By Isle of Wight Observer
A parade to mark the 15th anniversary of Op Telic was held by the Isle of Wight Branch of The Parachute Regimental Association, who paraded its Standard at St Thomas’ Square, Newport, on Friday.
Operation Telic was the largest deployment of British forces since WWII, and was the code-name under which all of the UK’s military operations in Iraq were conducted between the start of the invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003, and the withdrawal of the last remaining British forces on May 22, 2011.
The Standard was carried by Terry Guildford, supported by Clive “Spiney” Norman. Bob Cole sounded the Last Post and Rouse. Bob is an Iraq veteran who saw active service on Op Telic 9 from September 2006 – July 2007, operating in close protection teams supporting CIMIC (Civil Military Co-operation) operations.
The service was attended by the Island’s High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley, IW Council Chairman, Ian Dore, and Vice-President of the IW Royal British Legion, Brigadier Maurice Sheen, alongside other dignitaries, serving personnel, veterans, and members of the public.
The Medina Marching Band gave a rousing performance with their professionalism adding to the moving commemoration.
