Roulements
1st Armoured Division remained in theatre, controlling UK ground forces until June 2003, when 3rd Mechanised Division's HQ arrived in theatre to take command of British forces. 3 Commando Brigade was the first of the combat units to return to the UK, followed by 16 Air Assault Brigade. 7 Armoured Brigade remained in theatre until they handed over to 19 Mechanised Brigade in June.
In November and December 2003, a second rotation of British forces occurred, with 3rd Division's HQ being replaced by a composite divisional HQ. 19 Mechanised Brigade was replaced with 20 Armoured Brigade. April 2004 saw the third change of forces. 20 Armoured Brigade was relieved by 1 Mechanised Brigade, and a new senior British military officer, Lieutenant General John McColl arrived in theatre to become deputy commander of the occupation land forces.
The end of October 2004 did see an important shift for the British forces. A battlegroup from the Black Watch deployed outside of the British area to Camp Dogwood south-west of Baghdad. This coincided with the next roulement of British forces, with 4 Armoured Brigade replacing 1 Mechanised Brigade.
Read more about this topic: Operation Telic Order Of Battle