British Units

British Forces Deployed
Units in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

This is a list of the British forces that served in the Gulf War. As usual, information is hard to come by. It is NOT our intention to ignore any unit which served. We wish to get the facts correct and produce a accurate list of all the units who served. If you find your unit is not mentioned below please take a moment to fill out the form below. We wish to get the facts correct.

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British Commander in the Gulf: Lieutenant-General Sir Peter de la Billierie

Royal Air Force

Squadron Number	Aircraft	Base
6	Jaguar GR.Mk 1A	Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
16	Tornado GR.Mk 1	Tabuk, Saudi Arabia 16 Sqn commanded by Wg Cdr Ian Travers Smith
9, 14, 17 and 31	Tornado GR.Mk 1	RSAF Dhahran as No 31 Composite Sqn Commanded by Wg Cdr Jerry Witts. 9 and 14 Sqns deployed to the Gulf in Aug 1990 and were based at the international airport Muharraq, Bahrain as well as Rsdaf Dahran. Also included the elements of Nos 2 and 13 Sqns (for recce).
2	Tornado GR.Mk 1A
10	The VC10 C1s of 10 Sqn never deployed as such, but were intra theatre AT support with the expected role of CAS/MEDIVAC but fortutuously they were not really required. It was because of their potential for dual role (AT/AAR that the C1s were later converted to C1Ks in the early 90s.
13	Tornado GR.Mk 1A
15	Tornado GR.Mk 1	Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq No.15 Sqn commanded by Wg Cdr John Broadbent
20		20 sqn served jointly with 16 sqn at Tabuk, Saudi. I was groundcrew on 16 Sqn, but we were a mixed groundcrew, as the aircraft were, of both 16 & 20 Sqn's, deployed from RAF Laarbruch, Germany.
27	Tornado GR1	Wg Cdr T N C Elsdon
29	Tornado F.Mk 3	RSAF Dhahran operated as a composite unit under Wg Cdr Andrew Moir
42	Nimrod MR.Mk 2P	Seeb, Oman
43	Tornado F.Mk 3	RSAF Dhahran operated as a composite unit under Wg Cdr Andrew Moir
47	Hercules C.Mk 1 and C.Mk 3
51	Nimrod R.Mk 1	RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
51	Nimrod R.Mk 1	Seeb, Oman
55	Victor K.2 Tankers	The Victor ac of 55 Sqn began to arrive (Bahrain International Airport) at the start of December 1990 were established under the command of Wg Cdr Dave Williams.
101	VC10 K. Mk 2 and K.Mk 3	By start of hostilities, 101 Sqn had been established at Riyadh (King Kahlid International Airport) since 13 Dec 90 under the command of Gp Capt Geoff Simpson (he had been promoted during the build up to conflict).
201	Nimrod MR.Mk 2P	Seeb, Oman
216	Tristar	216 Sqn had two ac deployed, collocated with 101 Sqn and their OC was also in theatre (Wg Cdr Hoskins)
	VC10 C.Mk 1	Riyadh
	Buccaneer S.Mk 2B	Muharraq
	Puma HC.Mk 1
	Chinook HC.Mk 1B
33 / 230	Puma RAF Regiment sections	Al Jubail, Ras Al Ghar and King Khalid Military city prior to moving into Iraq and then Kuwait itself October 1990 - April 1991

Other RAF Units

Tactical Supply Wing, Royal Air Force. Dharan and Al Jubil. Aug 1991-Apr 1991. The TSW were the first RAF ground units into Iraq, deploying Fuel Support to both Dressing Stations in the 4th and 7th Armoured Brigades.
Tactical Refuelling Area, 19 men and 6 refuelling trucks roamed Iraq refuelling helicopters and armour. This unit was one of the first to reach Mutla ridge.
Tactical Communications Wing, arrived in Gulf 9/8/1990.
RAF Gutersloh Armourer Support, based at Tabuk in Saudi from 3rd December 1990 to 12th March 1991 (tasked with generation of the Alarm missile)
Western band RAF, At the start of Jan 91 the Western band of the RAF were deployed to Saudi of which 4 Members were attached to augment RAF Det 1AES (no 1 aeromedical evacuation sqn )32 Field hospital working alongside the Army.
No 4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Sqn Royal Auxiliary Air Force, First Auxiliary Sqn to be mobilised since 2nd World War. 160 men & women deployed to Riyadh, Dhahran, Muharraq & Al Jubail from 14th January 1991 to 15th March 1991 and commanded by Wg Cmdr Ely. RAF. Many Thanks to Jeff Wisden for this entry.
RAF War Hospital Muharraq took over from 22 Field hospital RAMC in Dec 1990.
RAF Marham armour support Lead Explosive prep support team in RAF Tabuk main and foward E.S.A.Attached to 617 and 16 Sqn Wpn loading teams in theatre from September 90 to May 91.
UKMAMS (United Kingdom Mobile Air Movements Squadron) This is a difficult question to answer! UKMAMS is an RAF Sqn based at RAF Lyneham which provides Movements Support Worldwide. During the Gulf War they were deployed at every Airport/Airhead in the Gulf providing assistance to the RAF AT Force and MOD Charter Aircraft as well as working alongside their USAF counterparts in the Aerial Port Units. They were probably the first RAF Unit to be deployed in August 1990 and the last to withdraw in 1991. Detachments included Thumrait, Minhad, Dhahran, Tabuk, Dubai, Al Dhubayl, LZ04 Qysumah, Baheain, Kuwait International (post ceasefire), Seeb, Riyadh. Thanks to Ian Berry for this entry.
No 1 Gp Mobile Servicing Section(MSS) Similar to UKMAMS this is a difficult to answer. MSS was a small RAF Section based at RAF Brize Norton (approx 20 personnel) which provided Technical Support to Air Transport (and other) aircraft worldwide. Throughout the Gulf War they were deployed in small (mobile) teams to every Airport/Airhead in theatre. MSS provided support and assistance to the RAF AT Force, MOD Charter Aircraft and all manner of coalition aircraft.
MSS deployed as technical support to Air Transport operations in August 1990 and were amongst the last to withdraw in 1991. Detachments included Dhahran,Thumrait,Tabuk, Cyprus,Bahrain, Riyadh, Qaisumah, LZ's and Kuwait International.
Prior to this operation, MSS were due to disband in Sept 1990. Unfortunately, despite the section's unique contribution to the Operation and the immediate follow up Operations in theatre. MSS was disbanded mid 1991. Although extremely honoured, the only recognition of the section's involvement in Op. Granby was the personal award of a BEM to myself as I/C section. I believe this should have, in some way, been a unit citation
Note;Unfortunately, despite being deployed in theatre for the duration of Op. Granby, even this honour was placed in the "out of theatre" list !!
Thanks to Peter Bickley for this entry.

RAF Regiment

1 Squadron RAF Regiment, were flown into Al Qaysumah to reinforce the base from Germany. Equipped with Scorpion and Spartan armoured vehicles they reinforced Muharraq and crossed into Iraq with 1(BR) Arm Div as the reconnaissance screen for the Division, ending the war astride the Kuwait-Basra highway.
20 Squadron RAF Regiment deployed to Cyprus August 1990. One flight deployed to Muharrag late August 1990, second flight joined first in the middle of October 1990, relieved by 66 Sqn in Nov 1990, returned to UK after setting up airbase defence of Muharrag.
26 Squadron RAF Regiment, RAF Laarbruch Commander Sqn Ldr Dipper. Deployed 28 Nov 90 to 14 FEB 91. Used to defend the airfield before Patriot was even conceived of being used. Successfully deployed all equipment within 10 days of arrival.
34 Squadron RAF Regiment (Deployed to Bahrain and Dahrhan in Aug. 1990).
51 Squadron RAF Regiment
58 Squadron RAF Regiment - 58 Sqn RAF Regiment Deployed from RAF Catterick In Jan 91 to Bahrain to allow 1 Sqn RAF Regt to deploy to the front. With only 3 days notice, those 3 days included all kitting and the dreaded ANTHRAX Jabs.
66 Squadron RAF Regiment
Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment All members of the band deployed 26/12/1990 until apr 1991 to support all aspects of the Hospital. Flt Lt's Derik Davidson & Flt Lt Rob Wiffen in overall charge of band but supporting hospitl. Chf Tech 'Willy ' Turnbull named for support and control of COLPRO. Thanks to John Baigent for this entry.
4001 Flight RAF Regiment Members of 4001 Flt RAF Regiment became NBC team attached to 4th armoured Div during Desert Shield/Desert Storm & Desert Sabre

Royal Navy

The Armilla Patrol: 11 ships, under the command of Commodore Paul Haddocks. Ships which served in the patrol included Atherstone, Battleaxe , Brave, Brazen, Brilliant, Cardiff, Cattistock, Dulverton, Exeter, Goucester, Hecla, Herald, Hurworth, Jupiter, Ledbury, London, Manchester and York. Royal Fleet Auxiliaries included Argus, Bayleaf, Diligence, Fort Grange, Olna, Resource, Sir Bedivere, Sir Galahad, Sir Percivale and Sir Tristram.
Support Helicopter Force Middle East formed by Royal Navy Sea Kings and other helicopters. Royal Navy Frigates and Destroyers also operated Royal Navy Sea Lynx HAS.Mk 3s which chalked up 15 Iraqi ship kills.
HMS Hurworth arrived Jebal Ali (U.A.E) end of sept 1990 3 hunt class ships (Atherston,Cattistock) comprehensive work-up till start of conflict. worked of Kuwait coast cleared many sea mines and rescued USS Tripoli and Princetown from minefield. Lt commander Ibbotson was my commanding officer. he was awarded the D.S.C. I was awarded the gulf war medal and 2x kuwait liberation medals. Thanks to Scott James Mitchell for this entry.
HMS Opossum inserted SBS teams into Iraq and occupied Kuwait.
HMS Otus on patrol in the Gulf.
Eastern Mediterranean Patrol: HMS Ark Royal (CO Capt Neal Rankin) (801 NAS, 820 & 849B NAS embarked), Sheffield, Charybdis, RFA Olmeda and RFA Regent operating with USS Virginia, Philippine Sea and Spruance securing the area against the threat of attack by Iraq.

British Army

HQ Div Admin Area HQ DAA was a truly unique logistics headquarters disbanded after Op Granby ended. Under command of Lt Col Gavin Haig, CO 4 Armd Div Tpt Regt. Previously attached to 3 Ord Bn under Lt Col Alan Taylor as HQ BMA. G2/G3 cell was Maj Andrew Homan LI, Capt Geoff Wright REME, Cpl Bobby Moore RTR, Bombadier Cliff Malcolm RA. What a team. Hope to see you all again one day.
5th Airborne Brigade
15 Support Squadron, OC Maj P Crook, MPF Ssgt A Ashdown, Plant Sgt R Tootlee. Working along the lines as 45 Support Sqn. The resources, MT and attachments ie(RAM to 32 Engr regt) were based at pippin fort. named after the OC, Philip. Plant troop carried out various tasks including MSRs, Airstrip construction, area Ray defences and the digging in of the RA. In fact it was reported that we were the first sapper troop to enter Iraq. I took the left flank supporting 4 RA units. 32 Heavy was one of them. Many Thanks to Rick Tootle for the detailed entry.
32 Armoured Engineer Regiment, 5th January to March 1991, Divisional engineers, route clearance in Kuwait. Chieftain AVRE's, Centurion, Plant & CETs.
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards apart from those listed separately below as 24 battlefield casualty replacements were deployed at the start of the war, medics, mortar and milan detachments across the battlefield.
Special Air Service Regiment
Army Air Corps units operated Gazelle AH.Mk 1 and Lynx AH.Mk 7, and a sole communications aircraft an Islander AI.Mk 1

1st (British) Armoured Division

Headquarters, 1 Armoured Division Commanded by Major General RA Smith QGM, and consisted of approx 130 officers and 50 soldiers. Thanks to William George (Bill) McDonald MBE BEM for this entry.
SH Force Signal Squadron (21 Signal Regiment (AS)) 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support) based at RAF Wildenrath, sent a composite Sqn some 200 strong to Saudi Arabia in October 1990. It was made up of 4 Sqn (Helicopter Support) supported by members of 2 Sqn (Harrier Support). Its role was to provide Battlefield comms for the RAF and RN Helicopter sqns deployed during OP GRANBY. It moved into Iraq with the 1st (UK) Armd Div during the ground war. The unit later moved over to the UK and amalgamated with 244 Signal Sqn (who were only represented by small detachments during the operation).
7 Signal Regiment, Deployed as part of 7 Armd Bde, under 1 Armd Div. Deployed as RATT detachments supplying all HQ comms.
19 Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport. 19 Sqn RCT was deployed as part of 1 ADTR. We left Germany October 1990 and returned March 1991. Our task was to follow armoured brigade and re-fuel, water ration and deliver rations to the troops. We followed the armour every stage of the push and on many occasions came into contact with sick, injured and POW's.
Once the great 4 day war was over we stayed in location and again delivered what rations were needed.
On arrival home we were given an extra week's leave and given that classic command "Soldier On Boys" "Don't forget we're back to Northern Ireland in 6 months."
Yankee troop, 19 Squadron RCT. Attathed to 32 heavy brigade, royal corps of transport. Only transport section to reach front line after the breach with Cpl Osborn wich were only 5 trucks and all the other sections were lost. We came under heavy fire but retaliated and they gave up after about 10 mins and walked towards us with surrender flags. I then became an escort to transport around 30 iraqi soldiers back to the black watch regiment.
27 Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport. Deployed to Gulf on 27th December 1990.
14 Signal Squadron (Electronic Warfare), the time of the war 14 Sig Regt (EW)was based in Celle, Germany. A composite squadron of around about 250 specialists deployed as 14 Sig Sqn part of 1st (British) Division HQ and Sig Regt. Their light 1 tonne Land Rover based vehicles were converted to armour (432s) in two weeks before being deployed in Saudi, Iraq and Kuwait. During the war they provided intercept, jamming and direction finding.
244 Signal Squadron (Air Support)
30 Signal Regiment
Division Troops
- 16th/5th The Queen Royal Lancers (recce)
- 73 (Sphinx) Spec Op Bty Royal Artillery, The Battery was the Special OP Battery from 5 Regt RA based in Dortmund. It deployed in Dec 90 to join the 16/5 Lancers Battle Group where it remained until 1 Mar 91, at which stage it joined 32 Heavy Regt RA until returning to Germany and their parent regiment 5 Regt RA.
- A Squadron The Queens Dragoon Guards (QDG). OC Maj HLA Macdonald (Major Mac) 12 Scimators 4 Spartons 4 Striker plus 4 SHQ vehicles. Battle honour the Wadi Albertine. On attachement to the 16/5 Lancers. Fighting in Battle Location Lead.
- Co Major Hamish McDonald MBE, later Lt Col and Commander BATUS. Deployed October 15th as the recce unit for 7 brigade we remained in theatre until March 15th with the remainder of the regiment deployed to fill in liason tasks or bcr at Blackadder Camp, the intial deployment placed A Squadron with the US Marine Corp the regiment was later seconded as a divisional asset and led the attack on objective "lead". I was a guided weapons commander with striker and Ray Welsby my operator fired the first operational swingfire missile since its invention ( to my knowledge)it hit an enemy mtlb with devastating results. Thanks to Shaun Bannister.
- 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps
- Transport Regiment RCT, Squadrons within this unit were 33 transport SQN, 2 Transport Sqn and 74 HQ Sqn. The unit deployed in Sept 90 until Mar 91.
Divisional Artillery Group
- 12 Air Defence Regiment (12 FSB1 Towed Rapier belonging to 58(Eyres) Battery and 12 Tracked Rapier belonging to T(Shah Sujahs Troop) Battery) Operationally deployed 3rd January 1991 until 24th March 1991.
- 39 Heavy Regiment (12 MLRS). Based at Dempsey Barracks, Sennelager, West Germany. Unit was non-operational and in bulk pending re-rolling from M110 to MLRS and only had 5 x MLRS when warned to deploy in November 1990. Rapid re-equipment followed and equipment embarked at Emden on or about 10 December 1990 all being complete in theatre by 17 January 1991. All personnel were in theatre by 10 Jan 91. Key Personnel were
  CO Lt Col P B Williams RA (Peter))
  2IC Maj I G C Powrie RA (Iain))
  BC 132 Bty Maj R C Wardall RA (Robin))
  BC 176 Bty Maj P G Ramsay RA (Peter))
  Adjt Capt M G Lacey RA (Mark))
  RSM WO1 A Parvez
  Decorations::
  OBE - CO
  BEM - WO2 Cotter & SSgt Stewart
  US Bronze Star - BC 132 Bty
  Many Thanks to Iain Powrie for the detailed information.
- 32 Heavy Regiment (12 M110 203mm SP Howitzer)
  
  CO - Lt Col P H Marwood ( Peter), 2ic - Maj Peter Reynolds, Adjt - Captain Peter Hardisty, RSM - WO1 David Hill
  74 Bty - BC Maj Bob Eggar, BSM - WO2 Norman Pelz.
  18 Bty - BC Maj Mike Smart, BSM - WO2 Steve Garland
  57 Bty - BC Maj Peter Angus, BSM - WO2 Rob Holland
  73 OP Bty BC - Maj C Lincoln-Jones, BSM WO2 S Thomas
- 26 Field Regiment (16 M109 155mm SP Howitzer)

4th Armoured Brigade, The Desert Rats, Brigadier Christopher Hammerbeck commanding.

204 Signal Squadron (Munster) provided communications for HQ 4 Armed brigade/main and step up, throughout the ground war. Deployed to the Gulf 18 December 1990 and returned to Germany 2 April 1991
&nsbp;Defence Platoon, Grenadier Guards. Attached to 204 Signals Squadron, as Brigadier Hammerbecks defence.
14th/20th King's Hussars (57 Challenger MBTs) with A squadron, The Life Guards (14 Challenger MBTs) attached, under command of Major James Hewitt, when deployed on Boxing day 1990 from Germany, as an attachment Squadron to the 14/20 Kings Hussars, and spearheading the British assault on the Iragi's. By all accounts our tanks where the first unit to make a kill, in the form of enemy APC/tank etc. Left the theatre on 31st March 1991. Rob Mather.
1st Royal Tank Regiment was attached to King's Hussars.
LAD REME 20th December 1990 to 4th April 1913.
1st Battalion, Royal Scots (45 Warrior APCs) with Queen's Company, Grenadier Guards attached.
I sereved with 4plt B coy the 1st bn the royal scots during the gulf.I myself was the drver of 10, 4 plt's command wagon, cant remember the p,c's name but mac mciver was my plt seargent, gibby was the 2ic, jimmy quait was the signalman and sorry but i can't remember the rest. We started going straight into iraq with 4th armourd brigade and took out a lot of positions en route, thats about all i remember as i was a driver and was luky to get an hours kip a night, (no relief driver you see).So any other info on where we went and the positions we took would be most helpfull.I went out on around the 27th of november and i think i was out there for about 41/2/ months because i think we returned aroundapril or may sometime.Like i said we crossed the breeches into iraq and im sure the french were to our left, i'll alwas remember the flares swinging durin the first attack, made it all eary looking being on parachutes and changing all the shadows,that was our first contact.
3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (45 Warrior APCs)

No.2 Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards The entire company complete from OC down were attached to 3RRF. 1 Grenadier Guards supplied over 400 men to 3RRF, 1RS,1 Staffs and Bde Defence Pl also handed over nearly all its warriors to the other Bns. 1 Grenadier Guards awarded two Battle honours GULF 1991 and Wadi Al Batain.
1st Btn Queens Own Highlanders

2 Field Regiment (24 M109 155mm SP Howitzer)
- 127 Battery, 49 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Although it was normally 49 Fd Regt, during the GW it was a part of 2 Fd Regt in 4 Bde and was one of the 4 batteries in that regt.
5 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers. Many men were deployed as battlefield casulaty replacements but 2 and 3 Troops were deployed as sections.
39 Field Squadron, 23 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers
MRG 11, 6 Forward Repair Group REME. 11 Armoured workshops deployed to the Gulf on the 8 Jan 1991 from Soest Germany. The workshop was know as MRG 11. FRG 6 was the forward repair group workshop in support of 4 Armoured Brigade. The Officer Commanding was Major A.M.McPherson REME.

7th Armoured Brigade The Desert Rats, Brigadier Patrick Cordingley commanding.

Headquarters 7th Armoured Brigade based at Soltau.
Queen's Royal Irish Hussars (57 Challenger MBTs)

B Squadron, 17th/21st Lancers

Scots Dragoon Guards (57 Challenger MBTs)

A Squadron 17th/21st Lancers

The Life Guards, battle casualty reserves commanded by Colonel Anthony De Ritter. 57 challenger tanks approx. Based twenty kms south of Kuwaiti border in tactical base waiting to be called forward
1st Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment (45 Warrior APCs) with 3 Company Grenadier Guards attached making up two composite platoons and training staff for Warrior APCs. 1st Royal Hampshire attached. 1 Section of The Royal Green Jackets (Milan)..

Signals Detachment, No.? Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
1st Battalion The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire. Approximately a company of men attached to the Staffordshire Regiment, dispersed within Mortar, Antitank and Rifle Platoons including support and HQ elements

40 Field Regiment (24 M109 155mm SP Howitzer)
A Squadron, Queen's Dragoon Guards (12 Scimitar, 4 Striker and 4 Spartan)
21 Engineer Regiment, comprising;

RHQ troop and elements of 45 Field Support Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment Co Lt Col Moore-Bick.
1st Field Squadron RE (1 Sultan, 12 Spartan, 14 AFV432, 6 CET, 3 Giant Vipers. 3 Light Wheeled Tractors, 2 Medium Wheeled Tractors, 3 Self-Loading Dump Trucks.)
4 Fd Squadron RE in Close Sp Orbat (? x Tank Bridges AVLB/AVRE).
26 Armoured Engineer Squadron RE, squadron was split up between 4 field squadron RE and the regimental each. Deployed in late Sept 90 until March 91.
7 Tank Transporter Regiment RCT, 3, 16 and 617 squadrons. CO was Lt Col KM Tutt OBE BA RCT, OC 16 squadron was Major RA Dixon, OC 3 Squadron was Major Newis Edwards RCT. Killed on Cpl Cae Bolam RCT 31 dec 1990. Citations were QGM Cpl Griffiths REME. Mention in Despatches Cpl JV Baglee RCT 3 sqn. OBE Lt Col Tutt. BEM Cpl Canavan RCT. British Forces Middle East Commendation Major J Venables RCT. US Army Commendation Medal Sgt MG Robson RCT.
54 Engineer Support & Field Ambulance Sqn RCT

21 Signal Squadron, Supplied communications for RAF/Marines, Puma/Chinook/Sea King mob's throughout Saudi/Kuwait from 4 Oct- 17 Mar under 7 Armoured Brig and 1 U.S Corp.
207 Signal Squadron, was the signals unit of the 7th armoured brigade, deployed in support of the desert rats. Based in Soltau Germany utilising AFV 432's and variants.
Main Repair Group 7A & Main Repair Group 7B (REME)
Forward Repair Group FRG'S 7 and 22 combined in Fallingbostel to form one unit in support of all 7 ARMD BDE Uunits providing close support for second line repairs (Major assembly changes) on armoured vehicles deployed Sept 90 to March 91. OC Capt Ellis, CSM WO2 Kingswood.
51 Petrolium Company REME LAD, 5 Ordnance Battalion, Paderborn, BFPO 16 OC was Major Pete Knowles. Arrived in Port Al Jubal(Blackadder Camp) Oct 90 under command of the 7th Armd Brigade. Deployed to various locations in theatre during Op Grandby. Returned to Paderborn March 91. Many Thanks to Steve Griffiths for this entry.
90 Ordnance Company RAOC Attached to 7th Armoured Brigade.
Workshop Stores Platoon, 17 Oct 1990 to April 1991.
16 Ambulance Support Group

Prisoner of War Guard Force

1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers (Battle Honour - The Gulf 1991)
1 Coldstream Guards (Battle Honour - The Gulf 1991
- Military Provost Staff Corps (MPSC), one member WOI(RSM) Alan License MPSC was attached to 1 Coldm Gds (part of the PoW Guard Force)and later based at Maryhill POW camp. Believed that he was the only member of this Corps that was deployed to the Gulf.
1st Bn The Royal Highland Fusiliers (Al Jubail, Devil Dog Dragoon, Wadi Al Batain, Kuwait City. Battle Honour - The Gulf 1991. Jan - May 1991)
1 Troop, 34 Field Squadron Royal Engineers (Attached to the Prisoner of War Guard Force, constructed a 6,000 man PoW camp in Wadi al Batin.)

Other Units

Armoured Infantry Training Advisory Team (AITAT) AITAT based at Sennelager BFPO 16 deployed 2 teams of 5 drawn from across the infantry. Pre break out they were responsible for Infantry training both in theater and with Units in Germany. Once the start line had been crossed they became responsible for forwarding and co-ordinating all Infantry BCRs. On ceasefire they continued in Thearter training the replacement Bns 2 R Ang and elements of 1 R Irish.
B, E, HQ BTY 1 RHA 2/3 of B , E and HQ bty attached to 40 field ra to bring up to war strength for op Granby. I was on an OP made up of B bty 1rha attached to 129 Dragon Bty 40 fld ra then re attached to c coy 1 staffs / c sqd Qrih.
46 Talavera Battery, Royal Artillery, normally based with 2 Field Regt RA but for OP granby where attached to 12 Regt RA. BSM Gus Begg 3 Troops 6 Tp, 18 Tp and 62 Tp all attached to different tasks.
32 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery. CO-Lt Col Peter Marwood, 2ic - Maj Peter Reynolds, RSM - WO1 David Hill. 18 Bty - BC Maj Mike Smart, 57 Bty - BC Maj Peter Angus, 73 OP Bty BC - Maj C Lincoln-Jones, 74 Bty - BC Maj Bob Eggar.
3 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers
   2 troops was based at Bahrain, Aljabala, Hafa al Batien FFMA from 22nd September 1990 to 23rd March 1991, troop commander was Captain Rourke.
   3 Field Squadron's first troops were deployed to Bahrain on 22nd September working on RAF support. Main body deployed to Aljabala, deployed to Hafa al Batien FFMA on 31st December until 23rd March.OC was Maj Hamish Rollo, 2IC Capt Dave Myers. Ops Offr Capt Chris Bourne. SSM WO2 Jim Dunning. Tp Comds Capts Neil Rourke(23 Sep -10 Dec)/Jon Steed(10 Dec-23 Mar), Doug Gibson, Ian Francis, Mathew Walton-Knight.
1st Field Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment, RE
11th Field Squadron, RE 6 members of the Squadron were attached to the RAF Hospital Muharraq. LCPL Vere (electrician), LCpl Carroll (plumber), also another electrician another plumber and 2 x carpenters.
14 Independent Topographic Squadron Royal Engineers Deployed to:provide geographic support including: teaching desert navigation,providing positional control, map supply and rapid map production: under command of Major R N Rigby RE
15 Field Support Squadron RE Officer commanding Major Phillip Crook, troop commander Mike Osbourne Sgt Tootle.
37 Field Support Squadron RE
OC: Major Mark Mans- now Major General, 21c Captain Neil Page now lt Col, AO/QM Capt Don Felton BEM retd, SSM; Wo11 Crombie retd.
Deployed nov 1990 Al - Jubail, attached to 32 Armd Engrs, part of US 1IDiv
Troops employed to clear routes, Destroy Iraqi usable armoured vehs, Clear Artillery positions at the borders. Endured very muddy conditions, used GPS for the first time! After Desert Storm billeted in Old Kuwaiti Palace. not 5 Star. Moved to Al Jubail stayed in Goodyear Tyre factory-former fd Hosp. returned to Hameln Apr 1991.
45 Field Support Squadron RE
53 Field Squadron RE Al Jubail Oct 90 - Dec 90 (Construction of tented camps). RAF MUHARRAQ Dec 90 - Feb 91 (RAF support and airfield damage repair), Kuwait City Feb 91 - Mar 91 (Cleaning up operations in the City and Basra rd). I also believe that the Officer Commanding Major Corbett RE received the OBE for his service in the Gulf. Lance Corporal Sayers was awarded the BEM for his service at RAF Muharraq.
60 Fd sp sqn RE (HQ FMA) AL Jubail port There before every body else building Black Adder and Baldrick camps and cleaning out camp 4 and last out.
Main Repair Group 6 (6 Armoured Workshop)
   Commanded by Major Mike Lower REME. Arrived in Saudi Arabia 4th January 1991 at Blackadder Camp (Tent City). Left Saudi Arabia April 1991 - last unit involved in the war to do so. Based in Munster - Germany
1st Battalion Scots Guards 1SG deployed to Blackadder Camp, Saudi Arabia Jan 91,then moved north into southern Iraq before heading east into Kuwait.Bn was designated as BCRs bit fortunately were not needed for this. 1SG returned to Hohne, Germany in March 1991.[Battle honour Gulf War 1991]. Thanks to Neil Sievewright for this entry.
1st Bn Queens Own Highlanders (Seaforth & Cameron)
   C.O. Lt Col Seymour Munro. A COY Al Jubail (Tent City) then deployed as flank protection to HQ 1st Armoured Division through Saudia, Iraq (Wadi Al Batan) into Kuwait down Basra Road into the bay of Kuwait City, duration of deployment 4 months. Other Coys deployed elsewhere in operational theatre.
See 1 Field Ambulance for details of the Regimental band.
7 Armoured Workshop, REME Stores Platoon. Split up to support 2XMRGS, 1XFRG. Commanding Officer was Major G. Seymour, WO2 Karl Dagnell.
3 Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
16 Signal Regiment
23 Pioneer Regiment, 518 COY/187 COY
   In typical pioneer fashion 518coy was the first unit to deploy to Al Jibal to set up the T R C they then went on to build and defend the asps, bfi, fma, hq dmma main and most units 187coy was deployed as a relief on 01/01/1991 only to be told that both companies would stay in theatre until further notice 518coy returned in March 187coy remained until 518coy came back in May-July as a rolling relief at the height of the conflict some 900 men & officers out of a total of 1600 in the corp were deployed.
203 Provost Company Royal Military Police
   Divisional provo support, elements attached to both 4 and 7 Bde. Seven Pls deployed. locations involved include camp 4, main tapline road Msr, Log Base Alfa, Areas Keyes and Ray. Attached to various units for ground war period. manned main MSR for redeployment to Al Jubail, 6 and 7 Pls were among the last Granby 1.5 troops to leave on 7/4/91. Unit had one casualty Ssgt D Tite.Unit was a composite of various RMP units in UKLF and BFG. David Farnham
1 Armoured Field Ambulance, RAMC, comprised of 2 x dressing stations; DS 1A (1 Armd Fd Amb itself from Hohne) and DS 1B (formed from 4 Armd Fd Amb based in Minden). DS 1B (my DS) was located with the Arty Gp (2 Fd Regt?) and so was pretty mobile and up front through the Op. 54 Amb and Engr Gp from Lubbecke provided our MT and the bandsmen of the 17/21 Lancers and 5 Inniskillin Dragoon Guards were our augmentees. Co Lt Col Braithwaite., but DS 1B was commanded by Major Euan Carmichael, RADC. Deployed in Oct 90 and returned in Apr/May 91. DS 1B took part in the arty raids which preceded the ground war by providing light dressing station support to the SPGs at the border berms.
1st bn Duke of Wellington's regimental band was deployed January 1991 as part of 1 Armoured Field Ambulance, the band was split between ds 1 alpha and ds 1 bravo.
The regimental band of the Queens Own Highlanders were indeed one of the first deployments into the Gulf theatre as they were attached to 1 Armoured field ambulance. Deployed in late october/sept 1990 they remaind with 1 armoured field ambulance Dressing Station 1Alpha. There duties were as medics in Ambulance troop. These ambulances were frontline both soft skinned and armoured and were the main medical unit for RSDG and staffordshire regiments and other frontline combatants.
The regimental band of the 1318th Royal Hussars (QMO) were one of the first deployments into the Gulf theatre as they were attached to 1 Armoured field ambulance Dressing Station 1 Alpha. Deployed 1st Nov' 1990 till mid March 91 our duties were spread across various departments; Ten attached to Forward Troop on AFV 432 ambulances, three in the Command Post, three with Chemical Recce Unit and Water duties and two on Wheeled Ambulance Troop. Thanks to Paul Bedford ex- 1318th Royal Hussars for this entry.
I Devonshire and Dorset Regimental Band attached 16 FA with members of the band with a HLS. was with Cpt Feilder of 16 FA, I was a c/sgt with the D&D Band we where attached to a Moblie HLS a RCT unit, the rest of the D&D Band where in Al Jubile with the dressing station.
2 Armoured Field Ambulance, RAMC, Some members of this unit were the first medics deployed providing medical support to the armoured units in 7 Armoured Brigade. Roles included manning Squadron Aid Posts and Fwd Troop duties working with/along side RAPs.
3 Armoured Field Ambulance, RAMC, attached 5 Armoured Field Ambulance, As Bravo Sqn, backfilled 5 Armoured Field Ambulance with armoured sections and a dressing station. Left Sennelager on 4/1/91 CO Col Rees Russel, returned to Germany 8/4/91.
4 Armoured Field Ambulance, RAMC
5 Armoured Field Ambulance, RAMC, left munster on 20/12/90, CO Col Rees Russel, returned to Germany 8/4/91.
16 Field Ambulance, RAMC, I Devonshire and Dorset Regimental Band attached 16 FA with members of the band with a HLS. Was with Cpt Feilder of 16 FA, I was a c/sgt with the D&D Band we where attached to a Moblie HLS a RCT unit, the rest of the D&D Band where in Al Jubile with the dressing station. .
19 Field Ambulance, RAMC, 19 Field Ambulance was deployed by oct 90 and split in two, half the unit deployed with 24 Airmobile Field Ambulance and the other half with 33 Field Hospital.
23 Parachute Field Ambulance
24 Airmobile Field Ambulance, RAMC, Half of 19 Field Ambulance was attached to this unit. The Salamanca Band was attached to 24 (Airmobile) Field ambulance. From Sept 1990 until March 1991. Three Musicians were awarded Mention In Dispatches. Bdsm Bennett, Bdsm Lawson, Bdsm Mair.
28 (Ambulance) Squadron, Gurkha Transport Regiment
Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas deployed as stretcher bearers
22 Field Hospital, RAMC 22 Field Hospital deployed to Bahrain on 14th Sept 1990 and established a hospital in the old RAF Hospital site at Manama. The CO was Lt Col Chris Town and the Matron was Lt Col Kathy Bland. The unit provided support to RAF personnel in Manama until relieved by RAF medical personnel in December and redeploying to the Wadi Al Batin area at this time. The unit started to return to UK from Mid March 91. I was a nursing officer in the unit.
mst alpha was deployed from 22 field hospital the unit did deploy but exact date not known.
32 Field Hospital, RAMC
deployed at Wadi Al Batin January 1991 until March 1991. CO Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lycnh RAMC. The Hospital was nicknamed the Desert rose and included BMH Hannover, Rinteln, Munster, elements of the R.A.F, Navy & Royal Marines, the bands of the Gordon Highlanders & Cheshire regiments, a Ghurka Ambulance Squadron. Reservist and TA personnel were deployed as part of this hospital and made up the majority of the units strength. No.1 War Hospital from Canada was attached. Naval party 1036(NP1036) was attached to 32 Field Hospital RAMC and included Marines and Naval medics, approx 40 in total.
  Band of the RAF Regiment and Central Band of the RAF.
I was at 32 Field Hospital in Wadi Al batin, with members of the Band of the RAF Regiment and Central Band of the RAF. (I was a member of Central Band) We were also stationed at the Airport Al Qaisumah at this time. (January 1991 to March 1991.)
33 Field Hospital, RAMC
Based at Camp 4 with the Hospital in a Goodyear tyre factory at Al Jubail. Made up of Aldershot MH with TA and Reserve volunteers, included elements of 23 Parachute Field Ambulance and the band of the Scots Guards. NORMEDCOY (Norwegian medical company) served here from February to April 1991. Half of 19 Field Ambulance was attached. Pegasus Band, The Parachute Regiment was based at camp 4 and attached to 33 Field Hospital RAMC, the band put the hospital together and took it apart supplied guards, drivers, med staff within hospital also, were main band for xmas panto for troops over a 3 day period. Pegasus band served from October to March in the Gulf. The hospital was renamed in theatre as 33 Gen Hosp RAMC. Also attached were the bands of 1 D & D and 1 R Anglian + 1 other.
205 (Scottish) General Hospital, RAMC (TA)
CO was Colonel Glynn Jones, based at Riyahd (King Khaled international airport) as a territorial army general hospital, from 27th December 1990 to mid-may 1991. 1800 bedded hospital under terminal 5. When deployed the hospital became 205 evacuation hospital.
I was one of the 250 +/- conscripted medics to serve in the Gulf. Based with the 205 field hospital in Riyahd and the most easily forgotten!
Medical Support Team Alpha (MST) Dharan Stationed at Dharan airbase from Mid-august till about mid march. OC Capt "Piggy" Whelan .The first RAMC unit deployed to Gulf. 29 strong team consisting 1 surgeon 1 anaesthatist 1 doctor1 dentist 3 QA nurses (Officers)1 RAMC male nurse plus 5 other senior ranks and 16 OR`s. I myself was Sgt Med storeman for tour Recieved Gulf commanders commendation for helping American casualties during SCUD attack. Thansk to Robert Christer for this entry.
3 Ordnance Battalion 3 Ordnance Battalion (HQ in Soest, W Germany) under the command of Lt Col Alan Taylor RAOC were deployed as a part of Op Granby 1 in support of 7 Bde. The senior warrant officer in the army at the time - WO1(Cdr)Pete Stead RAOC commanded the Div RV. The HQ element provided personnel for the Materiel and Combat Supply branches in the 1 Division HQ.
6 Ordnance Battalion from Beilefeld 15th Oct 1990 to Al Jubayal, Deployed to FFMA 31/12/90 to set up log base alfa in Gulf for duration redeployed to Germany March 1991.
11 Ordance Company RAOC deployed to Al Jubail from Soltau late Oct 90. Officer Commanding Major Carl Hewitt. (Carl later awarded OBE for his efforts as 7 Bde BAA Commander) Provided logistic support to 7 Bde in particular and 1 Armd Div in general throughout the conflict. The unit was deployed to the desert for the duration 11 Ord Coy were on the Basra highway at the time of the ceasefire 28 Feb 91.
31 Ordnance Company RAOC deployed to the Gulf in Oct 1990 as part of 7th Armoured Brigade. Moved over to 4th Armoured Brigade when 11 Ordnance company reached the Gulf. OC Major T. White, 2IC Capt Greathead, CSM WO2 Willis, Support Platoon command 2lt Tuck, Stores Platoon command Lt Basham, CQMS Ssgt V Parker. Thanks to Gordon Bowes and Graham Hunt for the details included in this entry.
42 Ordnance Company RAOC Deployed 28/12/90 to Al Jybul as apart of 6 Ordnance Bn. Deployed forward to FFMA 31/12/90. Remaind in the FFMA for the duration. Small force of 15 men deployed to Wadi Al Butan for the duration. Arrived back in the UK 01/04/91. Part of the 15 man group that went to Wadi al Butan from 42 ord coy comprised of Capt Vic Bennet, Sgt Chris Norris, Cpl Chas Sloan, Pte John Sharp, Pte Eddi Cockran.
1 Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport deployed to Gulf in December 1990 and returned April 1991 to Goojerat barracks, Colchester. Worked as the main supply for the desert rats during the gulf conflict. It also acted as forward recon. units for the artillary units at the front. Deployed December 1990 returned december 1991.
9 Squadron, 10 Regiment Royal Corps of Transport
B Troop, 9 squadronwas the Tank Transport Fuel troop. Supplying fuel to the BFI (bulk fuel intakes), which in turn fueled the British army.
10 Tank Transporter Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport
12 Squadron, 10 Regiment Royal Corps of Transport
14 Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport, HQ 1(BR) Corps sent out half our Sqn to other unit's as Dvr's.
15 Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport
17 Squadron, 10 Regiment Royal Corps of Transport
25 Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport Deployed Dec 90 from Biceser until June 91. A drops unit based in Al Jubial at first then split up supporting various ops including repatriation of Kuwait.
38 Sqn, Royal Corps of Transport 38 Sqn RCT was deployed on Op Granby Jan 1991 under the command of Major Alexander RCT. We provided front line Artillery support for MLRS with Drops vehicles.
60 Sqn, Royal Corps of Transport, 2 Infantry Division I was part of 60 sqn rct deployed to the gulf in begining of jan 91 after a 6 mths un tour of cyprus. we were sent to replenish other rct units out there ,i think they call it (dead mans shoes)
76 Sqn RCT, 4 ADTR Home base was Minden in the North-Rhine Westfalia area of BAOR. Was officially re-roled from the HQ Squadron to a task Sqn in Direct support of 26 Regt RA based in Gutersloh to date. The Sqn Deployed in Dec 90 and returned to Germany 4 Months later. The Sqn commander was Major Mike Jones, Squadron Sgt Major was WO2 Ron Murray. I was Major Jones driver/radio operator.
187 (Tancred) Company, Royal Pioneer Corps
518 Company, Royal Pioneer Corps
908 Pioneer Labour Support Unit, Royal Pioneer Corps
Army War Graves Service, Royal Pioneer Corps
HQ Force Maintenance Area\Forward Force Maintenance Area This was the ad-hoc unit in overall charge of second and third line logistics and the overall running of the 1(UK) ARMD DIV logistic support. It was commanded by Brigadier White and had its HQ at Old Port Barracks Al jubayl and Log Base Alpha for the FFMA. We deployed from Oct 90 until late Mar 91. Many Thanks to Chris Byers for the detailed information.
Intelligence Corps HQ Security Coy; Ling(SI).
Reclamation Platoon, Att MRG 7 & MRG11 we started life in blackadder camp(as BCR,s)initially, sent out on a daily basis as volunteers???? to an area where the dead/scrap and wrecked vehicles were sent/dragged.After showing our true colours and capabilities, Reclamation platoon was formed. We were attatched to various units,in the main MRG 11 and MRG 7, We followed up the battle and cleaned/mopped up the leftover vehicles in no uncertain states of battle damage and disrepair. After the ground war was over our unit was Disbanded. A JOB WELL DONE BOYS SIGNED THE MAN IN BLACK (Ex 1RTR,REME). Thanks to EX SGT (MAC) EVANS,1RTR REME for this entry.

Royal Marines

Royal Marine detachments onboard Royal Navy warships in the Gulf, participated in stop and search operations on ships in the Gulf.
Royal Marine Commandos

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