Remembering the Iraq War - 15 Years On On 22nd May 2026, we will mark 15 years since the end of the war in Iraq (Operation TELIC) with a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum. The event will pay tribute to those who served in the Iraq War and recognise and honour the 179 British Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives, the 6,000 who were injured, their families, and the bereaved. “The Royal British Legion is proud to be bringing our community together on the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC, to remember the service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces and their families during and after the Iraq conflict. This is an opportunity for people to come together.Experiences of modern conflict, such as Iraq, can be complex and difficult to talk about, and many people are only just coming to us now for help. The RBL is here to provide life-long support to the Armed Forces Community, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.”Mark Atkinson We know that this could be a challenging anniversary for those of you with first-hand experience of Operation TELIC. Some of you may have served or had family who served, and some of you may have lost family members. Support is available to you, so please speak with your line manager if you need help. Register to attend the commemorative event If you’re connected to the Iraq War, either as a veteran or the family member of someone who served or who lost their life during Operation TELIC, we invite you to attend the service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday 22nd May. Register using the form on our website by 12th April. What is Operation TELIC? British Armed Forces joined the US-led Coalition in Iraq, named Operation TELIC, in March 2003. In the years that followed until its conclusion in May 2011, violence escalated as a growing insurgency developed into sectarian conflict. British personnel, alongside Coalition partners and Iraqi colleagues, faced constant threats including roadside bombs, snipers and rocket attacks, both on patrol and in barracks. While under continuous threat in Iraq, UK forces worked to provide humanitarian support, assist local communities and contribute to the rebuilding of civil society and Iraqi security forces, often in challenging conditions. We support many of those affected by the Iraq War, who are still living with the impact of conflict, including mental and physical recovery programmes, help with finances, housing, debt, money advice, and adapting from military to civilian life.
Remembering the Iraq War - 15 Years On On 22nd May 2026, we will mark 15 years since the end of the war in Iraq (Operation TELIC) with a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum. The event will pay tribute to those who served in the Iraq War and recognise and honour the 179 British Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives, the 6,000 who were injured, their families, and the bereaved. “The Royal British Legion is proud to be bringing our community together on the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC, to remember the service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces and their families during and after the Iraq conflict. This is an opportunity for people to come together.Experiences of modern conflict, such as Iraq, can be complex and difficult to talk about, and many people are only just coming to us now for help. The RBL is here to provide life-long support to the Armed Forces Community, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.”Mark Atkinson We know that this could be a challenging anniversary for those of you with first-hand experience of Operation TELIC. Some of you may have served or had family who served, and some of you may have lost family members. Support is available to you, so please speak with your line manager if you need help. Register to attend the commemorative event If you’re connected to the Iraq War, either as a veteran or the family member of someone who served or who lost their life during Operation TELIC, we invite you to attend the service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday 22nd May. Register using the form on our website by 12th April. What is Operation TELIC? British Armed Forces joined the US-led Coalition in Iraq, named Operation TELIC, in March 2003. In the years that followed until its conclusion in May 2011, violence escalated as a growing insurgency developed into sectarian conflict. British personnel, alongside Coalition partners and Iraqi colleagues, faced constant threats including roadside bombs, snipers and rocket attacks, both on patrol and in barracks. While under continuous threat in Iraq, UK forces worked to provide humanitarian support, assist local communities and contribute to the rebuilding of civil society and Iraqi security forces, often in challenging conditions. We support many of those affected by the Iraq War, who are still living with the impact of conflict, including mental and physical recovery programmes, help with finances, housing, debt, money advice, and adapting from military to civilian life.
