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Exit Iraq: British troops bow out of Basra
Martin Bentham30.04.09
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.
The British troops who have died serving in Iraq, click on the image to see a larger version
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."
Click here to see more pictures of the official hand over
Reader views (9)
Our armed forces have done in Iraq precisely what was expected of them, and something that they bever fail to deliver.
They have made the best of an extremely bad lot, often going far beyond the ordinary call of duty, despite being scandalously ill-equipped.
However, one of the things that makes HM Forces so flexible and effective, as I know from my own experience during 18 years in the Royal Air Force, is the constant need to improvise and "make do and mend". It is this practised ability that has allowed our brave men and women to put in a sterling performance despite equipment shortages and failures.
I am immensely proud of all of them, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. We must also spare a thought for the families of our servicemen and women that provide essential moral support.
I hope that all of those returning from Iraq recieve a warm welcome home and enjoy a well deserved break, before their inevitable deployment to Afghanistan.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster
Shouldn't our Tony have been there.!
- Shallotman, Basildon
The greatest tribute that could be paid to these brave troops would be the permanent stripping of all office from the murdering traitor, Blair, and his imprisonment for life.
- Lezli Taubler, London / UK
History will come to remember these troops as an invading army who facilitated a shameful invasion of a sovereign country. We did not need to invade Iraq to protect our country or any other. This was not like the first gulf war. This was a terrorist act committed to curry favour with an imperialist president seeking to make amends for the errors of his father and money for his oil buddies. If there is a real case for regime change the people of Zimbabwe need intervention just as much as the Iraqis but of course they have no oil.
These servicemen and women have done nothing to be proud and are the authors of their own misfortune. Effectively they are mercenaries and should be treated as such. Any military personnel with any conscience would have resigned, as a small number have done.
The Nuremberg defence was never valid and should not protect any of these invaders from being recognised for what they are.
- Ian, London
Well done blokes, extremely well done.
- Paul, London
So when does the enquiry start?
- Steve, london
Such a shame that after some R & R (if they're lucky) they'll probably be deployed to Afghanistan. God bless them all.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
Our boys paid the highest price.
They will never be forgotten.
We will remember them.
My condolences to their loved ones,family and friends.
- Joe, Swanley Kent
Our troops have done an amazing job in difficult circumstances. Obviously the correct equipment would have helped. I salute them.
- Marianne (British National), SW France/London
