Training the Iraqi police, 2004

Photographed by WO2 Giles Penfound, Army Media Operations, Al Amarah, Maysan, southern Iraq, Operation TELIC 4, 4 July 2004.

A female soldier serving with 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was one of a platoon of soldiers to visit a local Iraqi Police Training facility to provide assistance to local law enforcement. The photographer noted the 'Iraqi police were extremely hospitable and friendly and saw the female member of the British unit as something of a curiosity. Perhaps because of her rarety value she became somewhat crowded by the Iraqi men to the point where I asked if she needed me to fend them off and protect her. Her reply was something like "don't worry Sir I can handle them" and indeed she did.'