British forces handed military command in southern Iraq to the US in a ceremony marking the beginning of the end of the UK's controversial involvement in the country. Skip related content
Senior British, American and Iraqi generals flew into Basra for an event that celebrated the "enormous success" of UK troops in Iraq but was tinged with sadness at the loss of life involved.

The head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, paid tribute to the 179 British personnel who have been killed since the 2003 invasion.

The ceremony, held at Basra International Airport, represented a major landmark on the road towards the final withdrawal this summer of nearly all of the 4,100 UK troops still in Iraq.

Major General Andy Salmon, of the Royal Marines, formally handed command in Basra to his US Army counterpart Major General Michael Oates. Maj Gen Salmon and his small command team will fly out of Iraq later in a significant first step in the British pull-out.

Sir Jock, the chief of the defence staff, told the invited dignitaries that the move signified the end of a phase in the UK's engagement in a "great endeavour" in Iraq.

The most senior US commander in Iraq, General Ray Odierno, said the fact that the handover was taking place was a "testament to the enormous success of the UK forces".

Speaking warmly of the special relationship between the UK and America, he said the transfer of command was a "historic occasion" but came with "mixed emotions".

Gen Odierno said: "Although it is never easy to say goodbye to great friends, the stronger and more important emotion today is gratitude.

"I am grateful not only for the outstanding accomplishments of the brdedication of all the United Kingdom forces who served in Iraq, and for the unwavering ave troopers of the United Kingdom, but for the courage and selfless commitment of the British people in the cause of liberty around the world."


Well done lads and lasses ,,,,,,,,RIP the fallen .