Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
22 October 2007
Overwatch Battle Group returns to Ash Shatrah
The soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 received a warm welcome from the locals when they returned to Ash Shatrah on 11 October to formally open a girl’s school they had refurbished at a cost of US$200,000.
The OBG(W)-3’s rousing welcome by the mayor and the local people helped to erase the Australian soldiers memories of an attack by two rogue militiamen two weeks earlier.
Lieutenant Colonel Jake Ellwood said the mayor apologised on the behalf of the misguided persons who conducted the attack.
"The people of Ash Shatrah are very happy to see us here because they understand that we come with the sincere intention of helping them improve their lives," he said.
In addition to the girl’s school the Australian Battle Group is also funding the construction of a family play-ground worth US$100,000, which will bring hope and happiness to the lives of the children of Ash Shatrah.
The soldiers also scoped other civil military cooperation projects, including a school that will help the education and welfare of the local children.
Approximately 515 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Three (OBG(W)-3). The Battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq. OBG(W)-3 operates in the Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF-I).
| 20071011army8500215_ 013 Trooper Robert Cooper and Captain John Van Hattem of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 enjoy a cold drink during a long and hot patrol in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071011army8500215_ 027 Soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 received a warm welcome from the locals when they returned to Ash Shatrah (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071011army8500215_ 101 Soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 received a warm welcome from the locals when they returned to Ash Shatrah (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071011army8500215_ 147 Australian soldiers inspect a dilapidated school in southern Iraq which they are planning to extensively refurbish. (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071011army8500215_ 166 Private Glynn of the Australian Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 is mobbed by happy children while issuing colouring-in books during a patrol in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071011army8500215_ 215 The soldiers received a warm welcome from the mayor and the local people when they returned to Ash Shatrah. (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071011army8500215_ 241 Soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 teach Iraqi children the gesture for 'That's Gold'. (Date taken: 11 October 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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