THE BATTLE OF BASRA
Charting the events leading up to the 17-day B attle of Basra from the perspective of members of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards’ sabre squadrons
February 8-11 , 2003
Bound for Iraq
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG) vehicles go to Emden, Germany, by road and rail for shipping to Kuwait.
March 10, 2003
Readying up
The last SCOTS DG vehicles and personnel arrive in Kuwait. Training and preparations begin.
March 16-19, 2003
Live fire
The regiment deser tises and uparmours its fighting vehicles before zeroing its guns.
March 20, 2003
Baghdad blasted
The first bombs and missiles fall on Baghdad and other key targets across Iraq at 0230hrs UTC, 90 minutes after the ultimatum given to Saddam Hussein expires. Within 45 minutes, Operation Iraqi Freedom (incorporating Britain’s Operation Telic 1) is launched.
March 21, 2003
Basra in sight
The Battle of Basra, involving British, Australian, Polish and US personnel, begins as Coalition forces reach the city.
March 22, 2003
Airport falls
