22/05/2026
The 15th anniversary of the end of UK Armed Forces operations in Iraq: a statement:
Fifteen years on from the end of UK military operations in Iraq, we remember all who served, and we honour with particular gratitude those who did not return, those who were wounded in body or mind, and the families whose lives were changed forever by that service.
For many veterans and families, Iraq is not simply a matter of history. It remains a deeply personal chapter: demanding, complex and, for some, profoundly painful. That is why this anniversary should be marked not only with remembrance, but also with reflection and respect.
Those who served in Iraq were asked to operate in exceptionally difficult circumstances, and they did so with courage, professionalism and resolve. As someone whose own military career included operational service in Iraq, I know that anniversaries like this are about more than looking back. They are about recognising service, acknowledging sacrifice, and reaffirming our duty to those who live with the consequences long after the operation ends.
At SSAFA, we see that legacy each day. We see the quiet resilience of veterans. We see the strength of families who carried the burden of service during deployment and after homecoming. We see, too, the enduring bond that connects all who were part of that campaign.
The formal end of Operation TELIC on 22 May 2011 closed a significant chapter in recent British military history, but for many who served, and for those who loved them, its impact did not end there.
For some, the legacy of Iraq is one of pride in duty carried out under immense pressure. For others, it is marked by injury, bereavement, or the long road of transition to civilian life.
But for all, our message at SSAFA is clear: we remember that service, we honour that sacrifice, and we will continue to stand beside serving personnel, veterans and their families for as long as support is needed.
On this anniversary, we remember the past, but we also renew a promise: that the service and sacrifice of all those connected to Iraq will not be forgotten.
- Air Marshall (Ret'd) & SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity Chief Executive, Steve Shell
