King's Royal Hussars Return From Successful Tour Of Iraq
Soldiers of The King's Royal Hussars (KRH) have returned to their base in Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth after completing a five-month tour in Iraq. During that time the 250 men endured the searing heat of the Iraqi desert, destroyed lethal caches of weapons, conducted anti-smuggling operations on the Iraq/Iran border and carried out dangerous strike and detain operations in Basra City.
Soldiers from the Regimental Headquarters and C Squadron King's Royal Hussars started their tour in early May in Maysaan Province to the north of Basra city, living in the desert and conducting operations to prevent smuggling across the Iranian border. The soldiers lived in their Scimitar tracked reconnaissance vehicles and armoured Land Rovers receiving supplies by parachute drop and helicopters. Living conditions were challenging.
A soldier from 1 KRH re-joining his family at Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth
Bottled water was usually warm, food came from 24 hour ration packs, and the amenities were limited. Soldiers spent up to three weeks at a time in the desert, and became extremely good at coping with the conditions, although heat was always a problem. The enemy would occasionally launch rockets against the Forward Operating Base so they had to dig themselves in for protection.
Their job was to conduct surge operations, bringing in extra assets, including American Surveillance aircraft, to identify movement across the border, while watching key routes on the ground from Observation Posts. They would also call up specialist assets such as search dogs and Military Police, to help look for contraband.
Members of D Squadron KRH were based in the Contingency Operating Base situated at the camp at Basra Airport. They spent much of their time on strike and detain operations in the city and escorting convoys in and out of Basra Palace and the Provincial Joint Coordination Centre.
They were mounted in Warrior armoured fighting vehicles and although trained as cavalrymen used to Challenger tanks and Scimitars, quickly became experts in their new transport. Soldiers from D Sqn saw some hard fighting during this time and built a very strong reputation for themselves. Despite rocket propelled grenades, shootings and roadside bombs, they patrolled night-after-night to get the job done. Added to the hard work was the constant threat of rocket attacks against Basra Airport camp.
One patrol was responsible for escorting a convoy of road vehicles up to Maysaan to supply the KRH Battle Group. This was a round trip of around 500 KM and they suffered a number of attacks while travelling to and from the base. The journey took four days to complete.
It has been an action packed summer for the cavalry soldiers, who are looking forward to some well earned leave. The King's Royal Hussars recruit from Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
To read more and to listen to interviews from the welcome home parade click here
