For Operation Telic, the 2003 campaign in Iraq, the UK was the junior partner alongside their American allies but still contributed a substantial force. This was based around the 1st Armoured Division consisting of 7th Armoured Brigade, 16 Air Assault Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade, with the Marines of 3 Commando Brigade under command. This photographic diary concentrates on 16 Air Assault Brigade's two parachute battalions, 1 and 3 Para. Beginning with the invasion and operations in the southern oilfields, the story follows 3 Para's successful entry into Basrah, before the action switches to 1 Para and a move to Baghdad to secure the British Embassy. This is followed by a look at life at the Embassy and on patrol in the city before 3 Para's return south. Written by a media escort and photographer with 3 Para, who was himself a Para for 23 years and continued to serve as a reservist, this book shows how paratroopers looked and fought during the campaign. Illustrated with over 200 colour photographs, it shows the reality of British forces in a modern-day war, with insights into the Parachute Regiment's equipment and operations.

About the Author
After 23 years of service in the Parachute Regiment, Craig Allen returned to civilian life in 2001 and began a career as a freelance photographer. Once in never out, however, and he continued to serve with 4 Para, the Reserve Battalion. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11 he returned to the regular regiment as a media escort and photographer for the campaign in Iraq with the job of escorting the embedded BBC crew and print journalist. The role gave him the freedom to move around the battlefield and cover the Paras on operations.


Book Information
ISBN 9781913295905
Author Craig Allen
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Key Publishing Ltd
Publisher Key Publishing Ltd