country, Blahovec and others said. Partly that’s a funding problem at the very top of government, they said.

But it’s also partly cultural.

Iraqis tend to look at a successful supply chain as one with a closet full of goods rather than one with a series of empty shelves, even if the materials are simply being used, at smaller stations or among officers, Masters said. To complicate things, it’s a sign of weakness for an Iraqi commander to ask for supplies, the Marine said.

"Just getting them to submit the forms is hard," he said.

Blahovec has similar concerns. But he said the police training teams are making progress in other ways. He also said the U.S. teams have adjusted the way they measure success.

"It’s a subjective assessment you make," he said Thursday. "Are they are at work? In uniform? Are they willing to get out into the community? How are they responding to crimes?"

Some things are more black and white. Last week, the battalion shared one of its "watch lists" of suspected criminals with the No. 2 Iraqi police chief in the province. The general promised to hand over similar information from his troops in the future.

Earlier this month, the top police chief in Basra survived an assassination attempt outside his home. A police lieutenant colonel was not as lucky and died last weekend in an attack.

"The police get targeted just as much as coalition forces," Cash said.

Blahovec said goal is to prepare the Iraqi police to secure Basra without the help of the Iraqi Army.

"At some point the Iraqis will pull the army out of the city," Blahovec said. "Then the police will be the only game in town."

That point may come sooner than the Americans, or the Iraqi army, want. Rumors are that the newly elected Basra officials want the Iraqi army gone as soon as possible, according to Masters.

"We’ve been told that it’s coming down," Masters said. "The [Iraqi police] can’t handle it yet."

Soldiers receive Iraq medals

2009-05-23T10:04:00.001+03:00

THEY were among the last British soldiers to serve in Iraq.

And now a group of Notts combat engineers – including a number from the Territorial Army – have received medals for their work in the British Army's final stint in Basra.

The Sappers included members of the TA's 73 Engineer Regiment, who served alongside their affiliated Regular Army unit, 35 Engineer Regiment, as part of 20th Armoured Brigade.

The 20th – also called The Iron Fist – was the last combat brigade in Iraq.

This week the men and women of the 35 and the 73 became the first members of The Iron Fist to receive their campaign medals.

"It was really good to be on the last tour, definitely," said Sapper Stacey Devine-Bradbury.

When she's not fulfilling her TA duties she works as a legal secretary in Mansfield.

"It's going to be really strange just sitting behind my desk. Christmas was spent on the roof of a police station in Basra city where we were upgrading the building."

Lyndsey Dove, from Mansfield, was promoted to Lance Corporal during her time in Iraq. During part of her time there her husband, who is also in the TA, was serving in Afghanistan.

"It's nice to be able to say I was there at the very end. It's an achievement and I'm glad to have done it," she said.

Corporal Dougie Douglas, a lorry driver with Dairy Crest in Nottingham, has completed his second tour of Iraq and he saw a country that was getting better.

"There's been a lot of improvement," he said. "I think overall the British Army has done an excellent job. I was proud to be a member of the team."

The Commanding Officer of 73 Engineering Regiment Lt Col Alex Hilton had flown from Nottingham to present the medals to the TA soldiers.

"I'm delighted they've all come back safe and sound," he said.

"But I'm particularly pleased and very grateful to 35 who have, as far as I can see, integrated them wonderfully and made them feel part of the team.

"It's the future for the TA, closer and closer integration with the Regular units, and it seems to have worked a treat here."

Families and other well-wishers attended the medals ceremony in Germany and watched as the troops paraded, accompanied by the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, in front of the regiment's headquarters.

The TA soldiers will now enjoy a couple of months off before returning to their civilian jobs.

21 wanted men nabbed in Basra

2009-05-23T10:01:00.002+03:00

Police forces on Thursday arrested 21 wanted men and seized dozens of unlicensed vehicles during security operations in Basra, the Basra police’s information office said.

“Policemen on Thursday (May 21) waged crackdown operations in separate areas of Basra, during which 21 wanted men were arrested and 30 unlicensed vehicles and 17 motorcycles were seized,” the office told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.

DFID Blogger - Encouraging foreign investment to Iraq

2009-05-21T08:43:00.001+03:00

Simon
DFID Representative, Iraq

I'm the lead DFID representative in Basra, Iraq. Here we're focussed on developing the Iraqi provincial government and the local economy. I lead the local programme work and provide development advice to UK and international civilian and military colleagues.

It’s been a hectic couple of months in Basra (you may have noticed I’ve not posted recently). The big story has been the drawdown of the British military from the province. I’ll write about that in a future post. For this post I wanted to write about DFID’s work to encourage inward foreign investment to Basra (and Iraq more generally). This has unsurprisingly had a lower profile but has been an interesting, atypical – for DFID - but very successful part of our programme. It also hit a recent high with the Invest Iraq event DFID held on the 30th April in London.

So why have we been working to encourage companies to come to Basra. Because, as I wrote in an earlier blog, unemployment is one of, if not the, major issues facing the province. One way of creating jobs and also of raising living standards and providing goods and services is through encouraging foreign companies to invest and set up operations in the province. It’s not the only answer – Basra’s still going to need huge amounts of government and domestic investment – but it is likely to be part of the answer.

To date our work has taken two approaches. Firstly, we’ve actively gone out to potential overseas investors to sell them the idea of investing in Basra. And I should add here that we’ve not focused on UK companies but on any companies worldwide that might potentially and credibly be prepared to invest significantly. For those that were interested we brought them in to Basra and Baghdad to see the opportunities for themselves and to meet with key people.

In just over a year we’ve brought in twenty different companies to Iraq. Often these visits have included trips into downtown Basra city or to other key sites, for example the port at Umm Qasr. And for these trips we’ve often drawn on the support of the military, for example using military helicopters to move people around or military escorts to provide security; support that’s been both invaluable and has reflected the military’s enlightened approach to supporting the development effort (and interestingly the Iraqi military here in Basra have also expressed a desire to help visiting investors coming to the province).

Secondly we’ve been working with the provincial investment agency, the Basra Investment Commission (BIC), to develop their capacity so that they can generate inward investment without our help. The BIC’s the official legal investment promotion agency for the province. DFID’s Secretary of State Douglas Alexander attended the launch of the BIC in Basra in November last year. Since then, and with our active support, the BIC’s come on apace and it’s now supporting visits from investors without our direct involvement.

As part of both strands we’ve supported investment events, held in conjunction with the BIC and the National Investment Commission (NIC) to promote Basra and Iraq to interested companies. Last year we supported events in Kuwait, London and Istanbul. This year one of the high points in Basra was a visit by Lord Mandelson along with a twenty four person delegation of high ranking British businessmen. On the 6th April we, together with the British Consulate and the BIC, hosted an event at Basra airport attended by two hundred Basrawi businessmen, politicians and local government officials.

The latest milestone was the Invest Iraq event in London on the 30th April. DFID co-hosted this along with the Iraqi NIC. This had a focus on encouraging investment to Iraq as a whole rather than just Basra. Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki led a delegation of over 100 which included just about the entire Iraqi cabinet plus government officials and Iraqi business people. From the investor side over 250 of the world’s biggest companies attended, including most of the UK’s leading firms from the oil and gas sector and financial sectors and numerous other household names. Interest was such that we had to turn away a further 200 companies in the days before the conference. I attended on behalf of DFID Basra. As the military would say the ‘atmospherics’ were terrific with a definite buzz to the event.

So what success have we had in getting companies setting up here in Iraq? Well it’s clear that there’s a lot of serious interest. The trick of course will be to turn this interest in to actual investment, operations and jobs on the ground. In truth for this it’s still early days – foreign companies are instinctively cautious and decisions on investment can take months if not years – so it’ll be some time before we see the full fruits of our labours. The Iraqi Government will also have to seize any opportunities that are presented. I am however very hopeful. Recently the BIC approved its first Investment Licence for a $100m tourism project funded by a Kuwaiti firm. There are also a number of other companies on the brink of setting up operations here in Basra.

And where do we go next with this line of work? Well we, DFID, are moving away from the direct investment promotion game and London was our last major event. Increasingly the Government of Iraq can and should do this for themselves. We will however be continuing our support to help them to do this - we’ll be continuing to work with the NIC in Baghdad and the BIC in Basra – and we’ll also be working with the Government of Iraq to make Basra an easier place for companies to do business.

Town has a key role in building a new Iraq

2009-05-20T09:05:00.001+03:00

SOUTHEND is playing a key part in helping to rebuild Iraq following the withdrawal of British troops.

Iraqi students are set to flood UK universities and colleges in a bid to lay the foundations for the reconstruction of the country which has suffered years of dictatorship and war.

Southend Adult Community College is one of eight UK colleges and organisations involved in the Rawabit partnership project. Groups of principals, followed by deputies, heads of department and lecturers, have spent weeks learning about the colleges.

Those taking part in the project aim to take something back to Iraq by supporting their counterparts with new courses set up in the country. Ali Hadawi, principal of the adult college in Ambleside Drive, said: “The thinking behind it is to build on the capabilities of the Iraqi vocational and training sectors to respond to the needs of the country and to be a force for positive change in building the new Iraq.

“We have been working on this for the past five years with our Iraqi counterparts to build leadership and management and to show how we interact with local employers.”

Iraqi-born Mr Hadawi said the project targeted unemployed people and those who had little chance to succeed under the old Iraq, particularly women who have had no education.

On his recent visits to colleges in Iraq, Mr Hadawi says he has noticed real changes.

He added: “The vocational education and training sectors are very well placed to do this work. Colleges in Iraq have acknowledged the UK has been the most successful in this because we have never approached it with the attitude that they need to be doing this or that.

“We work with them in terms of what they require, then show them what we do in the UK, and leave it up to them to work out what’s best for them.”

The scheme has focused on employment initiatives such as enlisting businesses, such as the Rafidane Bank, to provide work experience, so newly-qualified students have some idea about the work they might eventually do.

This year, 500 Iraqi students will be coming to Britain under a new scholarship scheme, and thousands more will follow.

The scholarship scheme aims to send 10,000 Iraqis a year to universities and colleges in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

Kiss goodbye to Iraq, daddy - The Sun

2009-05-19T12:38:00.002+03:00

CORPORAL Ian Evans enjoys a welcome-home kiss — as the last Army combat troops serving in Iraq arrived home yesterday.
The final homecoming of heroes from C Company, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, signals relief for thousands of forces families after six long years.

Amid emotional scenes at their barracks in Paderborn, Germany,Cpl Evans embraced wife Amy and two-year-old daughter Page and said: “It’s good to be back.”

Amy, 23, added: “I missed him loads. It’s been difficult.”

Fittingly, the battalion is the Army’s most decorated after their heroics during three Iraq tours.

Private Brian Wottrich, 19, of Southampton, said: “It feels like I’m part of something historic.” Their commander, Major Giles Francke, added: “I’m proud and happy to have my troops back.”

The soldiers, dubbed the Armoured Tigers, guarded the final convoy of military equipment to cross the border to Kuwait.

Only a few hundred logistics troops and RAF Regiment soldiers remain in Basra, southern Iraq, as the final British parts of the air base there are packed.

A further 400 Royal Navy sailors are staying on at the port of Umm Qasr, to train the fledgling Iraqi Navy.

1 Royal Tank Regiment return home from Iraq

2009-05-18T23:22:00.002+03:00

Music filled the air at the emotional reunion for around 30 soldiers from 1 Royal Tank Regiment who returned home from a six month tour of Iraq last night.

Piper Major Jason Sumner played Highland Laddie as the soldiers who were the last combat troops to leave Iraq, stepped off the coach to be met by their families at their base: RAF Honington in Suffolk.

Around 70 soldiers deployed to Iraq in November where they were in charge of the UK Military Transition Team Group (MiTT) – consisting of over 1000 men across 1000 square kms.

Around 16 MiTTs, were embedded in Iraqi Army units as mentors. Soldiers from 1RTR provided support, advice, training and specialist capabilities. They also helped the Iraqi Army plan and conduct dozens of successful major search operations.

Piper Lee Watson was greeted by his wife Nikky and his six-month son Ryan. Piper Lee last saw his son in February when he was home on leave. “I can’t believe how huge my son is now. I had a good time out there, it was a good experience but it feels good to be back. Now I’m looking forward to spending some time at home relaxing and enjoying some quality time with Ryan.”

Wife Nikky, whose brother Trooper Daniel Herschell served with Piper Watson in Iraq said: “It’s great to have them both home safe. It’s not been too bad whilst they’ve been away because we stayed in touch and I had Ryan to keep me busy. But I’m glad they are both back and we can now spend some quality family time together.”

Sergeant Major Stephen Hodson was delighted to be back home with his wife Sarah and his nine-month old daughter Eve. He said: “The last time I saw Eve was January and she has changed so much. Like everyone I am now looking forward to some leave to spend some quality time with our families.”

The Regiment has had a near continuous presence in Iraq since the start of the Operation in 2003. 40 of the soldiers who deployed in November returned home last week.

1RTR Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel Gavin Thompson said: “It’s fantastic to be back safe and sound after a successful tour. A transformation has occurred in Basra that is bringing peace and the first real signs of prosperity. Working with our Iraqi counterparts has been a team effort, in particular the Mitts and the way they rapidly developed the Iraqi Army. Our soldiers proved themselves to be consummate professionals, they can be proud of what they have achieved.”

Iraq sets election date of January 2010 - BBC

2009-05-18T19:18:00.002+03:00

Iraq will hold a general election on 30 January next year, officials say.

It will be the second time that Iraqis vote for a national parliament since the US-led invasion six years ago.

Correspondents say the election will be a key test for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose allies made big gains in local elections earlier this year.

The last parliamentary vote in December 2005 was largely boycotted by Sunni Arabs, resulting in an easy victory for Shia parties and Kurdish groups.

The office of Iraq's first deputy parliamentary speaker said the date was proposed by the country's federal court and must now be agreed by parliament, Reuters news agency reports.

The decision to hold the election comes after allies of Prime Minister Maliki, under the State of Law Coalition banner, won a resounding victory in the 31 January provincial vote, giving the premier a popular mandate.

RAF ensign-lowering ceremony in Basra

2009-05-18T19:12:00.003+03:00

The Royal Air Force continues its withdrawal from Iraq with a ensign-lowering ceremony marking the end of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) RAF in Basra.

1PWRR returning home after Iraq tour of duty

2009-05-17T12:36:00.001+03:00

THEY’RE coming home.

Hampshire soldiers have made their last journey out of Iraq and are today on their way back to family and friends.

It’s an historic moment for troops from the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, and comes slightly earlier than expected, following the end of the British combat mission and the handover of control to the Americans two weeks ago.

The news has been greeted with delight by hundreds of troops from A and C company, who have been in Iraq since December last year.

Lt Col Charlie Sykes, commanding officer of the battalion, said: “I am hugely proud of what the Armoured Tigers have achieved over this demanding operational period. We have a record of achievement second to none, reflected in awards to members of the battalion, but championed by all of us who wear the distinctive blue-yellow- blue flash and Indian tiger motif.”

Since 2003, when the mission was launched to topple Saddam Hussein, the troops – nicknamed The Tigers – have endured three tours of duty on the Iraq frontline.

The first, and possibly their toughest, was in 2004 when the battalion became the most highly decorated serving regiment in the British Army.

A total of 37 medals and awards were handed to The Tigers, including the most prestigious, the Victoria Cross, awarded to Private Johnson Beharry for twice risking his own life while rescuing his men during an intense firefight in Al Amarah.

In 2006 more than 600 Tigers deployed for Op Telic 8 were based in the desert south of Basra. In one of their biggest operations, when they were tasked with carrying out search and arrests in the capital, they came under heavy fire from suspected terrorists for more than four hours. Miraculously all escaped uninjured.

In August that year, the Daily Echo joined them for eight days to see the daily troubles faced by soldiers.

We reported how more than 600 soldiers were coming under fire daily in stifling temperatures of up to 50 degrees. Also that year, Hampshire troops shot dead one of Osama bin Laden’s right hand men during a major operation.

More than 220 soldiers from the battalion stormed a house in Basra and killed the leading al-Qaida terrorist Omar al-Farouq.

Their final stint in Iraq has been far quieter, with more than 350 soldiers deploying from their base in Paderborn, Germany, to assist with the training and development of the Iraqi army.

Lt Col Sykes added: “Not a bullet was fired in contact, in stark contrast to our previous two highly intensive tours.

“Walking around the bazaars and chatting to the locals in Basra, they were sorry to see us leave and were grateful to ourselves and to the Iraqi forces for the huge improvement in security they have seen over the last year.”

Iraqi forces raid Iran-backed Shi'ite strongholds

2009-05-15T10:59:00.003+03:00

Iraq has launched a rare security operation near its border with Kuwait.

Officials said the Iraq Army conducted a large-scale operation in the south near the Kuwaiti border. The operation began on May 11 in the southern Basra province in the area of Mount Sanam.

"The military operation took place within Iraqi territory regardless of the fact that the targeted areas were located near the Kuwaiti or Saudi Arabian borders," Iraq Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Aziz Al Kadhemi said.

Al Kadhemi said the operation by the army's 14th Brigade sought to seize weapons caches by Shi'ite insurgents, Middle East Newsline reported. So far, the general said, more than 100 weapons have been found.

Scots soldiers in Brit award win - BBC

2009-05-15T10:48:00.000+03:00

Soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have won a Classical Brit Award for an album partly recorded during their tour of duty in Iraq.

They won best album for Spirit of the Glen: Journey, fending off competition from classical music stars such as Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins.

Some of the tracks were recorded in tents in Basra last year while three of the unit's squadrons were based there.

It is the first time non-professional musicians have won a Classical Brit.

The CD of pipes and drums music is also the first instrumental album to win Album of the Year.

Maj Angus Benson-Blair dedicated the award to British service personnel.

He said: "Tonight's award is obviously about the album but I know everyone in the armed forces will see also each vote as supporting us in everything we do.

"So on behalf of every single soldier, sailor and airman I would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you for every vote for the pipes and drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Thank you so much."

The award is voted for by Classic FM listeners and readers of its magazine, with the nominees made up of the top ten best-selling classical albums of the past year.

Recording of the album had already begun in Edinburgh last year when the regiment was sent on a six-month tour of Iraq.

Their producers followed the musicians to their camp in Basra to complete the album, which was released last November.

It is thought to be the first album recorded in a war zone.

Their previous album, Spirit of the Glen, stayed at number one in the classical charts for eight weeks over Christmas in 2007.

The Classical Brit awards also saw trumpeter Alison Balsom become the first British woman to win best female.

Bringing UK kit home from Iraq

2009-05-14T22:53:00.000+03:00

With British combat operations in Iraq now completed, the task of moving the thousands of pieces of equipment and vehicles that have been used throughout the operation back to the UK has begun.

Brigadier Paul Stearns, Commander of the Joint Force Logistic Component (JFLogC), has the responsibility to bring the British military's kit home.

To achieve this mammoth task, Brig Stearns heads a team of around 1,000 logistic specialists split between the Basra Contingency Operating Base (COB) and the Kuwait Support Facility in Camp Buehring.

Their job is to conduct, coordinate and check the work being done to return the kit.

Brig Stearns said:

"The tax payer has spent a lot of money over the last six years to give the Armed Forces the right kit to do the job. The important thing for us is to make sure we preserve that investment and get it back on the shelves, ready to use again, as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Asked to put the size of the task into perspective, he said:

"Think of the biggest Halfords store you've ever seen; they have about 10,000 product lines, we stock nearly 13,000 different items.

"To move all the vehicles, equipments and containers back to their various depots would take the entire Eddie Stobart fleet of 1,850 trucks and trailers.

"We've got to take all of them back to the right locations in the UK and Germany, in the right order and in the right condition."

A key part of the logistics team, which consists of both military and civilian personnel, are personnel normally based at the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Pauline Blaylock is one of the 20 civilians who have been working in Iraq since March. Her role is to ensure containers are intelligently packed so their contents end up in the right location back home. She said:

"I was involved in sending a lot of the equipment to Iraq in 2003, and now I'm doing the reverse job at this end getting everything back."

"We're taking our time and getting it right. It's been successful so far and we're working well with the military, but we're really going to ramp up over the next few weeks."

The operation to return equipment from Basra will take advantage of a number of innovative processes. Key amongst these is The Compendium. This is a list of the tens of thousands of items, stored in more than 19 separate locations in Basra, containing details of how each is to be prepared for storage and where it is to be sent from among dozens of different storage sites across Britain and Germany.

Teams also now check the quality and state of equipment before it is packed and some of the most advanced tracking methods available follow the movements of each item of equipment back to the shelf in the warehouse.

Anything too old to use, or that would cost more to ship back than to replace, is being sold to civilian contractors, eg furniture and non combat vehicles.

But the bulk of equipment will be heading home through Shuaiba Port in Kuwait on journeys undertaken by one of four Ministry of Defence owned RoRo vessels.

Brigadier Stearns said:

"We have a long and enduring relationship with Kuwait and we're very grateful to the authorities and people of the country for allowing us to use their excellent infrastructure."

The end result will be millions of items, from Chap Sticks to Challenger Two main battle tanks, being ready for use again in the shortest time. The Brigadier added:

"We have the time and resources to do things differently and this means we're packing once and packing right."

The JFLOGC is also responsible for ensuring that the 400-plus Service personnel who are planned to remain in Iraq to continue training the Iraqi Forces will be correctly equipped to operate under the new command structure.

Good Night, and Good Luck

2009-05-14T03:42:00.000+03:00

Iraqi Commander pays tribute to Brits as they cross border for last time.

The last British convoy of military equipment has crossed the border from Iraq into Kuwait – as a lone piper led the final combat troops from 20th Armoured Brigade to depart the country.

The convoy, escorted by the men of D Squadron, Queen’s Royal Hussars (QRH), was met at the border by an Iraqi general who paid tribute to British Forces, saying: “Thank you for all that you have given Iraq”.

Speaking through a translator, Brigadier Bilal Saleh Shkur, the Commander of the Iraqi Army’s 51st Brigade, told Lieutenant Colonel Chris Coles, the Commanding Officer of the QRH: “Congratulations to all your comrades. Hopefully this will be your last mission.”

The Germany-based cavalrymen had spent the first 5 months of this operational deployment concentrating their efforts as a Military Transition Team (MiTT), training and mentoring Brigadier Bilal’s troops from the 51st Brigade’s barracks in central Basra.

As the two officers posed for a photograph on the border, Lt Col Coles said: “I think that this part of Iraq is in safe hands and it has been for some time.”

The Iraqi Brigadier replied: “This is your gift, what you have given to Iraq and what you have done in Iraq,” before embracing the Colonel and wishing him a safe journey.

The convoy had departed the Contingency Operating Base some five hours earlier, with protective escorts provided by the Mastiff armoured vehicles of the QRH, as well as by other soldiers from across 20th Armoured Brigade, including 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR), 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (1 YORKS) and 1st Royal Tank Regiment (1RTR).

Piper Lee Watson, 23 serving with 1RTR, piped the final British convoy across the border into Kuwait in the early hours of Monday morning. The 93 vehicle convoy of combat vehicles and equipment took 14 minutes to pass though the border, with its load ranging from a huge container-grabbing ‘Wretch’ vehicle to trucks packed with various smaller items.

There was a feeling of satisfaction among the soldiers who were conscious that they were involved in the final Brigade-led operation at the end of the 6-year British military commitment in Iraq, codenamed ‘Operation Telic’.

19-year-old Trooper Luke Pinner serving with the QRH said: “I’m quite proud to be on the last convoy, to be the last troops out of Basra. This is my first tour, so I’ll never forget it. We’ve done the job and we’re leaving.”

Trooper Jamie Ratcliffe, 19 from Stock-on-Trent, added: “I have enjoyed the tour, but I’m glad it’s over. It’s a good feeling knowing that we’ve done our part. Obviously it hasn’t been like any of the other ‘Op Telics’, but I do feel like I’ve made a difference. I am glad I’m here on the last one.”

Lt Col Chris Coles continued: “I was just finishing off some unfinished business, saying farewell to Brig Bilal. We spent five months working alongside him and his brigade before we took on this escort task, so I was very honoured and touched that he made the journey all the way down from Basra just to see us on what you might call ‘the finishing line’.

“It’s always quite nice to be there as a Regiment when things are coming to a close. I know we’ve still got people in theatre, but as a Regiment, I think the Queen’s Royal Hussars can be very content to go home.

“We’ve finished off what a lot of other good men have started and it’s quite a privileged situation to be in to say ‘job done’, and I think job done well.”

The events at the border came just over a week after the Brigade’s flag, ‘The Iron Fist’, had been lowered in a transfer of authority ceremony in Basra. Over the next couple of weeks, the few remaining troops from 20 Armd Bde will return to their barracks across Germany and the UK as they complete the final withdrawal of all personnel and equipment the last combat brigade from Iraq.

Speaking from Kuwait after the final convoy had arrived in the UK base at Camp Buehring, logistician Lt Col Peter Smith, CO of 1 Logistic Support Regiment (1LSR), explained: “What we’ve achieved is like dismantling the town of Shrivenham, moving it across the M4 and reassembling it in Cardiff.”

“A staggering amount of kit has been moved – it’s twelve tour’s worth of equipment that has gone. And then of course since the first of May, since there have been no combat operations in Iraq, we’ve been far more aggressive in returning back to the United Kingdom and Germany all of those items that can be used again.

“It’s been very satisfying; it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to extract British Forces from a theatre and it’s particularly satisfying for 1LSR. 1LSR was here at the beginning for ‘Telic 1’ and it’s nice to be the regiment that is extracting 20 Brigade and all British Forces from Iraq.”

The Brigade’s progress can be followed online at www.twitter.com/theironfist

and on the British Forces contribution to Iraq at www.twitter.com/mediaops

U.K. Sailors to Remain in Iraq to Train the Navy - WSJ

2009-05-14T02:47:00.000+03:00

The Iraqi government said Wednesday it was studying a formal agreement to have a few hundred British sailors stay past the end of a mandate that expires in July to train their Iraqi counterparts.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said bilateral negotiations would focus on ways to train and support the Iraqi navy to help protect ports and oil facilities in Basra, in southern Iraq. Protection of the oil terminals is crucial because cash from oil sales accounts for more than 90% of Iraqi government revenue. Iraq also faces oil smuggling, border disputes with Iran and other issues in that area.

Since December, when a July pullout date for U.K. troops was agreed, the Iraqi and British governments have both expected that a small number of British personnel would stay behind. In April, the U.K. military said it expected to keep 400 personnel in Iraq to help train the navy and conduct general officer training.

The port of Um Qasr in Basra province is Iraq's only link to the Persian Gulf. The port is the second-largest source of revenue for the Iraqi government, after oil receipts. During the British military's six years in Iraq, it has focused on helping its Iraqi counterparts develop security for the ports and oil facilities in Basra.

The Iraqi and U.K. governments had agreed the British would complete their mission by June, and a complete withdrawal would take place by the end of July. Most of the 4,100 British troops in Iraq have already left the country. The British troops are being replaced by more than 5,000 American forces.

Mr. Dabbagh said the possible pact would be presented to the Iraqi parliament for approval.

A British military spokesman couldn't be reached to comment.

Iraqis tried for UK troop deaths - BBC

2009-05-12T15:26:00.002+03:00

Two Iraqis have gone on trial in Baghdad accused of murdering two British soldiers during the US-led invasion of their country in 2003.

The defendants were officials of Iraq's former ruling Baath party who allegedly killed two British soldiers after they were captured by militias near Basra.

Pictures taken of Luke Allsopp and Simon Cullingworth after the ambush were later shown on al-Jazeera TV.

Faisal al-Saadoon and Khalaf Mufdhi are being tried under Iraqi jurisdiction.

They were handed over to the Iraqi High Tribunal by British military last December after the House of Lords rejected objections to them being tried in Iraq.

Lawyers for the men had argued allowing them to stand trial in Iraq, where they could face the death penalty, violated both the European Convention on Human Rights and the 1998 Human Rights Act.

Since the invasion in 2003, British fatalities in Iraq have totalled 179, including 136 killed in action.

TV controversy
Staff Sgt Cullingworth and Sapper Allsopp were both wounded when Iraqi Fedayeen forces ambushed their convoy on the outskirts of Zubayr on March 2003.

While some members of the convoy escaped, the pair were taken to a local Baath party headquarters and then to an Iraqi intelligence base, where they were shot dead.

Footage of the two soldiers lying wounded near their vehicle was broadcast by Qatari-owned al-Jazeera, prompting condemnation by the British government.

The soldiers' graves were discovered a month later and their bodies were exhumed.

Sapper Allsopp, from north London, and Sgt Cullingworth, from Essex, were both in the 33 Engineer Regiment - a specialist bomb disposal unit of the Royal Engineers based in Wimbish, Essex.

The Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Justice said they have been given assurances at the "highest level" that both men would receive a fair trial and treatment, whatever the outcome of the case.

Diary of a hero - The Sun

2009-05-11T11:21:00.002+03:00

INJURED Army Major Phil Packer scored a unique triumph in the London Marathon on Saturday – finishing the race nearly two weeks after he started.
Fifteen months ago the gutsy military policeman was told he would never walk again after he was paralysed in a rocket attack in Iraq. Although he slowly regained some feeling in his legs, it was only in March this year that he managed his first steps.

Yet with the help of crutches, 36-year-old Phil managed a gruelling two miles of the Marathon each day – the maximum that doctors would allow – and was able to complete the 26-mile journey.

Now he hopes to raise £1million for the Sun-backed charity Help for Heroes and by last night he had already been pledged more than £770,000.

Here is his remarkable diary detailing his marathon ordeal.

DAY 1: It’s harder than I thought. I make it to Woolwich Common and I’m shattered. It’s a different pain — I haven’t done this distance before.

DAY 2: A very hard day — cold, wet and I ache.

Passing the £400,000 mark is fantastic, but now it will be a difficult time and the support of everyone has never been so vital to reach the £1million.

DAY 3: Joined by the Fire Service, the City of London Police and the Coldstream Guards as I walk through Greenwich. They really help me along as today is gruelling and they lift my spirits.

DAY 4: Very emotional. Joined by Company Sergeant Major Kat Gallagher who never left my side when I was injured.

Go to my first function as a Prince’s Trust Ambassador tonight and I am shattered.

DAY 5: Really tough day, with pain. I’m accompanied by Mrs Babs Free, wife of my commander in Iraq, and Claude, a fellow patient from Stanmore Hospital in Middlesex.

End the day in tears after an emotional welcome from Redriff School in Southwark.

DAY 6: A really good day and I’m delighted to be joined by three whole schools en route, which lifts my spirits.

DAY 7: It’s a great feeling to reach the half-way point at the Tower of London. I felt I let people down leaving Iraq early when I was hurt. I won’t let them down again.

DAY 8: Almost at the half-way point for the £1million.

The Sun newspaper turns up and I am hoping their article tomorrow will drum up support to help raise the rest.

DAY 9: Certainly getting harder to walk as the days go on. I’m joined by Major Peter Norton GC who is an absolute inspiration to me.

A great guy and it’s super that he came up from Shrivenham in Wiltshire to say hello.

DAY 10: A good day through Canary Wharf but just when I think it will be a dry-eye day, I’m joined by Joe, the Army padre who stayed with me the night I was injured.

DAY 11: As I near journey’s end I am exhausted and in a lot of pain. But the public’s support has been amazing and spurs me on.

Tonight I have the honour of speaking at the Back-Up Trust annual fundraising dinner, a charity that has given me so much and helped me through my dark days at Stanmore Spinal Unit.

DAY 12: Very hard day physically, very sore, and back is very uncomfortable but support has been quite amazing.

Visited the London offices of The Sun where they all have been very supportive. Having the paper behind me throughout my quest has boosted the fundraising. It’s nice to meet some of the staff behind that.

DAY 13: A year ago I never thought this would be possible and there are so many to thank.

Stanmore Hospital, the MoD and Armed Forces have all been outstanding to me. I am walking because of them.

I also know how very lucky I have been to have this mobility. So many are not.

DAY 14: Mission accomplished. Thanks very much to everyone for all the support given to me on this marathon challenge.

I am sincerely grateful.

To donate:
Online - go to justgiving.com/philsmillion

By phone - Call 0300 200 1066 and use the automated system (calls at national rate)

By text - Text HERO to 60999 to donate £5, which will be deducted from your phone bill

By cheque - Click here for the postal address and download gift aid form

Patrol days come to an end for Andy

2009-05-11T06:11:00.000+03:00

A military dog handler who risked rocket attacks and roadside bombs to protect British forces in war-torn Iraq is preparing to fly home.
Corporal Andy Moan is to be reunited with his loved ones in Sunderland after completing a tour of duty in Basra.

The RAF police dog handler served with the Theatre Military Dog Support Unit on patrol at the province's international airport playing a vital security role during the hostilities.

Risking attack by rocket-propelled grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices, the team use their canine counterparts' razor sharp senses to protect personnel and vital equipment from criminal and terrorist threats.

But last month marked the official end of the six-year British mission in the country and now the 22-year-old, who has also served on operations in Afghanistan, is preparing to join the thousands of troops returning home.

"My duties have included working as a police dog handler, as well as other wider duties involved with the policing of military operations on a civilian airfield," said Cpl Moan.

"Working closely with my dog, our aim has been to detect and deter any intruders and to provide military working dog support to ongoing transition operations."

The former Farringdon Community School pupil, who joined the RAF in 2002, is looking forward to flying home and seeing his family, including mum Lynne and dad Colin, and girlfriend Michelle.

"I love you all and will see you soon," said Cpl Moan. "I'm also looking forward to having home-cooked meals and a few beers with my friends. I'll see you all when I get back.

"I also want to thank the people of the UK for all their support for the armed forces."

Squadron stays as British withdraw

2009-05-10T08:12:00.000+03:00

Combat operations in Iraq may have officially ended for the UK, but personnel from RAF Honington will be remaining in Basra as British activity there winds down.
In a ceremony at Basra airport last Thursday, the British armed forces lowered their flag and formally handed control of the base to the American military, six years after the war began.

But 150 airmen from 15 Squadron RAF Regiment, who left for a four-month tour of duty in February, still remain in Basra and will be one of the last units to leave the base when it is handed over to Iraq's security forces.

Last month, the squadron joined a joint US/UK patrol to Il Mithar, a village north of their base in Basra, where they met Iraqi National Police and delivered footballs, books and stationery to schools, getting the chance to speak to some of the pupils there.

Meanwhile, back in Britain, the Government's commitment to the conflict in Afghanistan was underlined as it opened a £14 million facility designed to help troops train for combat in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Defence officially opened new areas at its Stanford Training Area (Stanta), just north of Thetford, last Thursday, with the new facility to provide training to all troops deploying to Afghanistan.

With the help of Afghan nationals and others who will take on the role of insurgents, its rural Middle Eastern village and urban Middle Eastern complex have been designed to mirror situations soldiers could find on the ground.

The training area, which was previously used for training troops heading to Northern Ireland and took eight months to develop, will replicate the sights, smells and sounds of the region, with calls to prayer across a market place, a family home and a network of claustrophobic alleyways.

General Sir David Richards, commander in chief of land forces, said: "These new training facilities mean that we will be giving our soldiers the very best chance to succeed in today's complex operations and return home safely.

"I am proud that we can now offer today's armed forces the facilities they deserve to best equip them for the job we ask of them on operations."

Stability lets Basra, a city of poets, return to its roots - CSM

2009-05-09T10:17:00.000+03:00

In the southern Iraqi city, poetry and music have returned since Iraqi forces wrested control from Shiite extremists last year.

At Al Rasheed radio, poet Khalid al-Mayahi leans into the microphone and pours out his heart to the city, using words that could have gotten him killed before Iraqi forces took back Basra last year from Shiite extremists.

"I am a monk for your love. I built the biggest church in my soul for you," he recites, waving his arms with passion to echo the verses he's written. The poignant improvisation of violinist Na'el Hamid next to him soars onto the airwaves. The announcer picks up a traditional Arabic oud to accompany them.

In this city, with its crumbling beauty and centuries of culture, the poetry and music that were driven underground when the militias were in charge are beginning to blossom again.

"I inscribed a cross in my heart," continues Mr. Mayahi, who looks like a film star and recites as if he's on fire. "In the universe, there is no one else like you – you are a question wrapped in an entire book."

The live program is mesmerizing, and in this deprived city, it falls like a welcome rain. The phone lines light up with young women who want to share their own love poems; a poetry-loving police sergeant calls in to every show.

"Iraqi people want music. They want a new life, an open life – especially in Basra," says station manager Nawfal al-Obeid. Mr. Obeid, a journalist, left Iraq in 2006 after a friend was kidnapped and killed, and just returned eight months ago. "In Basra, it is starting to be stable, but not 100 percent. You can say 60 or 75 percent."

The station, an offshoot of Baghdad's Al Rasheed radio, which combines music, poetry and talk, is just two months old.

But poetry here goes back centuries. To Iraqis, it is like breathing. In radio programs in Baghdad, callers phone in to request poems the same way one requests a favorite song. The death of a major poet is an occasion of national mourning.

Basra, as part of ancient Sumer, had an advanced civilization 5,000 years ago. The Sumerians were believed to have invented the first system of writing. The city, on the Shatt al-Arab, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet, is the setting for the epic tale of Sinbad the Sailor and tens of thousands of poems that followed.

Poets, poets everywhere

These days, you can barely turn around in Basra without running into a poet.

On the corniche along the Shatt al-Arab, where families stroll after dusk, two earnest young poets carrying copybooks lean against the railing watching the boats go by.

One of the boats carries a wedding party – young men wearing denim jeans beating drums and dancing with joyous abandon on the roof – a sight unthinkable before last spring.

Ali al-Munsury and Saif al-Hilifi, both university students at the University of Basra, write shaaby poetry – popular or street poetry – written and recited in colloquial dialect rather than the more complex classical Arabic. Often turned into popular songs, it's poetry for the masses.

"We are writing popular poetry because of our love and respect for traditional literature," says Mr. Mansury, complaining that government cultural officials don't take them seriously. When Basra was recently declared Iraq's cultural capital by the Iraqi government, no popular poets were invited to the ceremony, he says.

Love – and security – are favorite topics

In the intensely emotional Arab culture, most poems are about love, much of it the hopeless kind. But among Basra's younger generation of poets, there's a twist. "Most of the poetry we write is about the security situation and the tragedy in Iraq – I write about the widows and orphans," says Mansury, whose biggest concern isn't romance – it's finding a job when he graduates.

Asked to recite something he'd written, though, Mansury furrows his brow, takes a deep breath, and falls back on love.

"Your leaving is a fire that can't be extinguished if I drank the Nile," he intones into the distance.

Mr. Hilifi says their latest poetry reflects the improvement in the city's security.

"We've switched to a nationalist poetry that calls for optimism more than sadness," says Hilifi, in a checked yellow shirt and wearing fashionable dark glasses at dusk. "Now we can see the seagulls starting to go back to the Shatt al-Arab and the water beginning to clear and the situation improving, thank God. Now the optimism is floating on our poetry," he says.

But not in the poem he chooses to recite. "Passion is a diamond," he says. "My heart skips a beat at your desertion.... In the moment of your leaving, I catch you, then turn away, but can't retrieve my hand."

It's the poor who write popular poetry, they say. And the poor who supported the movement under Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose militias controlled Basra.

The two men, admirers of the Sadr movement, say the real movement had little to do with the radical militias that had controlled parts of Basra in his name.

"When we are talking about the Sadr movement, there are many militias that appeared and don't represent the Sadr movement, because the Sadr movement is ideology and culture," says Munsury.

"Many people joined this movement because of their resistance to the occupation," says Hilifi. He says others supported it because the Sadrists were the only ones helping the poor.

Those difficult days are gone, says Hilifi, who is studying mathematics.

"We are optimistic about the future. We hope Iraq comes back as before ... that all the tears will be erased and all the problems of Iraqi youths will be solved," he says. "The Iraqi people are very good people. They like life, and events that passed are a test to prove that the Iraqi people are good."

It's a phrase one hears over and over in Basra, in particular. Translated as "good people," the word even other Iraqis use to describe Basrawis is taybeen – good-natured. Basrawis love their coastal city – or their memories of it – with the same passion that goes out on the airwaves of Radio Rasheed in the evening.

"I couldn't stay outside Iraq because I love my city," says Obeid, the station manager. "I grew up here. Every night I would remember my neighbors, my friends – my friends who are still alive, my friends that I already lost."

Obeid, who went to Oman, describes the years under militia control as "insane," "when you couldn't trust anyone. You can lose your life in a minute."

He left after his friend Fakher Haider, who was working for The New York Times, was abducted by men in police uniforms and murdered in 2005. He says he came back to try to make things better in Basra in honor of his friend.

Making up for five years of disruption

Obeid says the big challenge now is making up for the past five years when there was almost no reconstruction. The city would like to attract investors but has hours of electricity cuts a day and infrastructure suffering from decades of neglect.

After the past years, when Iraqis would have been targeted for speaking a foreign language, Obeid says his station is planning to broadcast songs in English as soon as he finds a female announcer, considered more relaxing than a male voice. With a 65-mile radius, the FM station currently broadcasts 20 hours a day.

"People love English songs, and they ask us to broadcast them after midnight – they stay up until 3 a.m. or so, and that's when they want to listen to them."

The station will always have an element of religion, since that's part of the culture.

"We play the Holy Koran," he says, "followed by soft music.".

UK firms encouraged to rebuild Iraq

2009-05-08T10:58:00.002+03:00

The British Government is to step up its campaign to secure Iraqi construction contracts for UK firms. By Mark Lewis

It has developed a guide aimed at helping UK construction firms win contracts, and set up both a National Investment Commission and a Basra Investment Commission to act as points of contact for UK firms seeking Iraqi government contracts.

According to MEED Projects, the research arm of Construction News’ sister title Middle East Economic Digest, some $46 billion (£31bn) worth of reconstruction work is planned to be tendered in the coming months and years to rebuild the war-torn country.

Head of the Middle East Unit at UK Trade and Investment Paul Taylor said Britain’s historic ties with Iraq meant UK contractors were in a strong position to pick up contracts, particularly in the south of the country.

He said: “The strong message we have from [prime minister] Nouri Al-Maliki is that he wants British contractors to be bidding for these contracts.

“And in terms of winning contracts, the locals would feel more strongly about the US in the way that they have engaged in the country, whereas the UK is still regarded very highly.”
A draft copy of the UKTI guide, due out in the summer, reveals that the Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works has a budget of up to$741 million (£497m) and is tendering for around 35 major new water and wastewater treatment plants.

The guide also emphasises the growing importance of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, which is in charge of improving 45,000 km of dilapidated roads in the country.

Rail, aviation and the ports and maritime department are all also seeking to undertake major projects, according to the guide.

On 30 April, at a meeting of 250 UK companies and Iraqi officials in London, Business secretary Peter Mandelson signed a memorandum of understanding with the Iraqi deputy Prime Minister, Barhan Salih, to improve business ties.

London marathon walker Major Phil Packer has over eight miles to go - Times

2009-05-07T18:30:00.003+03:00

For the tens of thousands of people who completed the London Marathon almost a fortnight ago, the aches and pains are but a distant memory. But for one lone man, the excruciating journey is still continuing.

Major Phil Packer, the Royal Military Police officer who was told he would never walk again after a bombing in Basra, is still slowly making his way towards the finish line.

More than two thirds through the 26.2 mile course, Major Packer hobbled past Tower Bridge this morning, accompanied by a band of well-wishers and a support soundtrack of beeps from passing motorists.

Although the pain from every excruciating step was evident by the grimace on his face, Major Packer - in typical style - underplayed his torment.

“Its like doing anything difficult. You put your head down and get on with it,” he said.
“It’s bloody painful. But I’m doing alright.”

Major Packer was rendered paraplegic in a rocket attack on the British base in Basra in February last year. Deployed as the force marshal overseeing up to 5,000 men, he was knocked down by an armoured vehicle in the chaos following a rocket attack on the British base.

He suffered bruising to his heart, broken ribs and an injury to the base of his spine. He was left a paraplegic and doctors told him that he would not walk again.

Major Packer intends to complete the marathon by Saturday - aided by a pair of crutches and sheer determination.

He said that the fellow injured soldiers that he met at Headley Court, the military rehabilitation centre in Surrey, had motivated him.

“If you see a 19-year-old who has had a triple amputation and is trying to make the most of it - I can’t imagine what that is like. I just want to do this for him.”

His target is to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes, a charity for injured soldiers. He says that if he does not hit that target, he will feel he has let people down.

Along his journey through vast swathes of London, Major Packer has received overwhelming support from the public.

Ambulances, taxis and ordinary vehicles have stopped to give donations. Since the beginning of the marathon, Major Packer has collected £360,000, raising his overall total to £570,000.

To date, despite his incapacity, Major Packer has rowed the Channel in rough seas, sailed unassisted, achieved a sky dive and completed a water-skiing event.

In three weeks time, after recovering from the marathon, he will travel to El Capitan in Yosemite National Park to complete his year of activity.

Then he will return to work for a two-year posting in London with the Royal Military Police.

Art: Behind Basra - Essam al-Sudani's Photos from the City - Mirror

2009-05-06T21:49:00.002+03:00

As British troops leave Basra, this exhibition by Iraqi photojournalist Essam al-Sudani looks at the daily life of ordinary Iraqis.

Through his lens al-Sudani, 29, captures a series of wonderfully composed images from a city that has been much in the news but little seen by the world at large - and which itself has seen traumatic but also hopeful changes over the past year.

This exhibition presents portraits of everyday life from a city that is now daring to look to the future with optimism.

Al-Sudani is from the southern Iraqi city of Basra. He has worked since 2004 for the French news agency Agence France Presse and this is his first European exhibition.

The exhibition is supported by the Department for International Development (DFID).

DFID was introduced to Essam's work when he attended a DFID funded Iraqi media training initiative to support a strong, free and independent media in Basra. The media training was part of a range of programmes that DFID has funded in Iraq to support reconstruction.

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Longridge major's Basra duties

2009-05-06T13:11:00.002+03:00

AS British Forces end their combat operations in Iraq, one Longridge soldier has been talking about his time serving in Basra.

Major Jim Faux, A-Company, 5 Rifles, is based at British Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oxford, nestled on the bank of the Qarmat Ali waterway in Southern Iraq.

It is a primitive and deceptively isolated camp and soldiers of 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 Rifles), an armoured infantry unit, spend seven days at a time in the camp three miles north of Contingency Operating Base (COB) Basra, living on rations and sleeping under mosquito nets.

There is room in the tents for a single platoon of around 27 men, as well as five or six royal engineers - the latter responsible for six boats moored at the site, used to take 5 Rifles soldiers out on patrol on nearby Leaf Island.

And it is these patrols which have proved crucially successful in the stabilisation of the province.
FOB Oxford's primary role is to deter what the men call indirect fire - essentially rocket and mortar attacks launched from Leaf Island on to the COB.

Since the base was set up, not a single rocket has been launched from the area.
Major Faux said: "The place is very busy, but the blokes love it. They're out and about doing something.

"No patrol is the same. They know the ground very well now, they can easily pick up anything abnormal."

Interaction with the local population on Leaf Island is at the centre of operations from FOB Oxford. As well as being stopped and searched, 5 Rifles are able to gather valuable information about potential threats.

Major Faux said: "The locals know we're here. They come in and tell us 'there's a bad man in the area'. They realise we're providing security.

"Just three weeks ago a guy came in and took us to a rocket found on the island. It was ready to launch."

The men have certainly made the base their own.

A map of the surrounding waterways has been meticulously laid out using blue J-Cloths, with premiership football teams used to identify certain points, in place of complicated co-ordinates.
They have even adopted a stray dog, dubbed "D-For, as in D For Dog."

A makeshift gym lies in one corner, not far from one of three armed sangars - looking posts - set up on the perimeter of the base.

When they have time to spare, the men will sit around the cooking pot fire, play cards or sometimes chess.

But FOB Oxford will not stand for much longer.

Capt Steve Morte has been tasked with scaling it down now that combat operations have ended.
He said: "The base has been very effective. But southern Iraq is a different place now. So we're here to bring it all down."

RAF squadron leader speaks of successful operations in Iraq

2009-05-06T13:00:00.000+03:00

AN RAF Squadron Leader from Wickwar will be one of the last to leave Basra when UK military operations end in Iraq.

Colin Laker, 42, a former pupil of Katharine Lady Berkeley's School in Wotton-under-Edge, is currently deployed at the Contingency Operating Base (COB) just outside Basra.

He is responsible for the safety of British troops and aircraft operating from the COB.
Colin will be among the last to leave when UK troops depart the military theatre of operations by July 31.

In the meantime, he is coordinating the critical provision of security to the multinational force's military base in Basra.

He said: "I am really enjoying my tour here and coordinating operations uses a tremendously wide range of combat operators and specialised equipment.

"Knowing that I’m having a direct bearing on ensuring the safe and timely return of the last British troops back to the UK is also extremely rewarding."

As the Deputy Officer Commanding of No7 Force Protection Wing, Colin said: "I am part of a highly trained team that is wholly responsible for the safety of British troops and aircraft operating from the COB.

"Every part of the risk and hazards of operating in Iraq is mitigated by the expertly trained RAF Police, RAF Regiment and British Infantry personnel that I coordinate."

Colin joined the Royal Air Force Regiment in 1986 and this is one of many differing roles that he has undertaken during his career.

He has served at numerous locations across the UK and overseas, including Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Oman, America and Germany. When he’s not deployed, he is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

"This tour in Iraq provides constant challenges but as a result of our work, we are assisting the Iraqi nation to rebuild and develop confidence in its own Armed Forces and Police.

"It is the British success in this area that has enabled the departure of UK troops this summer," he added.

He said the mosquitoes, flies and dust storms were the less enjoyable elements of the job and being away from his family and friends was hard, in particular his wife Paula and daughter Evelyn, but he was looking forward to returning soon.

In a message to his family, Colin said: "Don’t worry about me, I’m with the best there is. I miss you all very much, the pace of life is really fast here, but I think about you all just before I go to sleep every day.

"Have confidence that the Brits are doing a good job out here and we are all working really hard to get back home and see you all soon."

An active sportsman, Colin is a keen skydiver and, as an enthusiastic member of the Parachute Display Team 'The Falling Rocks', said he was looking forward to donning his parachute and getting airborne again on his return to the UK.

Homecoming for the fallen heroes - The Sun

2009-05-05T21:20:00.002+03:00

SOLDIERS dismantle a memorial wall saluting 179 troops who died in Iraq — so it can be transported back to Britain and rebuilt.

The wall was the focal point of a moving memorial service in Basra last Thursday to mark the end of British forces’ combat mission in Iraq.

Members of 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron began taking it down yesterday. It was built by servicemen who made the best use of materials available at the time.

The wall will be rebuilt at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Designers hope to use the existing brass plaques and marble centre stone.

Measure

It will replicate closely the existing memorial and is engraved with a quote from the Book of Wisdom: “Honourable age does not depend on length of days, nor is number of years a true measure of life.”

Names of fallen troops and civilian contractors from other coalition nations in the British-controlled Multi National Division South East will also be commemorated.

The memorial is likely to be finished next summer. Iraq’s government made a generous contribution towards its cost in gratitude for the sacrifice of British forces.

Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth said: “They deserve a fitting memorial in the UK so their families can pay tribute in a tranquil, dignified setting.”

Defence Secretary John Hutton said: “This will be a lasting reminder of the incredible job our people are asked to do.”

Memorial coming home brick by brick

2009-05-05T15:07:00.001+03:00

A memorial wall in Basra, which was erected in honour of the 179 British troops who died in Iraq, is being dismantled brick by brick to be transported back to Staffordshire.

The wall, which was the focal point of last Thursday’s memorial service to mark the end of the British operation, is to be re-built at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. Members of 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron began dismantling the wall yesterday.

The memorial at Alrewas will utilise the brass plaques and marble centre stone to replicate the existing memorial which is engraved with a quote from the Bible’s Book of Wisdom: “Honourable age does not depend on length of days, nor is number of years a true measure of life.”

It is expected to be ready by July next year.

Iraq’s Government is making a contribution towards the cost in gratitude for the sacrifice of the British servicemen during the six years, one month and 11 days of the mission.

Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth said: “They deserve a fitting memorial in the UK so their families can pay tribute in a tranquil, dignified setting.”

The memorial will also bear names of fallen troops and civilian contractors from other coalition nations in the former British-controlled area of Iraq.

The Basra wall was built by servicemen, in front of 20th Armoured Brigade headquarters at the main coalition military base. A dedication service is planned for next year to unveil the re-built memorial.

Peter Cleminson, national chairman of The Royal British Legion, said: “The memorial wall gave service men and women in southern Iraq a very personal way of remembering colleagues that had been killed. By choosing to bring this wall to the arboretum, which sits in the very heart of the country, it will become a place where family and friends can also now come to mourn and remember.”

* A summer open evening is being held tonight at the arboretum where the Armed Forces’ Memorial opened in 2007.

Basra residents safer, but looking for work - CSM

2009-05-05T09:51:00.003+03:00

At night when Basra's upscale Algeria district comes to life, Wissam Shawal rolls out his street-corner kebab stand and shapes the ground lamb onto skewers.

"It's a temporary job," says the university graduate. But he's had it for nine years.

A year after the Iraqi Army wrested control of the city from Shiite militias, Basra provides a glimpse of what the rest of Iraq could be like minus the violence. It's also a window on the kinds of challenges still facing the country.

People don't fear to leave their homes now. Suicide bombers are almost nonexistent. Today, the more "normal" concerns of finding a decent job – or any job – have replaced security as the biggest concern in one of Iraq's largest cities.

Up until a year ago, when Iranian-backed gunmen ruled the streets, the prospect of economic recovery was almost unthinkable.

The British, in charge of Iraq's south, had withdrawn from the city under attack from Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army. British development officials were banned from going into Basra, even if they'd wanted to.

New governor, new vision

Now that it's secure enough to think about rebuilding this port city into Iraq's gateway to the world, the new provincial governor has big ambitions but few resources.

"We are aware that our abilities are limited. Our budget this year is one-third of what we had last year," says new governor Shiltagh Abboud Sharad.

Governor Sharad is from the same Dawa Party as Prime Minister Nouri al-Malaki. That link would ordinarily bode well for Basra's chances of getting more federal help. But the plunge in oil prices – from nearly $150 a barrel last year to around $50 a barrel, is hampering rebuilding.

Almost all planned capital spending for government ministries has disappeared as the 2009 budget has been cut – twice already this year.

But Basra's struggles began well before the drop in oil prices. More than 70 percent of Iraq's oil revenue comes from the nearby southern oil fields. But Basra, battered during the Iran-Iraq war and then punished by Saddam Hussein for the 1991 Shiite uprising, has never seen much of it.

"We want to raise the profile of Basra. The government previously didn't pay too much attention to the dense population here perhaps," says the governor, a professor of Arabic literature. "We intend it to be the economic heart for the whole of Iraq."

Returning home

2009-05-04T22:35:00.002+03:00

Troops checking in for their flight out of Basra.

Ready to Roll - Soldier Magazine

2009-05-04T16:42:00.001+03:00

THE end of Operation Telic presents the British Army’s logistics experts with an interesting challenge.

After six years of ferrying troops, equipment and supplies into Iraq, the Royal Logistic Corps now has to perform an about turn and transport the accumulated kit back out of the country.

It is a mammoth undertaking, but the movement experts have an ace up their sleeve in the form of the Visibility and Transit Aspect Logging (VITAL) system.

By placing small GPS transmitters inside every container heading out of Basra, the logisticians are able to continuously track each item from the moment it leaves Iraq to the time it reaches its final destination.

The system has been implemented by Capt Tim Walvin (RLC) who told Soldier that it will prove indispensable in ensuring nothing gets lost in transit.

“Before anything leaves, we barcode the items and can then track them on their way to whichever depot they are going to,” he explained, adding that similar operations in Bosnia and Kosovo carried out before the system was in place took significantly longer and required many more people to be involved. “That links in with the Total Asset Visibility brick [the GPS transmitter].

“It’s massively important. As nice as it would be to up sticks, gun everything into an ISO container and do a runner, I know as a supplier that it has to be unpacked at the other end.

“If things go missing it takes money out of the pot and this system means we can avoid that. The technology gives us total visibility and it gives people confidence because they know where their key assets are.”

Unsurprisingly for soldiers serving on such an historic tour, the Telic experience of the 20th Armoured Brigade troops serving with 1 (UK) Logistic Battalion has been unlike that of their colleagues on previous deployments.

Knowing that they would be at the very least partially responsible for returning the Army’s equipment to British bases and operational theatres around the world, 1 (UK) Log Bn began to size up their task soon after arriving in theatre.

An initial scout around the Contingency Operating Base (COB) and other locations in Basra province revealed around 5,000 containers which the loggies had to open and record the contents of.

The drawing-down of kit has been an ongoing process ever since, with more than 20,000 different types of equipment ranging from socks to engines needing to be removed from theatre.

The figures for Operation Pike – the road convoy between Kuwait and Basra – tell their own story.

In comparison to previous tours when the amount brought into the COB far exceeded that taken out, Telic 13 has seen the loggies remove more than they received.

Since arriving in theatre in December, the soldiers have overseen the dispatch of 5.5 million tonnes of supplies to be returned to depots in Britain and abroad or disposed of locally compared to the 4.3 million tonnes they have received.

The monthly totals for goods in and out have also shifted dramatically as the tour has progressed. While a total of 100,000kg of items headed each way in December, the monthly figure now stands at around 40,000kg entering the COB and as much as 500,000kg leaving it.

Take into account the mind-boggling numbers involved elsewhere in the supply chain for Op Pike alone – the 102 convoys on Op Telic 13 have covered 219,319km and transported 5.4 million litres of fuel – and it is hard not to admire the work ethic of the Army’s logistics experts.

They have also taken on responsibility for developing the Iraqi Army’s 14th Division’s logistics capability, working alongside the Middle Eastern soldiers at Shaibah.
Maj Steve Mellor (RLC), who spent much of the tour mentoring the Iraqis, said the host nation’s soldiers had been willing learners.

“They have a bit of work to do on their tactical awareness, but that will come with time,” he said. “Their ability is good and there’s a quiet confidence within the division. We have also helped them to develop their command structure and that has been particularly evident over the last three months.”

While other soldiers may have had a slower-paced final Telic compared to their previous experiences, the tour has been a true test of the mettle of everyone working in logistics.

But when the final ISO container loaded with British kit is sent on its way home, the specialists will be able to reflect on having played a part in a truly unique operation.

“We have had a successful five months of getting stuff out of here,” said SSgt Dougie Hollowell (RLC). “We knew the plug was being pulled [on Telic] so we have worked hard throughout.

“This is unlike previous ops so we are writing the textbook when it comes to logistics. There are a lot of new areas for us to learn and times have really never been busier.”

Community Centred - Soldier Magazine

2009-05-04T16:39:00.002+03:00

AT the height of Telic’s troubles, the Contingency Operating Base (COB) at Basra Airport was an exceedingly dangerous place to be.

Despite being out of the city and away from the threat of small arms fire and IED strikes, the location was bombarded with indirect fire attacks as militia mortars and rockets fell from the sky, destroying equipment and ultimately claiming casualties.

With the marshland in the vicinity of the base providing an ideal firing point for would-be assailants, British commanders realised that the key to extinguishing the deadly attacks once and for all lay in establishing a presence in the villages in and around the intricate system of waterways surrounding the city.

The solution arrived with the formation of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oxford, an austere smattering of canvas on a riverbank about 5km from the COB. Its watery environment is a world removed from the dusty streets of Basra city itself, but strike battlegroup soldiers from the Desert Rats on Op Telic 12 and, more recently, their 20th Armoured Brigade successors on Telic 13 have played a major role in clamping down on rocket strikes.

Just three attacks have been made on the COB since the turn of the year and the final soldiers to launch patrols from FOB Oxford using assault boats manned by 35 Engineer Regiment’s sappers have been able to fully focus on building up a rapport with rural Iraqis living in nearby villages.

The gratitude for Britain’s help in ridding the area of troublemakers is evident in the happy faces greeting 5 Rifles’ troops at every turn out on the ground. Scores of children tagging onto one of last month’s concluding patrols were rewarded with sweets, chocolate and footballs, while influential sheikhs made a point of stopping to talk to platoon commander Capt Charlie King.

“It’s completely different now to how it was in the recent past,” said the officer. “Our emphasis has been on going out and getting to know the people. That way we could see what their problems were, whether that was a lack of water or not having somewhere to play football, and do something about them.

“Now we go through areas where people have been stoned in the past and it’s a good indicator of how far things have moved on that we are greeted with enthusiasm. I think that our presence has given the local population something to believe in and someone they can trust. Obviously we can’t give them everything they might want and need, but we can start to give them that bit of hope.”

Joining the Rifles on a river patrol through the narrow channels of water that cut blue swathes through the surrounding green-and-brown landscape, it is not long before Soldier encountered the first villagers keen to provide a glowing endorsement of the British Army.

“We are currently building a house which will be the biggest one here,” said resident Mohammed Mahdy as he took a break from his construction site in the intense mid-morning heat. “We can do this in peace because the British soldiers are kind and professional men.

“They have been coming here every ten days recently and because of them there is no distrust in the village. Everyone likes them being here because they have good policies. One year ago we would not have left our houses after dark, but now everyone feels safe to go out at night.”

It may have lacked the frequent contacts and acts of bravery that characterised previous deployments, but 5 Rifles’ Telic tour has nonetheless yielded incredible results which have been delivered while living and working in the most basic of conditions.

Alternating between acting as the COB’s quick reaction force and spending time at FOB Oxford, the infantrymen have had to face long periods of relative inactivity in order to carry out some of the key functions of the operation’s closing months.

But despite the danger of becoming complacent amid such a peaceful environment, Capt King (pictured below left) said his soldiers had excelled in keeping their minds firmly on the job in hand.

“We did have an anticipation before we arrived about how things would be, but we came in to a situation where nothing was really happening and no shots were being fired,” he told Soldier.

“We have switched from being the quick reaction force racing to the front gate to go and help out in the city, to working on the Iraq/Iran border to stagging on at a FOB. The breadth of stuff the guys have taken on is something I have to thank them for.

“It’s difficult coming into an environment that not too long ago was a complete war zone but they have adapted themselves to a completely different situation and it’s been a case of taking on whatever jobs we need to and getting on with it.

“The guys are always professional and although it has been very quiet, it would have been easy to get complacent and think that nothing is going to happen. My boys have stayed focused and have always been ready for the worst case scenario.”

Out of the darkness - Soldier Magazine

2009-05-04T16:34:00.001+03:00

OFF-DUTY policeman Qasem La’Ety Thamer’s face glowed with contentment as he took in the hustle and bustle of downtown Basra on a balmy evening in mid-April.

Sat on a bench with wife Mona Hussein and five-year-old son Ali (pictured), the officer listened to the clacking of dominoes and jovial chatter of a group of young men wafting across the crowded corniche – the main drag of shops and restaurants lining the Shatt al Arab waterway.

That Qasem was able to head into Basra from his home 25 kilometres away to enjoy a night out is testament to just how far the city has emerged from its dark recent past.

Only one year ago, the corniche fell silent after 1800 as Iraqis rushed for their homes to avoid the attentions of the militias.

Now Basra is a city transformed and, as with every person Soldier stopped to talk to during Telic’s final joint patrol with British, Iraqi and US troops, Qasem can’t get enough of his new-found freedom.

The proud policeman – who was thrown into prison in the 1990s for refusing to join Saddam Hussein’s army – has high hopes that the successes of the six-year op and the growing capability of the Iraqi Army will help his country blossom into a nation where his son can have a safe and prosperous future.

“You could not go outside after dark before Charge of the Knights,” he said over the din of Basra’s rush hour traffic. “Life was very hard and people were scared. It was difficult to do your job. Now I’m happy and secure because Basra is the best province in the south of Iraq.

“I’m a policeman and we are working hard to provide security for everybody who lives here and give them freedom from the bad times. Because of that, I can come here with my family to enjoy my life.”

As much as Basra is revelling in its conflict-free present, no one is under any illusions about the amount of blood, sweat and tears shed by coalition troops since Op Telic rolled into action in 2003.

After encountering some hard fighting during their initial push into Iraq from Kuwait, British troops were able to patrol in soft hats as the situation calmed down. Things soon took a turn for the worse and a total of 179 UK soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in the ensuing battle against insurgents.

Fighting aside, Britain’s biggest legacy to the people of Iraq are the thousands of newly-trained soldiers who make up the Middle Eastern nation’s Army.

From its beginnings as a rag-tag group of men using outdated kit and tactics, the modern Iraqi force now stands tall thanks to the wealth of knowledge passed on by the military transition teams that lived and worked alongside them.

Gen Aziz Mohammed – the man responsible for all of Iraq’s Security Forces in Basra province – said that the coalition’s hard-fought contribution to installing lasting peace and democracy in the region would not be forgotten.

“What the British have done is already appreciated,” the senior officer explained during a rare interview at the Basra Operations Command based in the Shatt al Arab Hotel.

“They have given a big hand for training, for logistics, even for civilian life. Already if you walk around Basra you feel how safe it is. I feel that in the future we will have a good life.

“We have started projects and are doing new things to allow the Baswari people to feel they are secure. We are all very serious about working hard to give them a life that is better than the one they had.”

Unsurprisingly for an operation that saw such frequent contact with the enemy during its peak, tales of British bravery under Telic’s most testing times are not hard to come by.

CSgt Andre Pepper (1 PWRR), who was Mentioned in Dispatches for his part in the daring rescue of stricken British troops stranded in downtown Basra in 2004, saw further action on his second tour two years later.

Stationed at the Provincial Joint Coordination Centre near the former Ba’ath Party headquarters opposite Basra’s Old State Building, Pepper was first on the scene when, in 2006, a Lynx helicopter was shot down, crashing nearby and killing the five personnel onboard.

The senior soldier battled through an angry crowd and was faced with “walls of fire unlike any other” as he searched through the residential block to find the aircraft’s wreckage. The clear-up operation took two days to complete and was carried out under intense RPG and mortar attacks from insurgent fighters.

Now coming to the end of his third and final Telic, selfless Pepper carries a genuine belief that the sacrifices made by himself and his colleagues since 2003 will not be in vain.

“I can’t believe the city as it is now,” he said. “I still expect to go around the corner and for it all to go wrong.

“It has changed completely and I’m pleased we are leaving because that’s the job done. On top of that, I’m also pleased for the people of Basra and their future.

“They really need it because they haven’t had much luck and it will be nice to see it all work out for them. Whether they like us or not, I hope that the Iraqis see that we were here doing good.”
Despite the sterling work carried out by Britain’s troops in Iraq, there remains an ever-diminishing proportion of the public that questions the motives of the coalition in invading in the first place.

But looking as Qasem La’Ety Thamer and his young family spending time together in an increasingly thriving city provides an answer in itself.

Saddam Hussein has gone, the militias have dispersed and business is booming. The capable Iraqi Security Forces have taken control of their country’s safety needs and democracy has firmly taken root, with national elections due to take place later this year.

Every military man and woman like Pepper who has served with dedication and courage in unspeakable conditions against a brutal enemy can hold their heads high knowing that the British Army’s steadfast commitment to freedom has ensured that Telic has ultimately triumphed.

War artist Arabella Dorman paints Iraq - Telegraph

2009-05-04T13:48:00.002+03:00

She came under rocket and mortar attack, almost got killed while spending a penny, and was a "sitting duck" for the enemy when she became stranded in the Iraqi desert.

Arabella Dorman got first hand experience of the danger, the fear and the isolation of conflict when she served as Britain's first official female war artist to go to the front line in Iraq.

Next week her paintings of British soldiers at war will go on show at an exhibition in London.

Dorman, 33, who studied art in London and Florence, went to southern Iraq in December 2006, a time of intense fighting between British troops and Iraqi insurgents.

"There were some very hairy moments but it was exciting and I came away with deep admiration for our soldiers," she told The Sunday Telegraph at her studio in Chelsea.

"At Basra Palace we were mortared up to eight times a day. And at another base we came under rocket attack three or four times a day," she said. "I usually had about 30 minutes sleep before the first siren went off.

"I had to jump out of my bunk bed, throw on my flak jacket, hit the deck and lie as flat as possible. I prayed that none of us would be killed. I was scared. I knew my life was in the lap of the gods."

The artist spent two weeks with three regiments in different areas: the Green Jackets at Basra Palace, the Queen's Own Gurkhas at Shaibah logistics base, 10 miles south-west of Basra, and the Queen's Royal Lancers in the Maysaan desert.

On patrol in the desert, a few miles from the Iranian border where British troops were trying to stop the flow of arms into Iraq, the soldiers ran into trouble: their ambulance was stuck in the marshes, two tanks became bogged down, and the recovery vehicle that tried to pull them out also became stuck.

"We waited for about seven hours, in pouring rain, and we were attracting the attention of the locals," Dorman said. "We were sitting ducks for the enemy. It was terrifying."

The soldiers eventually managed to get the tanks and the ambulance out, but the recovery vehicle would not budge and had to be abandoned. "That night we didn't set up our camp until after midnight," Dorman said.

Her most embarrassing – and potentially dangerous – moment came out in the desert, a few miles from the Iranian border.

The soldiers were in an old artillery position behind a large mound when she decided to scramble to the top and find a discreet place on the other side to answer a call of nature.

"The soldiers whistled and shouted at me to get down," she said. "I was visible to the enemy for miles around. I could have put us all in danger. It was a stupid thing to do and the soldiers teased me a lot about it afterwards."

The only other female British artist to go to the front line of a conflict was Linda Kitson, who went to the Falklands war in 1982.

The soldiers Dorman met, all men apart from a woman dog handler, were bemused by the presence of an artist in a war zone.

To break the ice she would do a quick charcoal portrait of one of them and soon had them all asking if they could be sketched too.

"They were real gentlemen," she said. "When we out on patrol, setting up camp, they would put up a camp bed and tarpaulin cover for me before they did their own."

Dorman, who uses watercolours, charcoal and oils for her work, said she was more interested in using her art to "evoke the emotions and psychological impact of war" than in depicting the "physical horror" of war.

She described the soldiers as "exceptional people doing extraordinary things. Their lives are very intense."

She said: "They can experience in one day what most people may not experience in a year: danger, fear, isolation, boredom, friendship, humour, bravery, honour and death."

There is uncertainty too. "They would sometimes wonder what they were doing out there," she said. "But they do it for each other and there is a fantastic camaraderie.

"I came away humbled by their professionalism and the way they put each other first."

Earlier this year Dorman was moved by an article in The Sunday Telegraph's Seven magazine about soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan who went to California to develop their skills as disabled athletes and possibly to take a step towards competing in the London Paralympics in 2012.

She expressed an interest in painting the wounded soldiers, and has already done portraits of two of them: Rory Mackenzie, who lost a leg in Iraq, and Jon-Allan Butterworth, who lost an arm to a rocket in Basra. Both will feature in the exhibition.

It is all a long way from her usual work, painting portraits of company chairmen, leading academics, judges, High Sheriffs and glamorous society women.

But Iraq has given her the taste for more and in September she goes to Afghanistan to spend time with 2 Rifles and seek inspiration from another conflict.

Frontlines – Images from Iraq is at the Frost and Reed gallery, King Street, London, SW1Y 6QP from 12th-30th May

'There was sadness and humour in Iraq'

2009-05-04T13:23:00.001+03:00

As British forces hand over control of Basra to the Americans and begin their phased withdrawal from Iraq, The Sentinel spoke to local soldiers abou ttheir memories of serving in the Middle East.

ASK Tim Sandiford how it felt to be the last commander of the Staffordshire Regiment on an operational tour and the emotion that shines through his every word is pride.

The 46-year-old was a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the 580 or so members of the 1st Battalion (Staffords) during their second tour of duty in Iraq as part of Operation Telic 9 between October 2006 and the end of April 2007.

Stoke City fan Tim, now a full Colonel and based in Warminster where he is in charge of training for UK troops, looks back on those six months as one of the most exciting periods of his career in the services.

He said: "It was, undoubtedly, a very exciting experience and, looking back, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I am so very proud to have been part of a team in Iraq during some of its darkest hours.
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"The Staffords were out there while some of the bitterest fighting was taking place, and the way in which our fine young men and women conducted themselves in the face of some extreme provocation never ceased to amaze me.

"They displayed courage, resolve, comradeship and self-restraint which belied their years and, if truth be told, I miss being around them immensely."

During the Staffords' Battle Group's second tour they suffered three fatalities and 51 soldiers were wounded – with 16 suffering what Tim describes as 'life-changing' injuries.

Based in the northern half of Basra city, their job involved assisting and developing the Iraqi security forces – both the Army and police, protecting outside agencies rebuilding the country's shattered infrastructure (Operation Sinbad) and carrying out offensive operations to tackle insurgency. The latter involved rounding up scores of terrorists and taking thousands of illegal weapons and tons of munitions off the streets.

Now that British troops are finally leaving the country, does Tim feel that, overall, the mission has been a success?

"I don't have the knowledge of being on the ground out there, recently," he said. "However, from everything I have seen, heard and read, Basra is definitely a better place than when we arrived in late 2006. The people have a far greater degree of freedom and that speaks volumes.

"You never leave an operational tour saying there is nothing left to achieve. By the same token I can honestly say that when the Staffords left we had executed every plan and that very significant advances had been made in terms of the state of the Iraqi security forces, and the general security situation.

"As we were leaving, one local man said to me 'we still face some real challenges, but they are a far different set of challenges than when you arrived'. I think the Staffords can take that as a huge compliment."

North Staffordshire has always been immensely proud of its links with the armed forces and Sentinel readers have demonstrated time and again their support for our troops serving overseas.

But were the Staffords aware of the debate in the UK over the rights and wrongs of British troops being in Iraq?

"Absolutely," said Tim. "We don't live in a bubble. We may all hold private views on the situation but, as soldiers, we are servants of the state and get our orders from a democratic government we all elected. We have a job to do and try to do it to the best of our abilities."

Summing up, what are the Staffords' commanding officer's overriding memories of his time in Iraq?

"There's no doubt that the Staffords left Iraq with their heads held high. They did a fantastic job – a difficult job – with no fuss and no dramas. They fought hard when they needed to and I was honoured to be with them.

"There were times of great sadness, such as when we lost one of our own or we suffered injuries, and there were also – believe it or not – times of great humour and constant camaraderie.

"My one regret is that more of my soldiers weren't recognised with awards when they were dished out, because I firmly believe far more of them should have been for their endeavours."

Iraq says it's open for business again - BBC

2009-05-03T22:03:00.004+03:00

To be in London at the moment is to hear the mantra "Iraq is open for business". Business Daily went to one conference - Invest Iraq - which was chock-a-block with Iraqi and British ministers and business people.

The message was that violence continues, sure, but it is in pockets and is on the wane. The country is ripe for investment and it can now be done. However, what's the hype and what's the reality?

The BBC's Hugh Sykes has been to Basra in the south of Iraq, from where British troops have now withdrawn, to talk to one businessman who sells electrical goods, about the difficulties Iraqis still face.

Oil investment

It is six years since the US-led invasion of Iraq toppled the government of Saddam Hussein. The country has experienced a huge death toll from war and suicide bombings, and its economy has collapsed. Most of the British troops stationed in the south of Iraq are now returning home.

The Iraqi Prime Minister and senior members of his government have been in London to try and persuade western businesses to invest in Iraq. Oil companies are keen to exploit the country's oil supplies, the third largest in the world. It is the first time in more than a decade that Iraq's government has made such a big effort to get foreign firms to set up operations there.

Direct flights

One company that is keen to start operations in Iraq is the British airline BMI, its chied Executive is Nigel Turner and he wants to set up a direct flight from London to Baghdad.

Economic changes

For an overview of the situation in Iraq, Business Daily turned to two experts.

Michael Wareing, chief executive of the global accountancy company, KPMG, who is also the British Prime Minister's economic envoy to Iraq., and Dr Sami al-Araji, who is the chairman of Iraq's National Investment Commission.

British Basra memorial service - Combat Camera Team

2009-05-02T18:07:00.000+03:00

WE'RE ON OUR WAY HOME - Star

2009-05-02T13:40:00.001+03:00

HERO Brit soldiers were told their Iraq War was won yesterday as top brass told them: “Come home with your heads held high.”

Soldiers learned the campaign was ending a month ahead of schedule after six gruelling years of battling for control of the south of the country.

After the announcement was made, a platoon of 36 squaddies from 5th Battalion, The Rifles and the Royal Engineers completed the final patrol through the streets of Basra.

Then, in moving ceremonies, tributes were paid to their fallen comrades as the flag of the 20th Armoured Brigade was lowered for the last time.

The names of the 234 service personnel killed in southern Iraq since 2003 – 179 of them Brits – were read out before British officials handed control of the region to American forces.

The withdrawal of 3,700 troops still in the country will now be stepped up.

The momentous day began with a memorial service for the servicemen and women who died in the campaign – which at 2,232 days was longer than either of the World Wars. Pipers played for the 29 minutes it took to read through the list of the fallen, which included American, Danish, Italian, Dutch, and Romanian troops and civilian workers as well as UK squaddies.

Bugler Gareth Roberts, 25, from Shrewsbury, of 5 Rifles, played the Last Post and the troops saluted their colleagues in a minute’s silence.

The chaplain of 20th Armoured Brigade, Father Paschal Hanrahan, said: “Each name is unique and each name tells a story, the story of a son or a daughter, a husband or wife, a father or a mother.

“Each name will invoke powerful memories, not least for the families and loved ones back home who are in our thoughts and prayers today.”

Brigadier Tom Beckett, commander of 20th Armoured Brigade, then handed over to Colonel Butch Kievenaar, commander of the US Army’s 2nd Brigade 4th Infantry Division.

Brig Beckett said the job had been immensely satisfying. “We are sad to leave our Iraqi friends, but we leave knowing we have done our job, and done it well,” he said.
US Army Major General Michael Oates paid tribute to 20th Armoured Brigade’s achievements in Basra. “Your soldiers have earned their place in history and they can return home with the confidence of a job well done,” he told Brig Beckett.

General Raymond Odierno, the commanding officer of the Allied forces in Iraq, said our boys had been “nothing short of brilliant”. He added: “The people of Iraq have found no better friend, and no better, more reliable partner, than the United Kingdom.”

Defence Secretary John Hutton, who flew to Iraq for the events, said it was a “very moving day” and spoke of his pride in the UK’s armed forces. “You have to be made of steel not to feel a very strong sense of emotion about our losses.”

But he stressed the deaths had “not been in vain”. “Basra is a better place for our men and women being there and I pay tribute to all of them.”

About 400 UK troops will remain in Iraq after the main pull-out, which must be completed by July 31.

Thank You - Front cover of The Mirror

2009-05-02T12:45:00.003+03:00

To the 100,000 who served and the 179 who laid down their lives: You did us all proud

Iraq girl still grateful to Brit troops 6 years on - The Sun

2009-05-02T12:32:00.002+03:00

2003 ... Samyeh Saleh leads out family

By TOM NEWTON DUNN
Defence Editor

ONE of the most moving images of the downfall of Saddam Hussain was little Samyeh Saleh rushing out to greet Royal Marines as they liberated Basra.

I took the photo of the amazingly brave six-year-old, her hands clenched in excitement, as she led her poor Iraqi family from their home in 2003 into a brave new world.

Six years on, I traced her and her clan to the suburb of Abu al Khasib.

And despite southern Iraq suffering a violent and bitter insurgency, they are alive, happy and full of hope.

The girl, now 12, said: “We are still so happy your soldiers came. There have been bad times but they gave us freedom and that is most important of all.
Peering

“We’ll always be grateful to your soldiers for that.”

When I had first caught sight of the family in March 2003, they were nervously peering from their shabby compound at me in my flak jacket and helmet. I beckoned them out.

Nathom, now 51, said “Good mister. Thank you.”

This week the dad of seven sons and four daughters, told me: “The Ba’ath Party had given AK47s to all the men and told us we must resist the British soldiers. But we had no intention of doing that.

“I remembering seeing you outside our house.

“I didn’t believe Saddam would fall because he was strong. But at that moment, I realised he wasn’t.”

Life has been hard for the Salehs but Nathom added: “I have liberty to do what I want for my family. I am hopeful for the future.”

It's over - The Sun

2009-05-01T12:39:00.000+03:00

All yours ... Britain's Brigadier Tom Beckett, right, and US Colonel Butch Kievanaar shake hands at the handover in Basra

From TOM NEWTON DUNN
Defence Editor, in Basra

BRITAIN’S military mission in southern Iraq ended yesterday — and Our Boys and Girls were told: “It’s time to go home.”

The historic announcement means the troops can leave a month earlier than planned.

The fight to topple Saddam Hussein, defeat insurgent fanatics and secure Basra has lasted six years, one month and 11 days — a month longer than World War Two. It also cost the country 179 killed and around 1,000 wounded. An estimated 300 of the wounded are crippled for life.

All 4,100 UK troops still in Iraq were ordered to return to their HQ at Basra airport by midnight last night.

The first combat troops left early this morning but the withdrawal of armoured units via Kuwaiti ports is expected to take a month. Defence Secretary John Hutton and UK, US and Iraqi top brass looked on as Brigadier Tom Beckett handed over control of Iraq’s second city to an American colonel.

A poignant memorial service was held for the fallen.

A lone piper played as all their names and dates of death were read out by representatives of their 40 units.

The list began with Royal Navy Operator Mechanic Ian Seymour, who was killed aged 29 in a helicopter crash on March 21, 2003 — the first night of the invasion.

It ended with Private Ryan Wrathall, 21, who died on February 12 this year.

Tears

Army padre Father Paschal Hanrahan said: “Each name is unique, a husband, a wife, a father, a mother. Each was a colleague or a mate who we knew we could rely on, who put their lives on the line.”

There were tears on the faces of many listening.

Then the Last Post was played and a single Tornado jet flew low overhead, dipping its wings in tribute.

The moment forces families have waited for came with the lowering of the British flag and a handshake between Brigadier Beckett and US Army Colonel Butch Kievanaar.

Brig Beckett, boss of 20 Armoured Brigade, said: “We leave knowing we have done our job and done it well.”

The Iraqi Army will take over security following the biggest British military withdrawal since the Korean War.

As they packed, happy troops told of their relief.

Sgt Karl Thompson, 29, from Cornwall, completed four six-month Iraq tours, including the original invasion.

The 5th Battalion Riflesman said: “Today feels good. I can go home knowing I’m not going to come out here again. I lost a friend here in 2006.”

Four hundred British military advisors will stay in Iraq.

Well over 100,000 Brits have served in the country and the mission has cost £8billion.

Defence Secretary Mr Hutton told The Sun: “Basra has been left a better place than the critics and cynics said it would have been. That is why today is a day of pride.” Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said: “Every one of the sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen and their families can feel proud.”

And General Sir Richard Dannatt sent a message, saying: “It has been the courage, sense of purpose, and sheer grit of the British soldier that has underpinned this success.

"I am immensely grateful for your commitment, and the support and patience of your families and friends.”

We salute you - The Sun

2009-05-01T12:28:00.000+03:00

BRITAIN is leaving Iraq with its head held high.

Our 4,100 remaining troops ended combat operations in Basra yesterday six years after helping oust Saddam Hussein.

The moving ceremony handing over our duties to America captured the pride and pain of the long campaign.

History will judge that this has been a glorious chapter in our military history.

We went to war for the right reason: to free an enslaved people from a tyrant who threatened world peace.

We fought that war with courage and honour.

We leave Iraq a better place.

The Lions of Basra endured hell to do their duty in an operation that lasted longer than WW2.

More than 100,000 Servicemen and women served in the furnace of Southern Iraq.

In all, 179 of our troops laid down their lives. Their names will be remembered for ever with all the gratitude and pride we feel for the fallen of previous conflicts.

And now, the troops can start coming home.

Mission accomplished, lads and lasses. Well done. And thank you.

Iraqis gear up for 'Waterworld' duty - BBC

2009-05-01T12:17:00.000+03:00

Brigadier Tom Beckett shakes hands with Colonel Henry A Kievenaar III at the hand over - Evening Standard

2009-05-01T09:48:00.001+03:00

Exit Iraq: British troops bow out of Basra - Evening Standard

2009-05-01T09:43:00.002+03:00

British military operations in Iraq officially ended today as a ceremony to mark the completion of six years of combat missions took place in Basra.

The culmination of what has been one of the most controversial campaigns of recent times came as Britain's commander in Iraq conducted a formal transfer of authority to his US counterpart.

The sombre ceremony means the 4,100 UK troops still in the country will no longer go on patrol. Instead, they will remain at their base as their withdrawal speeds up over the coming weeks. Today's transfer of power was also marked by a memorial service held to commemorate the 179 British servicemen and women who died and the hundreds who had been injured since the conflict began in March 2003.

The service, attended by Defence Secretary John Hutton, conducted at the memorial wall in front of 20th Armoured Brigade's HQ in the main coalition military base in Basra, began as the name of each victim was read out.

Names of the Italian, Dutch, Danish, US and Romanian troops and the civilian contractors who had died since the start of Britain's mission, codenamed Operation Telic, were also read out. The ceremony ended with the playing of the Last Post by a bugler and prayers. The British arrival in 2003 was greeted with enthusiasm by Basra's mainly Shia residents, who had suffered under Saddam Hussein. But the mood changed as looting, rising crime and a failure to improve water, electricity and other supplies quickly, led to a loss of local support and an increasingly difficult security situation.

By 2006, British control had weakened amid a succession of clashes with Shia militants. An operation last year by Iraqi forces wrested back control of the city and security has since improved, although there are still signs of underlying tensions.

Today's formal handover of authority follows an earlier transfer of military control in Basra to the US. Under the timetable with the Iraqi government, all but a contingent of about 400 British troops, who will remain in support roles, will be pulled out by 31 July.

Attention is likely to return to the debate over how the Government built its legal and political case to justify entering the conflict. Foreign Secretary David Miliband pledged that a formal inquiry would begin "as soon as practically possible" after the end of July.

Speaking at today's memorial service, Mr Hutton paid tribute to those who had taken part in Britain's mission. "Their sacrifice must not be forgotten," he said. "British forces have helped to set Basra on the path towards enduring stability and economic growth."

Brigadier Tom Beckett, commander of 20th Armoured Brigade, added: "We leave knowing we have done our job, and done it well. We leave with our heads held high."

Last brigade in Iraq lowers its flag

2009-04-30T16:26:00.000+03:00

Last brigade in Iraq lowers its flag

The end of British combat operations in Iraq has been marked in Basra today by the lowering of 20th Armoured Brigade's flag.

PM ushers in new relationship with Iraq

2009-04-30T16:16:00.000+03:00

The Prime Minister has announced plans to “strengthen and deepen” the relationship between Iraq and the UK as combat operations draw to a close.

Gordon Brown said British combat patrols in Basra are coming to an end and armed forces are now preparing to withdraw.

The PM welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki to Downing Street this morning where the two leaders held talks and signed a declaration of friendship and co-operation.

Memorial held in Basra for servicemen killed in Iraq - ITN

2009-04-30T14:16:00.001+03:00

The names of British servicemen who died in Iraq have been read out at a memorial service in Basra

Iraq dead honoured as pullout nears - ITV

2009-04-30T11:05:00.002+03:00

The 179 British personnel killed in Iraq have been honoured in a memorial service in Basra.

Defence Secretary John Hutton flew into the city for the ceremony as the bulk of the 3,700 UK servicemen and women remaining in Iraq were preparing to end combat operations and fly home after six years.

Mr Hutton attended a ceremony at the memorial wall in front of 20th Armoured Brigade headquarters on the main coalition military base in Basra.

The names of all the British, Italian, Dutch, Danish, American and Romanian troops and the civilian contractors killed since 2003 during Operation Telic - the UK military mission in Iraq - were read out.

This week British troops have been carrying out their final patrols outside the base in Basra before handing over to the US military.

The end of combat missions will be another major landmark in a controversial and bloody campaign that has lasted longer than each of the two World Wars.

A major Iraqi Army-led operation against militias in Basra city known as Charge of the Knights, which began in March last year, has resulted in far fewer insurgent attacks. But there are still signs of underlying tensions.

On Tuesday night an Iraqi soldier was attacked while on patrol with a small group of journalists in the deprived Hyyaniyah area of Basra city.

Even after the formal end of offensive operations involving British troops, they will retain the right to defend themselves and their convoys if they come under attack.

The UK handed military control of coalition troops in Basra to the US Army at the end of March. All but about 400 of the remaining British troops in Iraq will be withdrawn by July 31.

British troops' final Iraq patrols - PA

2009-04-30T10:58:00.002+03:00

British troops are drawing near to the end of combat operations in Iraq after more than six years in the country.

The final withdrawal of the bulk of the 3,700 UK servicemen and women remaining in Iraq will speed up in the coming days and weeks.

This week British forces have been carrying out some of their final patrols outside the main coalition military base in Basra, southern Iraq, before handing over to the US military.

The end of combat missions will be another major landmark in a controversial and bloody military campaign that has lasted longer than the Second World War.

Britain's participation in the US-led war in Iraq has come at great cost: since the 2003 invasion toppling Saddam Hussein, 179 British personnel have lost their lives and many more have been injured.

The security situation in Basra province, where most UK forces are based, has improved significantly in the past year.

A major Iraqi Army-led operation against militias in Basra city known as Charge of the Knights, which began in March last year, has resulted in far fewer insurgent attacks. But there are still signs of underlying tensions.

On Tuesday night an Iraqi soldier was attacked while on patrol with a small group of journalists in the deprived Hyyaniyah area of Basra city. A man came up behind him and tried to slit his throat, but the soldier caught the assailant, threw him to the ground and fired two shots at his head, according to witnesses.

The British military is keen to focus attention away from the bloodshed over the past six years, and towards the improvements achieved on the ground in Basra.

The UK handed military control of coalition troops in Basra to the US Army at the end of March, and all but about 400 of the remaining British troops in Iraq will be withdrawn by July 31.

Basra - the grieving father - BBC

2009-04-30T10:56:00.001+03:00

Basra - the medics story

2009-04-30T10:52:00.000+03:00

Six years in Iraq: Basra stories - BBC

2009-04-30T10:49:00.000+03:00

Pictures from the memorial service in Basra

2009-04-30T10:35:00.002+03:00

The last days of British forces in Iraq - BBC

2009-04-30T10:12:00.000+03:00

The end of the UK's military presence in Iraq is imminent after six years.

A memorial service is taking place in Basra for the 179 British personnel who have died during the conflict, attended by Defence Secretary John Hutton.

The focus is a memorial wall featuring the names of the 234 British and foreign troops who lost their lives on the UK-led operation in Iraq.

Defence officials say plans for the withdrawal of British forces in Iraq are well advanced.

They began their official pull-out last month when the UK's commander in the south of the country, Maj Gen Andy Salmon, handed over to a US general.

British troops took a step closer to withdrawal at the start of the year when Basra International Airport - used as a UK military base during the conflict - was passed to full Iraqi control.

The names of those who died on the UK's Operation Telic were read out at the memorial service, including Italian, Dutch, Danish, American and Romanian troops.

BBC News defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says there is a sense of relief for many British servicemen and women that their final tour of Iraq is winding down.

Some are now serving on their fourth tour, taking them away from home for two years out of the last six.

Our correspondent says many of them will look back with mixed emotions.

Southern Iraq is more peaceful than it was a year ago but when British forces invaded Iraq as part of the US-led coalition in 2003 few people imagined troops would still be in the country six years later.

As British forces prepare to leave Iraq, senior commanders admit they have learned lessons from the campaign.

It was a conflict that showed the strengths and weaknesses of the British armed forces.

There were acts of great heroism but also a force that came under great strain, fighting on two fronts - in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Asked about the UK presence in Iraq, the country's president, Jalal Talabani, told BBC News: "This is a mission of liberation. For the first time British forces in Iraq are playing this role.

"In the past the British forces came to occupy against the will of the Iraqi people. This time they came here to liberate Iraqi people from the worst kind of dictatorship."

Live coverage from Basra now - BBC, SKY, ITN

2009-04-30T10:09:00.005+03:00

Huw Edwards from the BBC interviewing the Secretary of State, John Hutton live before the memorial service.

Tune into BBC and Sky for live coverage and ITN at 1330, 1830 and 2200.

British campaign in Iraq comes to official end - Telegraph

2009-04-29T20:35:00.000+03:00

The British mission in Iraq is to draw to a formal close with the end of combat operations that have cost 179 lives.

By Damien McElroy in Basra and Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent

Troops have been given the order to pull out, six years after the invasion to topple Saddam Hussein and seize his alleged stockpile of weapons of mass destruction.

As Operation Telic, the official code name for the Iraq operation, comes to an official close the British yesterday claimed they had left Basra calmer than at any time since the destruction of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.

A memorial service to those killed in Iraq will be held in Basra airbase as command is handed over to the Americans who will secure southern Iraq for their own proposed withdrawal next year.

When the bugler sounds the retreat at the service it will herald the end of a bloody and controversial campaign.

After some of the hardest urban fighting since the Second World War the British say they have left behind a city that can finally look forward to a prosperous future if civil war can be avoided.

A senior military officer said the British Army had fulfilled its mission to depose the Baath party and introduce democracy.

"There is no doubt in my mind that we are leaving Iraq a vastly better place than it was under Saddam," he said.

"We removed a brutal dictator, Iraq is now a democracy. The Iraqi people are generally grateful for what has happened."

However British Forces have been widely criticised, even by American commanders and Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's prime minister, for failing to stop the Mahdi Army, the radical Shia militia from taking over the city.

Morale plummeted between 2004 and 2008 as British positions, particularly in Basra Palace – were besieged by mortar and rocket fire, mostly supplied by Iran.

Major James Faux, a company commander in 5 Rifles, said: "There's been a lot of blood and sacrifice in Iraq and while I can't speak for those left behind I believe we've done a good job and am satisfied they believed they were doing their best."

In the past year a measure of normality has returned to Basra – markets have reopened and basic services restored – as violence fell to a tenth of levels at the peak.

Much of the credit for the city's change of fortune lies in Mr Maliki's decision to retake the city through Operation Charge of the Knights in March last year.

Baghdad ordered the campaign without consulting British commanders and Mr Maliki later acknowledged it was a humiliating snub.

But a senior British official said Charge of the Knights marked a turning point in the campaign. "It was what we got done in the aftermath that made the difference," said the official.

Over the coming months the remaining 3,700 servicemen will withdraw from the country that at the height of the operation saw 46,000 British troops involved in the 2003 invasion.

The end of the operation comes at a time when the MoD announced yesterday that a further 700 troops will deploy to Afghanistan over the summer to provide extra security for the presidential elections.

Despite the reduction of the force from Iraq the military will still be operating far above its "planning assumptions" with 9,000 troops in Afghanistan putting strain on the overstretched forces.

But it is hoped that the withdrawal will give the Army in particular the opportunity to recuperate after six long years of constant fighting that has seen soldiers quit in droves fed up with constant operations.

British forces handed over military command in Basra to the US Army at the end of March and will complete the withdrawal of combat troops by July 31, leaving behind 400 service personnel mainly involved in training the Iraq navy.

Couple who found love out in Iraq - BBC

2009-04-29T19:25:00.002+03:00

As the UK mission in Iraq draws to a close, one couple has more reason than most to reflect fondly on their time in Basra.

Bombardier James Day, 24, and his wife Natalie, 22, met and fell in love in unusual circumstances while serving with the Royal Artillery in 2003.

Mrs Day was badly injured when she fell out of the Land Rover James was driving and while she lay on the ground, he proclaimed his love for her.

She broke her back and suffered temporary paralysis, but made a full recovery. The couple married and now have two little girls.

Bombardier Day, from Manchester, explained what happened that fateful day.

"Before the actual accident we were in Basra Palace having a little row, a little lovers' tiff so to speak. She wanted to go to the cookhouse and I wanted to go for a pizza. So we argued that much about it but never had either anyway.

"Then I said to her, jokingly, I'm going to hit every bump on the way back, roll you out of the Land Rover and break your back. And lo and behold I did."

Mrs Day flew out of the back of the Land Rover as it hit a particularly deep pothole.

She said: "He got on his knees and I was like "I'm going to die, it's the end." And he said "don't be daft, don't die, I love you, I love you, don't leave me."

He added: "After that the locals started to gather around and cause a bit of trouble, I took her helmet off and they realised she was a woman, and they instantly stopped. It was quite a strange experience to see them stop attacking us and start helping us."

The couple married in 2006 at Mansergh Barracks in Germany, where they were serving.

Mrs Day, who is originally from Thornaby in Teesside, says she is relieved her husband is one of the first men home from the latest tour of duty in Basra.

"I'm totally glad we're out of there. But it's where we first met, isn't it, so it's something special to me."

The last days of British forces in Iraq - BBC

2009-04-29T19:20:00.002+03:00

By Gavin Hewitt
BBC News, Basra

At the Basra airbase, soldiers from the Queen's Royal Hussars take a hammer to the sleeve of a barrel of a Challenger tank.

It is the sound of winding down, of an army withdrawing. Within a short time British combat operations in Iraq will be over.

There is now an urgency to departure. The soldiers have the scent of homecoming, of the tarmac embrace, of the end to aching separations after several tours of duty.

The ordinary soldier rarely frets over legacy but the commanders do. There is an edginess to briefings. A sensitivity, as if the top brass is unsure of how their time will be judged.

Colonel Richard Stanford, the British officer who advised the head of the Iraqi forces, quoted an American general: "It is not about how it started, it is all about how it ends".

There is hope in Basra. The 14th Iraqi army is proving effective and competent.

But there is another legacy that is being debated - what the Iraqi invasion and operation has done to Britain.

It is a question about reputation, about Britain's standing in the world.

Sir Jeremy Greenstock was the diplomat who eloquently made the case for war. This is now his verdict.

"It wasn't legitimate in the eyes of most of the punters out there at the beginning," he told me, "and the effects of the operation through the invasion were not high enough to earn respect. So we carry some of that unpopularity."

Lord Ashdown, a marine turned politician, had also supported the invasion.

He says that "the war and the failure to construct peace afterwards, which was grievous and didn't have to happen, that's done us damage overall".

Both men say that in the eyes of the world Britain is linked to the Americans.

"We will forever be associated with the Americans," said Sir Jeremy.

'Broken' Army

British military commanders are fiercely proud but defensive too. There are stories of unbelievable courage.

They also know, however, there are those in the Washington corridors who say Britain allowed the militias to effectively take over Basra and that the city was only freed by the Iraqi army.

They say British forces were overstretched and under-resourced and there was not the political will to support them in the fight against the militias.

"I've had senior military officers say to me that the Army is broken as a result of Iraq and Afghanistan", said Lord Ashdown.

Others believe that the legacy of Iraq has weakened Britain's will to use force globally without a clear mandate.

"I don't think we'll ever do that again," said Sir Jeremy, "without a clear UN resolution… and a much wider partnership."

Still some of these initial supporters of the war argue that it is too early for a final judgement. History shields its hand.

But even among those who backed the invasion there is a feeling that six years of combat has left Britain a little chastened, less certain of standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the conflicts of the future.

BBC and ITV are broadcasting live from Basra today

2009-04-29T14:11:00.001+03:00

Look out for the luch time news today:

BBC at 1300
ITV at 1330

Further live broadcasts will follow all day

UK troops on last Iraq patrols- ITN

2009-04-29T14:01:00.001+03:00

British troops are carrying out their final patrols before the end of combat operations.

The remaining 3,700 or so UK servicemen and women stationed in the southern province of Basra are preparing to pull out after six years.

British forces handed over military command in Basra to the US Army at the end of March and will complete the withdrawal of combat troops by July 31, leaving only about 400 UK personnel in Iraq.

Troops from 15 Squadron RAF Regiment said they were proud of the rapport they have built up with local Iraqi Marsh Arabs on their regular patrols around the main coalition base next to Basra International Airport.

Squadron Leader Chris Berryman, officer commanding 15 Squadron, said: "These days it's less about deterrent, and more about interacting with local people."

Resident Naseem Ashur said: "I want them to stay. The British are better than the Iraqis. The British forces brought the sand to help us build this land five years ago."

"The Iraqi government didn't do any projects for us to reduce the problems of our people. The British forces did all those projects."

Football and tomfoolery: British troops lark about with Iraqi children during their final Basra patrols - Daily Mail

2009-04-29T09:16:00.002+03:00

British troops in Iraq are carrying out some of their final patrols before ending combat operations and returning home after more than six years in the country.

As the remaining 3,700 or so UK servicemen and women stationed in the southern province of Basra prepare to pull out, they are reflecting on what they have achieved in Iraq.

The men of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment are proud of the rapport they have built up with local Iraqis on their regular patrols around the main coalition base next to Basra International Airport.

They are tasked with protecting the security of the airfield so RAF planes can safely take off and land into Basra.

Troops from 15 Squadron went out on patrol yesterday in the swampy area north of the base populated by marsh Arabs who are generally farmers and fishermen.

Having stopped their Bulldog armoured vehicles in the tiny village of Al Houta, they played football with an excited gaggle of local children.

Several of the youngsters ran rings around the British servicemen, who pointed out they were heavily weighed down with their body armour, guns and radios.

The troops then stopped at the local sheikh's house to share tea and listen to his concerns - although they pointed out that the Americans would soon be in a better position to help him.

Squadron Leader Chris Berryman, officer commanding 15 Squadron, said: 'These days it's less about deterrent, and more about interacting with local people.'

Senior Aircraftsman Chris Dunn, 20, from Maidstone, Kent, went straight from training on to his first operational tour in Iraq.

He said: 'This is about finding out how they are, and also if possible finding out if there are any insurgents in the area or anything like that.'

Letting some of the local children look down the sights of his rifle, he added: 'They're pretty friendly.

'You do get a lot of touching, but I think it's more out of curiosity than anything.'

SAC Dunn is now looking forward to being deployed to Afghanistan in December next year.

Al Houta resident Naseem Ashur was grim about the prospects for people in his village.
He said: 'Life is difficult. There are no jobs at all, there are not many fish.'

But he lit up when asked how he felt about the imminent withdrawal of UK troops.

'I want them to stay. The British are better than the Iraqis,' he said.

'The British forces brought the sand to help us build this land five years ago.

'The Iraqi government didn't do any projects for us to reduce the problems of our people. The British forces did all those projects.'

The patrol then went on to the village of Al Khora, where the RAF Regiment funded the building of a new school in 2005.

The troops were held up on the way back after they spotted streaks of tracer fire in the sky, but it turned out to be from a shooting range on the base.

British forces handed over military command in Basra to the US Army at the end of March and will complete the withdrawal of combat troops by July 31, leaving only about 400 UK personnel in Iraq.

'Minor Miracle' Legacy Of UK Troops In Iraq - Sky

2009-04-29T09:03:00.004+03:00

As British troops approach the end of operations in Iraq, Sky's defence correspondent Geoff Meade has been to Basra province to find out what they leave behind.

The Garden of Eden doesn't look much like the land of milk and honey portrayed in the Bible.

The concrete picnic tables that now litter the legendary site look more like a lay-by off some east German autobahn.

But at least Iraqi families can enjoy lunching under the 800-year-old shade of what Muslims revere as the Tree of Adam safe in the knowledge they are unlikely to become sacrifices themselves in a war that finally really seems to be waning.

The border town of al Qurna stands at the junction of the two great rivers Euphrates and Tigris.

Hence the belief that it was once the playground of Adam and Eve.

But being just nine miles from the Iranian frontier has cursed the place to be not only the frontline of the bloody Iran-Iraq war, but a main route of smuggling for the Tehran-sponsored uprising that followed the defeat of Saddam in the 2003 US-led invasion.

Today, though, a minor miracle seems to have been wrought.

Soldiers saunter through busy streets passing the time of day with shopkeepers selling everything from air conditioning to wedding gowns.

It's a getting-to-know-you patrol from the local troops who now police these streets alongside the Americans who are taking over mentoring them from UK forces.

Basra Brits in football final - The Sun

2009-04-29T08:55:00.002+03:00

BRITISH troops play football with thrilled Iraqi youngsters — on final patrols as they prepare to quit the country.

The men of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment also let kids look down the sights of rifles, while one girl tried on a helmet.

Later they had tea with the local sheikh in the tiny village of Al Houta.

The Squadron is proud of its rapport with locals.

Senior Aircraftsman Chris Dunn, 20, said: “They’re very friendly.”

The last Brit combat troops will withdraw in July, leaving just 400 personnel in Iraq.