Historical information

Operation Battle Group (West) was established in July 2006 and was based at Tallil Airbase in Dhi Qar Governorate. It consisted of units previously assigned to the third, and final, rotation of the Al Muthanna Task Group. It was withdrawn in June 2008.

Significance

Overwatch Battle Group (West) was an Australian Army battle group that represented Australia's largest contribution to the Multinational force in Iraq. No Australian military personnel were killed in the course of the deployment, during which the Australian contingent helped train 33,000 Iraqi soldiers. Approximately 200 Australian personnel remained in Iraq on logistical and air surveillance duties after its withdrawal.

Physical description

Large brown timber frame with brown mount containing photograph of soldiers standing and In armoured vehicles in foreground of ancient brick fortress with soldiers across and leading to top of fortress. Gold coloured rising sun in bottom left corner and red coloured kangaroo in bottom right corner.

Inscriptions & markings

Over watch Battle Group (West) 4
December. 2007 - June 2008
Photographer Corporal Rob Nyffenegger