| |
« Click on Picture to
Return » |
|
|
 |
|
The North Rumaylah Bridge
Early in 2003, the newly formed 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) deployed to Iraq to support 16 Air Assault Brigade. During its advance northward to secure the oilfields, one of the objectives of the Brigade was the North Rumaylah bridge over the Hawr al Hammar Canal, which the Iraqi Army had partially demolished with explosives. On 22 March, a detailed reconnaissance of the bridge was made by 9 Parachute Squadron RE. The Regimental Diving Team was deployed to investigate the state of the pier footings under the bridge.
During the night of 23-24 March, 9 Parachute Squadron RE constructed a Medium Girder Over Bridge (MGOB) across the crater at the southern end of the bridge; and across the dropped span a 38m MLC 30 un-tensioned BR Long Span (LS) General Support Bridge (GSB) was constructed by 64 HQ Squadron (of 28 Engineer Regiment). This allowed the vehicles of 16 Air Assault Brigade to cross to the north of the canal.
The General Support Bridge needed to be upgraded and tensioned. It was withdrawn to allow 51 Field Squadron (Air Assault) to set demolition charges to remove the dropped concrete span. This is the scene on 26 March depicted in the painting. It allowed a link reinforced General Support Bridge to be constructed over the gap. Meanwhile, 61 Field Support Squadron (Air Assault) prepared the bank for the M3 ferry crossing point, which would enable heavy guns to cross the canal.
The artist made sketches at the bridge and stayed overnight at the camp of 9 Para Squadron, whose commander, Major Paul Fountaine, explained details of the operation to him. The view is toward the south. In the distance smoke rises from a Gas and Oil Separation Plant (GOSP) damaged by the enemy.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment
Price(s): £70
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
