A soldier of 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment patrols through the streets of Basra, Iraq, 2003

Digital photograph by Warrant Officer 2 Giles Penfound, Army Media Operations, 7 April 2003.

The invasion of Iraq began on 20 March 2003, after the expiry of an American ultimatum for Saddam Hussein to leave the country. A key role of British forces was to occupy the 'Basra Box', screening the main American advance northwards. To avoid delay and needless casualties, it was decided that Basra, Iraq's second largest city, was not to be occupied immediately. But the surrounding territory had to be secured. British troops reinforcing and relieving US Marines encountered significant Iraqi resistance and had to deal with increasing numbers of prisoners.

By 6 April, British commanders judged that conditions were right to enter Basra in strength. Armoured probes encountered only limited resistance and so these were escalated into a full-scale assault. British troops occupied strategic locations with minimal casualties and, with Saddam's loyalists dispersing, they were initially welcomed by much of the civilian population. British forces had to contend with widespread looting in the city, but order was gradually restored. Contacts were made with local leaders and attempts were made to improve power, food and water supplies.

One of a collection of digital photographs relating to Operation TELIC, Iraq, 2003.