After a commitment lasting more than six years, British forces will now start leaving southern Iraq.
Forces stationed at the Contingency Operating Base (COB) outside Basra were joined today, Thursday 30 April 2009, by Defence Secretary John Hutton for a day of reflection on the mission, commemoration of their losses, and celebration of British achievements in Iraq since Operation TELIC was launched in 2003.
Having already drawn down the Divisional Headquarters a month ago, UK forces now begin their final withdrawal, handing over the coalition brigade command in a move which marks the transition from a combat mission to a close and enduring bilateral relationship with Iraq.
Brigadier Tom Beckett, Commander of 20th Armoured Brigade, said:
"Today marks the end of the UK's combat mission in support of the Government of Iraq, but it does not mark the end of the UK's relationship with Iraq.
"We are sad to leave our Iraqi friends, but we leave knowing we have done our job, and done it well. We leave with our heads held high.
"We know we leave the security of Basra province in safe and capable hands. Trained by the UK, 14th Iraqi Division is a professional counter-insurgency division. It has strong leaders, strength in depth in its junior ranks, and brave and dedicated soldiers."
The last day of the British combat mission has been marked today by two main events on the COB. A memorial service to British personnel who have lost their lives in Iraq was held this morning. See Related News >>>
Following this service was the formal 'transfer of authority' ceremony which saw the lowering of 20th Armoured Brigade's flag.
Mr Hutton attended both events and met members of 20th Armoured Brigade, now preparing to leave Iraq, as well as Royal Navy personnel who will be staying behind to continue to train the Iraqi Navy.
The UK's future relationship with Iraq will be one of partnership. Discussions are currently underway on the precise scope of future British military activity with the Government of Iraq, but up to 400 UK military personnel are likely to remain in Iraq after July.
They will continue to provide specialist training and mentoring support to Iraqi forces, leading the development of the Iraqi Navy and playing a key role in military officer training.
With the Iraqis now firmly in the lead on security, UK Government support can now focus on helping the Iraqi Government to stimulate its economy and fulfil its potential as a resource-rich sovereign nation.
Defence Secretary John Hutton said today:
“UK forces spearheaded the coalition invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Six years on, we have today seen the completion of the current military mission in southern Iraq.
"Those six years have seen a heavy price paid: 178 members of the Armed Forces and one Defence civilian have died in the service of their country on Operation TELIC. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten, and that is why today was marked by a final, very poignant service of commemoration in Basra this morning, which I was privileged to attend.
"But Iraq's progress over the six years, no matter how uneven or uncertain it has at times appeared, shows that their sacrifice has not been in vain. Following the peaceful elections in January, Basra today has a new, democratically-elected and representative Provincial Council.
"Protected by the Iraqi Security Forces we have trained, the city finally has the chance to achieve its full potential. Over six long and challenging years, we have helped to set Basra on the path towards enduring stability and economic growth: supporting reconstruction; setting the airport on the path to international accreditation; and helping to develop the port facilities at Umm Qasr. Basra is a better place for our being there.
"Our Armed Forces and the UK civilians who have made all this possible can come home with a sense of real accomplishment. But this is not the end of our role in Iraq. Prime Minister Maliki’s visit to London today shows the depth and breadth of the partnership that we have forged with our Iraqi allies.
"We in the Ministry of Defence will continue to have a very important part to play in our long-term relationship with Iraq. We will continue to provide specialist training and mentoring support in Baghdad and to the Iraqi Navy, and the Royal Navy in particular will continue its long-standing commitment to maritime security in Iraqi territorial waters and the Gulf.
"Those of you who have served there, or helped support operations in Iraq, are fully justified in taking real and lasting pride in the contribution you have made."
Paying tribute to the British Armed Forces who have served in Iraq, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup gave the following message today:
"Today is a significant milestone for our Armed Forces. After more than six years, we are handing over residual coalition responsibilities in Basra to our US allies.
"The British land campaign in Iraq, which started in March 2003, will come to an end and our remaining personnel will be coming home. In the same vein, the RAF will shortly end 19 years of operations over Iraq.
"Whatever debate continues about the lead up to the invasion in 2003, whatever coalition mistakes were made along the way, we can be clear on one thing: the UK Armed Forces have made an outstanding contribution to the transition of Iraq from dictatorship and regional pariah to burgeoning democracy and constructive partner.
"Every one of the more than 100,000 British sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and MOD civil servants who have served in the theatre - and their families - can be proud of the part that they have played in helping to bring southern Iraq, and its security forces in particular, to this point. I am certainly very proud of them.
"Sadly, some who have made the greatest contribution to success are not here to see this day. 178 British Service personnel and one MOD civilian have given their lives during the campaign, and many more have been seriously injured.
"Every loss is a tragedy, but those sacrifices were not in vain. They have helped to make Iraq a better place for the Iraqis, and as a consequence have contributed to the security of the United Kingdom, its citizens and their interests.
"Our relationship with Iraq will now move to a more conventional footing, with trade, diplomacy and cultural links to the fore, and defence taking less of a front seat. But there is still important business to be done.
"In the northern Gulf the Royal Navy will continue its task of helping the Iraqis to export the oil and gas which will drive its future prosperity. A naval detachment continues its task of training the Iraqi Navy at Umm Qasr. And I am pleased that the British Armed Forces will continue to play an important role in training the Iraq officer cadre.
"We make this transition with the thanks of the Iraqi and American forces we have worked alongside ringing in our ears. General Petraeus, for example, has said: 'On behalf of the American service members who have served proudly alongside you in Iraq, I would like to thank you for your hard work and sacrifice over the last six years. You have helped produce important achievements. Your expert assistance has been instrumental in building and professionalising the new Iraqi Navy and Marines. During Operation CHARGE OF THE KNIGHTS a year ago, British advisors and transition teams, medical evacuation teams, and combat quick reaction forces helped Iraqi forces achieve a decisive impact on the operational and strategic landscape in Basra and throughout Iraq. Our shared experiences in Iraq have brought our militaries even closer than they were before the operation in Iraq was launched'.
"The mission that we were sent to perform has been successfully completed. The job has been long, hard and costly, but it has been done, and done well. My congratulations and thanks to you all."