British soldiers talk to an Iraqi farmer in Al Amarah, 7 July 2004

Digital photograph taken by Warrant Officer 2nd Class Giles Penfound, Army Media Operations, Operation TELIC 4, 7 July 2004.

A sergeant serving with The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and a captain from 'A' Squadron Queens Royal Lancers meet with local residents. A regular boat patrol of the Tigris River north of Al Amarah provided the opportunity to meet the local Iraqis to determine if there were ways in which the Operational Support Group could assist in funding reconstruction projects and job creation schemes. As part of a 'hearts and minds' campaign the Operational Support Group was responsible for overseeing and instigating major rebuilding programmes within the Maysan District.

Because of his previous experience in this field in Kosovo the sergeant was chosen to take charge of the Essential Services Department. This included water and sanitation, electricity and fuel. Five major water treatment and purification plants were installed into the most deprived areas of Al Amarah along with 31 generators to provide power to these communities.