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27/10/2004
Black Watch begins move north into US-controlled Iraq
Troops from the Black Watch have today begun the move north out of Basra and into the US-controlled zone south of Baghdad.
The 850-strong battle group consists of armoured infantry from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch, a Queen's Dragoon Guards armoured reconnaissance unit, and elements of 40 Commando Royal Marines.
Supporting specialists from across the army, including the Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, and Royal Military Police have also joined in the redeployment.
The road move was supported by vehicle transporters from the US Army's 2123rd Transport Company.
The Defence Secretary confirmed in the House of Commons last week that he had acceded to a US request for British troops to be sent to south west Baghdad to relieve its forces in the area.
The troops will not, however, come under the aegis of US commanders, and the operational command of soldiers remains with General Rollo, the UK's commanding officer in the region.
The total deployment of around 850 personnel will "operate at all times" under UK rules of engagement. The duration of the deployment will be "weeks rather than months", it was announced.
There are currently around 8,500 British troops stationed in Iraq.
(gmcg)
The 850-strong battle group consists of armoured infantry from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch, a Queen's Dragoon Guards armoured reconnaissance unit, and elements of 40 Commando Royal Marines.
Supporting specialists from across the army, including the Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, and Royal Military Police have also joined in the redeployment.
The road move was supported by vehicle transporters from the US Army's 2123rd Transport Company.
The Defence Secretary confirmed in the House of Commons last week that he had acceded to a US request for British troops to be sent to south west Baghdad to relieve its forces in the area.
The troops will not, however, come under the aegis of US commanders, and the operational command of soldiers remains with General Rollo, the UK's commanding officer in the region.
The total deployment of around 850 personnel will "operate at all times" under UK rules of engagement. The duration of the deployment will be "weeks rather than months", it was announced.
There are currently around 8,500 British troops stationed in Iraq.
(gmcg)
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29 October 2004
UK battle group arrives safely at south Baghdad base
The British force moving up to Baghdad to reinforce US troops in the area has arrived safely at its new base.
UK battle group arrives safely at south Baghdad base
The British force moving up to Baghdad to reinforce US troops in the area has arrived safely at its new base.
21 September 2010
Second British Soldier Named
The Ministry of Defence has named the second British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday. While patrolling Lashkar Gah, Sgt Andrew Jones, 35, of the Royal Engineers, died alongside Trooper Andrew Howarth, of The Queen's Royal Lancers on Saturday.
Second British Soldier Named
The Ministry of Defence has named the second British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday. While patrolling Lashkar Gah, Sgt Andrew Jones, 35, of the Royal Engineers, died alongside Trooper Andrew Howarth, of The Queen's Royal Lancers on Saturday.
21 February 2008
Afghanistan Death Confirmed
It has been confirmed that a soldier from 40 Commando Royal Marines has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. It happened on Wednesday, with one other marine also injured in the incident, and since described as "walking wounded".
Afghanistan Death Confirmed
It has been confirmed that a soldier from 40 Commando Royal Marines has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. It happened on Wednesday, with one other marine also injured in the incident, and since described as "walking wounded".
07 November 2003
Prince Charles dismisses 'entirely untrue' allegations
Prince Charles has issued a statement describing as "entirely untrue" allegations from a former royal aide that had been due to appear in last week's Mail on Sunday.
Prince Charles dismisses 'entirely untrue' allegations
Prince Charles has issued a statement describing as "entirely untrue" allegations from a former royal aide that had been due to appear in last week's Mail on Sunday.
21 October 2004
UK troops will head north to reinforce Americans, Hoon confirms
The Defence Secretary has acceded to a US request for British troops to be sent to south west Baghdad to relieve its forces in the area. The UK force heading north will consist of a UK armoured battlegroup drawing on the 1st Battalion The Black Watch and supporting units.
UK troops will head north to reinforce Americans, Hoon confirms
The Defence Secretary has acceded to a US request for British troops to be sent to south west Baghdad to relieve its forces in the area. The UK force heading north will consist of a UK armoured battlegroup drawing on the 1st Battalion The Black Watch and supporting units.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
