The Duke of Sussex has paid tribute to Iraq War veterans, marking 15 years since British forces concluded their involvement in the conflict. He praised their "courage, duty and sacrifice" as the nation remembered the 179 British personnel killed and over 6,000 injured during Operation Telic, the codename for UK military operations in Iraq from March 2003.
Harry's Statement of Gratitude
In a statement marking the anniversary, Harry said: "Fifteen years on from the end of the Iraq War, we remember with profound gratitude the brave men and women who served their country with courage, duty and sacrifice. Today, we honour not only those who paid the ultimate price, but also the veterans and families who continue to carry the visible and invisible wounds of war. Their strength, resilience and service must never be forgotten."
Commemorative Ceremony
Around 1,500 members of the armed forces community gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday for a ceremony. The event, attended by Defence Secretary John Healey and presented by former ITV News war correspondent Bill Neely, featured wreath-laying, readings, music, a service of remembrance and a Chinook flypast.
Harry's Own Military Service
The Duke himself undertook two operational tours in Afghanistan, initially as a Forward Air Controller and later as an Apache helicopter pilot. The secret mission, however, ended early after it was leaked on the internet. Hoping to return to Afghanistan, he retrained and qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot after training in Britain and America. Harry was promoted to the rank of captain in April 2011 and was also awarded his Apache Badge from the officer in command of his Squadron at the same time. In September 2012, he returned to Afghanistan for a 20-week stint which gave him the chance to use his Apache flying skills and head out on operations in his role as co-pilot gunner. Kensington Palace officially confirmed Harry’s departure from the Army in March 2015, marking the end of 10 years of service.
