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Crossing the North Rumaylah Bridge
23 March 2003: The North Rumaylah bridge was the northernmost objective of 16 Air Assault Brigade. Its capture would protect the northern flank of the 3 PARA Battlegroup.
The Hawr al Hammar Canal was 800 metres wide but narrowed at the bridge, which the Iraqi Army had partially demolished with explosives, dropping one of the spans. Following a bombardment across the canal onto enemy positions by 81mm mortars and the guns of the Royal Artillery, the men of A Company, 3 PARA filed across the bridge, jumping across the gap between the damaged sections. They then set up two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) in the Sustained Fire (SF) mode on the road, near an abandoned sentry box.
3 Platoon, commanded by Corporal Davies, advanced along the steep earth embankment at the side of the road, covered by a Minimi and a GPMG. They advanced toward a little hut and secured the bank.
I crossed this bridge with Major Giles Hill and the A Company Sergeant Major. On the enemy bank (northern side of the bridge), we inspected abandoned Iraqi military vehicles: BRDMs, T55 tanks, MTLBs and a 4-barrelled anti-aircraft gun. In the background, smoke was rising from a burning GOSP (Gas & Oil Separation Plant).
Following a carol service in the wooden garrison church, Colchester, the painting was unveiled by Lt Col Matthew Lowe in the Officers Mess, 3 PARA, Hyderabad Barracks on 17th Dec 2003.
Below is a photo of the artist (centre) with members of A Company, 3 PARA at Qalat Salih airfield (code named CONDOR), Maysan Province, Iraq.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
Price(s): £70
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