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The initial invasion of Iraq and the securing of Basra in March-April 2003 have been largely eclipsed by subsequent events in the Iraq War (2003-11).
In one of the conflict’s opening battles, the 7th Armoured Brigade – also known as the Desert Rats – fought their way into Basra, Iraq’s second largest city, as part of the 1st United Kingdom Armoured Division.
Twenty years on, hear from battle commanders who took part in this complex operation. They will provide valuable insights into some of the tensions, successes and setbacks of the Battle for Basra, as well as the aftermath of this operation.
Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE is the Director of the National Army Museum. After a 27-year career in the British Army, he joined McKinsey & Company as a management consultant. His last appointment in the Army was Director Combat, the professional head of the Royal Armoured Corps and the Infantry. Prior to that, he had extensive command and staff experience and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) after commanding 2nd Battalion The Rifles in Iraq.
Chris Parker MBE served in the British Army for 18 years, deploying on nine combat and operational tours. He was the youngest lieutenant colonel of his generation at 35. In 2007, he left the Army for leadership roles in the construction, oil and gas, and cybersecurity sectors. Chris is a visiting lecturer at Cranfield University for the Chevening Fellowship and a Fellow of the Tällberg Foundation.
Colonel Peter MacMullen MBE currently holds the position of Colonel Infantry, the head of profession for the Infantry. In 2003, he was commanding CO 1 Company the Irish Guards, as part of the Scots Dragoon Guards Battle Group, for which he was awarded an MBE. He has held numerous regimental duty and staff appointments and has been seconded to two other government departments, most recently working with the UK Home Office.