"Supporting the Entry into Basra. Medics at Bridge 4. Iraq 2003 "

by David Rowlands

Image Size 58 x 38 cm


1 Close Support Medical Regiment was reinforced by personnel from more than 40 units (from all three services) during Operation TELIC. Whilst this painting depicts a single Medical Troop at Bridge 4, it commemorates the hard work and dedication of all medical personnel who supported 7th Armoured Brigade during their entry into Basra.

One night, when I was lying in bivouac beside the tracked vehicles of The Light Infantry, a sandstorm rose up. While struggling to keep our kit together, some of us climbed into the back of a lorry to escape the wind until dawn. However, my sleeping bag was blown away, so next morning I walked across the desert looking for it. After a fruitless search I wandered near the encampment of 1 CS Medical Regiment, where I was surprised to spot my sleeping bag. Here, Major Jo Palmer introduced me to the CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Terrell. They asked me to paint the Regiment’s forward squadron in the compound on the west bank of the Shatt al Basrah at Bridge 4.