Today, the Royal British Legion hosted a commemorative event to mark the 15th anniversary of the end of the Iraq War. The event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire honoured the service and sacrifice of the UK Armed Forces during Operation TELIC, the codename for the UK’s military operations in Iraq.

The service paid tribute to all those who served during the conflict, remembering the 179 British Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives and the more than 6000 who were injured.

Defence Secretary and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP John Healey attended the service and met with veterans and families to recognise their service and sacrifice.

L-R: Justin Moreman, Robert Steer, John Healey, Steve Woodhouse and Samuel Hall stood in front of the Basra Memorial Wall

Healey met with four veterans from Rotherham – Robert Steer, Steve Woodhouse, Samuel Hall and Justin Moreman – by the Basra Memorial Wall, a tribute to the 179 personnel who lost their lives.

All four men were deployed to Iraq in 2003, with varying roles. Robert was a combat medic, Steve was a Warrant Officer Class 2 and Army Medic Reservist, Samuel served as a Sergeant in the Army, 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, attached to 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, whilst Justin served as a railwayman, part of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment.

The veterans spoke with Healey about their experiences during the conflict, and the Defence Secretary thanked them for their service on behalf of the local community.

Operation TELIC was one of the largest military deployments since the Second World War, with 140,000 serving across the eight-year campaign.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

“The commemorative event was an opportunity to honour the professionalism, courage, and dedication of the UK Armed Forces personnel who served on Operation TELIC. We remember the 179 service personnel who gave their lives, and we hold their families in our thoughts.

“It was an honour to meet Robert, Steve, Samuel and Justin, to personally thank them for their service and to hear about their deployment. Our community is proud of them and all those who have served in our Armed Forces. We have brilliant charities across Rotherham, such as the Royal British Legion and the MCVC, who work so hard to honour and support local veterans.

“This government will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who served our country in Iraq. We are expanding veteran care and improving access to local services through new VALOUR centres, ensuring every veteran gets the practical help and respect they deserve.”