Menu
31/03/2009
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army.
In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
Major General Andy Salmon has now relinquished command to American Maj-Gen Michael Oates, who heads up the new Multi National Division South (MND-S).
The change marks what British forces describe as their 'Divisional Drawdown'. The 4,100 UK personnel currently stationed in and around Basra will now be withdrawn, leaving behind just 400 by the end of July.
In a speech at the handover ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of Defence Staff, paid tribute to the troops who had served in Iraq.
"This occasion is about the countless numbers of young men and women from the far flung corners of the US and and the various reaches of the British Isles, who have together striven here with such dedication, with such commitment, and such courage, over so long a period," he said.
"We remember particularly at such a time those who paid the ultimate price in this endeavour, those who suffered injury and disablement, in order that we might get to this point today."
In the past six years, since the UK's 2003 invasion of Iraq, 179 British personnel have lost their lives.
Before he took formal control, Maj-Gen Oates said the US "gladly" accepted the responsibility.
He added: "The citizens, elected government and security forces of Basra can expect our full co-operation and support. We look forward to the opportunities of service to the Iraqi people, and forging our new relationships here in Basra.”
Oates also said the US military would "pick up where the British forces have left off".
"It's a bitter-sweet day for me to have them leave, but I'm enormously proud of them, and I think the people of Great Britain should be proud of their army," he said.
"They've done an outstanding job in Basra."
(JM/BMcC)
In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
Major General Andy Salmon has now relinquished command to American Maj-Gen Michael Oates, who heads up the new Multi National Division South (MND-S).
The change marks what British forces describe as their 'Divisional Drawdown'. The 4,100 UK personnel currently stationed in and around Basra will now be withdrawn, leaving behind just 400 by the end of July.
In a speech at the handover ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of Defence Staff, paid tribute to the troops who had served in Iraq.
"This occasion is about the countless numbers of young men and women from the far flung corners of the US and and the various reaches of the British Isles, who have together striven here with such dedication, with such commitment, and such courage, over so long a period," he said.
"We remember particularly at such a time those who paid the ultimate price in this endeavour, those who suffered injury and disablement, in order that we might get to this point today."
In the past six years, since the UK's 2003 invasion of Iraq, 179 British personnel have lost their lives.
Before he took formal control, Maj-Gen Oates said the US "gladly" accepted the responsibility.
He added: "The citizens, elected government and security forces of Basra can expect our full co-operation and support. We look forward to the opportunities of service to the Iraqi people, and forging our new relationships here in Basra.”
Oates also said the US military would "pick up where the British forces have left off".
"It's a bitter-sweet day for me to have them leave, but I'm enormously proud of them, and I think the people of Great Britain should be proud of their army," he said.
"They've done an outstanding job in Basra."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 September 2003
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
09 April 2003
British forces begin law and order role in Basra
British troops are gearing up to take on a different type of role in Basra as fighting ends and looting spreads across the city. Coalition forces are to seek a non-military solution in the region by holding a regional conference aimed at restoring political leadership southern region of Iraq.
British forces begin law and order role in Basra
British troops are gearing up to take on a different type of role in Basra as fighting ends and looting spreads across the city. Coalition forces are to seek a non-military solution in the region by holding a regional conference aimed at restoring political leadership southern region of Iraq.
04 April 2003
British forces tighten grip around Basra
British forces have tightened their grip around Iraq's second largest city, Basra, after another foray into the enemy stronghold today. Journalists embedded with the British vanguard report that the Desert Rats and elements of the Irish Guards advanced to four miles of the city's centre following the operation.
British forces tighten grip around Basra
British forces have tightened their grip around Iraq's second largest city, Basra, after another foray into the enemy stronghold today. Journalists embedded with the British vanguard report that the Desert Rats and elements of the Irish Guards advanced to four miles of the city's centre following the operation.
05 May 2004
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
30 September 2004
Second British soldier killed in Basrah is named
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the second British soldier who was killed by militants in the outskirts of the southern Iraqi city of Basrah on Tuesday. Gunner David Lawrence, 25, from Walsall in the Midlands, was serving with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery when the convoy of vehicles he was travelling in was ambushed by militants.
Second British soldier killed in Basrah is named
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the second British soldier who was killed by militants in the outskirts of the southern Iraqi city of Basrah on Tuesday. Gunner David Lawrence, 25, from Walsall in the Midlands, was serving with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery when the convoy of vehicles he was travelling in was ambushed by militants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
