Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
02 June 2005
Al Muthanna task group visit local market in As Samawah
The Australian slouch hat and the soldiers of the Al Muthanna Task Group have made a big impact on the people of As Samawah following a visit to the local market (31 May, 2005).
The Commanding Officer of the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG), Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble and a dozen personnel were mobbed by the friendly locals of As Samawah during an evening visit to the city market.
The visit was to conduct a reconnaissance of the market and to identify local purchase opportunities for the Task Force.
LTCOL Roger Noble said the experience was “amazing” and that there was genuine warmth from the people.
“The visit was to see how the people reacted to Australian soldiers and they have welcomed us in the best way,” LTCOL Noble said.
This was the first time that Australian’s have visited the markets in As Samawah as the area is patrolled by the British Light Dragoons and Iraqi Police.
The AMTG is tasked with providing security and support to the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group and to assist train the Iraqi Army.
The 470-member contingent is mostly drawn from the Darwin-based 1st Brigade, with attached personnel also coming from across Australia.
| 200505310adf8239682_001 The Commanding Officer of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble and by the Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Bob Aboud arrive at the As Samawah souk. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_106 The Commanding Officer of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble shares a conversation with two members of the Iraqi Security Forces during a visit to the As Samawah souk. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_207 The Adjutant of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Captain Angus Hindmarsh chats to local children that are fascinated with the new visitors to the As Samawah souk market. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_215 The Adjutant of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Captain Angus Hindmarsh chats to local children that are fascinated with the new visitors to the As Samawah souk market. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_244 The face of the future with the children of As Samawah as they flock to see the Australian's that have visited the local souk for the first time. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_283 A local boy looks on as the Adjutant to the Al Muthanna Task Group, Captain Angus Hindmarsh engages the assistance of a local barber while visiting a souk market in As Samawah. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_296 The Adjutant to the Al Muthanna Task Group, Captain Angus Hindmarsh engages the assistance of a local barber while visiting a souk market in As Samawah. The barber obliges while wearing Captain Hindmarsh's slouch hat in a gesture that established the uniquely Australian presence in Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_398 The Commanding Officer of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble watched by the Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Bob Aboud talk with the curious children of As Samawah during a visit to the local souk. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_439 The Commanding Officer of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble shares a drink and a laugh during a visit to the As Samawah souk where the aim was to conduct a reconnaissance and to identify local puchase opportunities. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 200505310adf8239682_440 Adjutant to the Al Muthanna Task Group, Captain Angus Hindmarsh shakes the hand of a local while the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Noble shares a drink during a visit to the As Samawah souk. (Date taken: 31 May 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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