Image Gallery: April 2008
ANZAC Day AFL match
24 April 2008
Australian soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 swapped their usual desert camouflage uniforms for Collingwood and Essendon jerseys for their own 'ANZAC Day' AFL match.
The Essendon and Collingwood footbal clubs donated the jerseys for the traditional match-up.
The teams battled in 40-degree temperatures on a rough dirt oval for two 15-minute halves.
Football was the winner on the day, but for the record, the 'Bombers' got up by one point.
The 516 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group comprises 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 Force’s (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).
| 20080423adf8164326_007 (L-R) Essendon- jersey-clad Privates David Pate, Tuarean Roe and Adam Sanders eye off their opposition, who are wearing Collingwood jerseys, before the big game. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_011 Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 listen as the Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Brad Clarke, announces the 'local' rules for the big game. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_013 Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 contest the 'ball up' during the Australian Football League ANZAC Day match at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_015 (L-R) Sapper Ben Pitt and Trooper Scott Cridge go hard during the game. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_018 (L-R) Private Karl Graham is tackled by Trooper Scott Cridge during the big game. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_031 (L-R) Private Marco O'Hehir, Private Adam Sanders and Sergeant Matthew Julian play hard during the Anzac Day clash. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_041 Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 play hard during a game of Australian Football League at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_073 Trooper Rhys Simmons and Warrant Officer Class Two Terry Whitwam 'hip and shoulder' to get the ball. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_148 Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Brad Clarke (centre left) and Trooper Scott Irvine (centre right) run for the ball. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_173 (Foreground L-R) Private Tuarean Roe and Lieutenant Aaron Cimbaljevic play on through high temperatures during the AFL game. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_188 Lance Corporal Danny Whitehead proudly wears the Collingwood colours for the Anzac Day Clash with Essendon at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_189 Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 enjoy a game of Australian Football League at Tallil Air Base, Iraq under the shade of their Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_190 Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 watch a game of Australian Football League at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_226 (L-R) Privates Adam Sanders and Marco O'Hehir congratulate each other after the big game. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080423adf8164326_237 (L-R) The Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane, and Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Brad Clarke, have a reason to smile after their team won the AFL match in Tallil. (Date taken: 23 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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