Op Telic-3 Commando Brigade
Thu, April 03, 2003
Source: MoD Navy
Royal Marines and soldiers from 3 Commando Brigade have been heavily involved in all aspects of ‘Op Telic’ since offensive operations began on the 20th March 02
Royal Marines and soldiers from 3 Commando Brigade have been heavily involved in all aspects of ‘Op Telic’ since offensive operations began on the 20th March 02.
29 Commando Royal Artillery provided the initial artillery bombardment of the Al Faw peninsula with 105 light guns from 7 and 8 batteries. Additional fire was provided by the US Marine Corps with 155 artillery pieces and AS90’s from 3 Royal Horse Artillery.
Marines from 40 Commando were some of the first coalition troops to set foot on Iraqi soil. The Unit landed on the Al Faw peninsula, quelling enemy resistance and most importantly securing the vital oilfields in that area.
Subsequent operations have also seen 40 Cdo in action on the outskirts of Iraq’s second city, Basra. All this has been achieved with minimum casualties and no fatalities to 40 Cdo’s ranks.
42 Commando have also been busy. Initially they were flown on to the Al Faw to provide a protective blocking position for 40 Cdo. The initial lift had to be postponed due to the tragic loss of a USMC CH-46 aircraft. 4 USMC aircrew and 8 ranks from 3 Commando Brigade were on board, all sadly perished. The accident, coming at such an early stage of the campaign bought home to the whole of the Brigade the harsh reality of war. Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost comrades families.
42 Cdo have since taken over responsibility for the policing of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. Humanitarian aid is now coming into the port and is being distributed to the Iraqi people.
539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines (539 ASRM) has been active since the start of the operation.
They have utilized all their craft to transport personnel and equipment in the operational area. They have also been patrolling the area of the Shat Al Arab waterway. During one of these patrols a landing craft came under enemy fire and one Marine was killed and several were injured. 539 continue to patrol these dangerous waterways in order to make them safe and useable.
United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group continue to support 3 Commando Brigade HQ Staff and the Commando Helicopter Force are providing their essential troop transportation Sea King helicopters.
59 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers are busy supporting the Brigade with their many and varied engineering skills.
3 Commando Brigade continues to operate in the best traditions of the Corps in a pivotal role which will be vital to the success of the operation in the British sector
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