The Black Watch Battle Group prepares for a move to the south of Baghdad, Iraq, October, 2004

Digital photograph taken by WO2 Giles Penfound, Army Media Operations, southern Iraq, Operation BRACKEN, 27 October 2004.

Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles of The Black Watch Battle Group on board Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporters, Iraq, October, 2004.

In October 2004, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (The Royal Highland Regiment) Battle Group (1 BW BG) was authorised by the British Prime Minister to conduct operations in the 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit (United States) area of operations South of Baghdad.

The 1 BW BG consisted of Battle Group Headquarters (HQ), 'A', 'B', 'D' and 'HQ' Company as well as attachments from 40 Commando Royal Marines, 'B' Squadron Queen's Dragoon Guards and a variety of Combat Support (Signals, Royal Engineers, Intelligence Corps) and Combat Service Support (Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) elements.