Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister among those paying tribute to veterans
A special service was held at Stormont on Friday to mark 15 years since the end of the Iraq war
Last updated 23rd May 2026
A special commemorative service organised by the Royal British Legion has been held at Stormont, to mark 15 years since the end of the Iraq War.
Operation Telic was the codename for the UK's military operations in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.
46,000 army personnel served in Op Telic, 179 lost their lives including some from Northern Ireland, while over 6000 were injured.
It was the largest deployment of UK forces since the Second World War.
Organised by the Royal British Legion members in Northern Ireland and hosted by the Deputy First Minister, the event paid tribute to all those who served, their families who supported them and those who were left bereaved.
Veterans and their loved ones gathered to attend the service, which featured a reading by veteran Doug Beattie MC MLA, alongside a Service of Remembrance and musical performances from Campbell College.
Among the dignitaries were Veteran's Commissioner David Johnstone, DUP Leader Gavin Robinson, Lord Lieutenant for County Down Gawn Rowan Hamilton and High Sheriff of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey.
Former Army Reservist Helen Wilson was also in attendance.
She volunteered to deploy to Iraq in 2004.
Helen always wanted to join the Armed Forces but when a member of her nursing home staff booked leave to deploy, Helen was inspired and joined the Territorial Army, now known as The Reserves.
Helen said: "I was an entry officer at the age of 45.
"I was based at Shaibah Log Base which was a big disused airfield that housed a big 200 bed tented field hospital.
"I worked on the isolation ward and my maturity was helpful, as I could sit down with these young guys and say ‘I’m old enough to be your mother’ and use my mental health cap to assess them.
"I felt honoured to be chosen to go to Iraq particularly at my age, not having spent an early career in the military.
"I was glad to get the opportunity.
"My family supported me, and my husband was able to look after our four children.
"I was a grandmother with a two-year-old grandchild, granny goes to war."
As Chair of her local Royal British Legion branch, Helen is very involved with her community and highlighting the importance of remembrance.
She said: "I think it’s important to see conflicts like this recognised, and those that did suffer being able to tell their story of where they’ve served.
"It's very important and I’m glad to see the Royal British Legion commemorating more recent conflicts.”
Colonel Neil Salisbury, President of the Royal British Legion in Northern Ireland, said:
"Fifteen years on from the end of Operation TELIC, we are proud to bring the Armed Forces community and Northern Ireland together to recognise and remember the service and sacrifice of all those who served in Iraq.
"Today’s event not only honoured those who lost their lives, but also the families who continue to live with the lasting impact of conflict.
“For many veterans, the effects of service can emerge long after they leave the Armed Forces, whether physical, psychological or financial.
"The Royal British Legion remains here for the Iraq generation and their loved ones, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed."