Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On

Event details

Date: Friday 22nd May 2026
Time: 12pm
Location: National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
Address: Croxall Road Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR

On 22nd May, the Royal British Legion will honour the extraordinary service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces during operations in Iraq. An event will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, from 12 noon.

Registration closed on Wednesday 6th May and we are not accepting any further registrations for the event. There will be viewing areas open to the public; for further details, please see our FAQs on public attendance.

For those who have registered, we will be sending out e-tickets and further event information from Tuesday 12th May. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the Remembrance Events Team at: [email protected]

About the War in Iraq

Millions of words have been written, and the details debated, regarding the conflict: the history behind the invasion of Iraq; the efforts to stabilise the country; and the war’s legacy. What is not in dispute is the professionalism and dedication of the British Armed Forces during Operation TELIC.

Men and women of our Armed Forces joined the US-led Coalition in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Within a month, and under extreme conditions, our forces achieved their immediate objectives while facing repeated and deadly opposition. UK forces were primarily responsible for securing provinces in southern Iraq, including the city of Basra.

Coalition forces then began stabilisation operations, but violence escalated across Iraq, as a growing insurgency turned into a sectarian civil war that would claim tens of thousands of lives. Military and civilian Coalition personnel and the Iraqis working with them were targeted. For six years they faced deadly hazards including roadside bombs, snipers and mortar and rocket attacks while on patrol and in barracks.

British Armed Forces personnel during operations in Iraq

Amid this, British forces and partners were engaged in providing humanitarian aid, helping local communities and in the painstaking rebuilding and reconstruction of both civil society and the Iraqi military services, in often austere conditions.

By the end of 2008 the situation had stabilised, and British combat operations ended in 2009. Most personnel left Iraq, leaving behind a number who continued the training of the Iraqi military. The last British personnel departed on 22nd May 2011: Op TELIC was at an end.

The duty in Iraq came at a high cost. Tragically, 179 British Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in Op TELIC. Thousands more were wounded, many with life-changing physical injuries. Others experienced emotional or mental ill-health as a result of their service in Iraq.

We remember how much we ask of our Armed Forces; and we acknowledge their dedication to service.

Discover the extraordinary stories of our service personnel

Remembrance

Former Cpl Simon Brown, REME

“We’re your brothers, your sisters, your cousins, your aunties, your uncles, your mums, your dads… There’s still a little bit of flak about Iraq, I think.”

Remembrance

Capt Arunhang Nembang, King’s Gurkha Artillery

“Every stop you had to dig a trench in that heat and with your body armour on… and constantly you got ‘Gas Gas’, CBRN sirens.”

Remembrance

Former Petty Officer Janet Riddell, Royal Navy

"I think Iraq should be remembered for all those people that have lost their lives… I was always proud to wear that uniform."

Remembrance

Former Cpl Matt Cook, Parachute Regiment

“I remember saying to the lads ‘be really careful, this is where the RPG team were spotted’.”

Remembrance

Anna-Marie McDonald, daughter of the late Pte Joseva Lewaicei

“The image of just them marching up with the Union Jack draped over… he's come back home now.”

Remembrance

Former Cpl Steve Hooper, MT Driver, RAF

“When you suddenly realise, this is actually someone's friend, son, husband, boyfriend: it really makes everything real.”

Remembrance

Former Flight Sergeant Bex Preece, RAF nurse

“I spent so much time with them, as they’d often be with us for months, that it felt like they were family.”

Remembrance

Former Capt Tommy Edwards, Royal Marines Commandos

“It’s so important to remember people who are able to give up everything for something more than themselves.”

Remembrance

Colonel Andy Allen (Retd) MBE, REME

“(The military) does the fighting, but it also does the rebuilding. And it's the second part that we don’t get enough real recognition for.”

Registration

Can I register to attend the commemorative event ‘Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On’?

The register your interest form for the event closed on 12th April 2026 and unfortunately, we cannot accept any further registrations. However, whilst access to the commemorative event is by ticket only, the event will be live transmitted to a large screen situated elsewhere in the National Memorial Arboretum grounds. We recommend members of the public book parking in advance to guarantee entry into the Arboretum on the day.

https://www.thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/book-tickets

I applied through the register your interest form, does that confirm my place to attend?

Yes, all those with a connection to Op TELIC who registered through the form will be invited to attend the event. You will be sent an invitation after Tuesday 14th April which will ask you to register your details and those of your guest(s). The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday 6th May.

I applied through the register your interest form, how many guests can I register to attend the ceremony?

Invitations will then be sent to all those with a connection to Op TELIC who registered after Tuesday 14th April, and you will have the option to register up to three guests. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday 6th May. Guests will each be required to present an e-ticket on the day of the ceremony.

E-Tickets

When will I receive my e-ticket?

E-tickets and joining instructions will be emailed to registered guests from Tuesday 12th May.

Can I use my confirmation email as an e-ticket?

You and your guest(s) will be required to present a valid e-ticket on the day to attend the commemorative event. The submission confirmation email will not be accepted as a valid form of entry.

I have lost my e-ticket, is it possible to receive this again?

If you cannot find your e-ticket, please email [email protected], indicating the lead name under which your booking was made, and our team will be able to resend your e-ticket. Queries that arrive outside of our working hours will be picked up the next working day.

I don't have a printer; can I show my e-tickets on my phone?

Yes, you do not need to provide a printed copy of your ticket on the day of the event. A digital copy of your valid e-ticket can be presented on the day of the event.

On The Day

Is the commemorative event standing or seated?

The event will be seated.

Do ticket holders need to bring anything with them on the day?

You will be asked to present your e-ticket, either in a digital or printed format, and we ask that each ticket holder in your party has photographic identification with them, should this be requested at the registration desk. This can include:

Passport
Driving license
EU identity card
Armed Forces identity card or firearms certificate.

Failure to present suitable photographic identification could result in the prevention of entry to the service area. Please note that random bag searches may be carried out by the Police and/or contracted security services and only small handbags will be permitted to the service area.

What time will the National Memorial Arboretum open on Friday 22nd May?

The National Memorial Arboretum will open at 9am and close at 5pm. Guests are welcome to arrive from 9am and must be seated by 11.30am. The event will start at 12pm and will last for around one hour.

What is the dress code for the event?

The dress code is as follows:

Serving personnel are encouraged to wear service uniform or lounge suits:

RN - No. 1B, RM - No. 1B (Lovat).
Army - No. 2 Dress with leather and medals.
RAF - No. 1 SD with medals, less swords.

Civilians and veterans:

Day Dress / Lounge Suit (including medals), hats may be worn – applies to him/her/them.

The event will be held within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum, in the vicinity of both, the Armed Forces Memorial and the Basra Memorial Wall. The service will continue in all weather conditions, and guests are advised to dress suitably for the day.

Will parking be included for this event?

Yes, parking will be included for registered guests. A parking pass will be sent to you along with your e-ticket.

Please show your pass (digitally or printed) to the parking attendants at the car park.

Where will I be parked?

Please follow the instructions of the parking attendants on duty who will direct you to a parking area.

I have a blue badge, where will I be required to park?

Upon receiving your invitation, you will be required to RSVP and register your details. During registration, you can indicate whether you require an accessible parking space. You will then be sent a dedicated parking pass alongside your e-ticket. Please show this to the attendants at the car park. A pick-up/ drop-off point is also available close to the entrance. Please follow the instructions of the Arboretum parking attendants on duty.

Can I book a mobility scooter or wheelchair?

Please let us know your accessibility requirements when completing your RSVP to the event. The Arboretum has a limited number of motorised scooters (£10.00) which can be booked by calling 01283 245 100.

I am travelling via public transport. How can I get to the National Memorial Arboretum?

Please see the Arboretum website (Getting Here | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk)

Are service animals permitted to attend the private ceremony?

Only Assistance dogs are allowed access throughout the Arboretum including indoor spaces. For further information, please see the Arboretum’s website: Visiting With Dogs | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk)

Is the venue accessible?

The National Memorial Arboretum aims to cater to the needs of all visitors and will try to accommodate all access requirements where possible. Please visit the Arboretum website for further details: Accessibility | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk).

If you have a specific access requirement, please contact [email protected].

Where can I find out more about visiting the Arboretum?

There is further information about visiting the Arboretum on their website: Home | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk)

Will the event go ahead in inclement weather?

The event will be held within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum, in the vicinity of both, the Armed Forces Memorial and the Basra Memorial Wall. The event will continue in all weather conditions, and guests are advised to dress suitably for the day.

A small handbag sized umbrella will be permitted at the event; however large golf umbrellas cannot be used.

Can I lay a wreath during the service?

Only invited service participants will be permitted to lay wreaths during the event. Visitors will be welcome to lay their own wreaths and tributes at appropriate memorials around the Arboretum, and members of our team will be able to advise if required. Floral tributes should be removed from any plastic wrap and should not be fixed to memorials or trees in our grounds.

Visitors wishing to order RBL poppy wreaths in advance of their visit, ready for collection on the day, can do so by calling 01283 245 100.

Will I be able to bring my standard to parade during the ceremony?

Due to the limited space that will be available on the day and pre-choregraphed service, only invited standards will be permitted to participate event.

Public Attendance

Can members of the public watch the event?

The National Memorial Arboretum will be open to the public on Friday 22^nd May, but some areas may be restricted. Whilst access to the commemorative event is by ticket only, the event will be live transmitted to a large screen situated elsewhere in the Arboretum grounds. We recommend members of the public book parking in advance to guarantee entry into the Arboretum on the day.

https://www.thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/book-tickets

Can I bring my own chairs to use during the service?

Visitors to the Arboretum can bring their own blankets/seating for picnics etc.

However, there will be no opportunity to use these items in the service area or Heroes' Square during the course of the day.

Support

Will there be support available at the event?

We understand that the nature and content of the event may be difficult for some guests. There will be members of the RBL welfare team who will be on hand to provide support if required. We are also supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, to provide support for anyone who needs it. The welfare team will be wearing navy blue RBL polo-shirts and hoodies, working in groups of 2 or 3 accompanied by a member of staff from Scotty’s Little Soldiers. The welfare team will be visible stood around the event space during the event.

If you need support at any time, please contact us on 0808 802 8080. For further information on RBL Services, please visit our website here: Who we help | Armed Forces Charity | Royal British Legion