ANZAC Day 2008

30 April 2008
Aussies and Brits battle for Desert Ashes

Australian forces and coalition guests came together at Camp Terendak to commemorate ANZAC Day.

The soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 and the Army Training Team Iraq shared a Traditional 'Gunfire Breakfast', before attending a Dawn Service. UK personnel from Basra joined the Dawn Service, providing a member of the catafalque party and a piper in recognition of the historic links between the battle group and UK units, which date back to WW1.

In the afternoon the Australian troops played the UK troops for the annual ‘Desert Ashes' cricket match. Australia was victorious during the 20-20 encounter, beating the UK team by many runs.

The 516 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group is comprised of the headquarters and cavalry squadrons of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), operating Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs); an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs); and specialists from the 7th Combat Services Support Battalion.

OBG(W) 4 is based at Tallil Air Base from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.

The security role supports the Iraqi Security Forces’ (ISF) and Provincial Government’s efforts to build a secure and stable Iraq. In this role OBG(W) 4 undertakes security patrols, develops ISF capabilities and supports reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. OBG(W) 4 operates as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF - I).