A major bridge crossing the Shatt al-Arab river in Basra has been repaired by soldiers from 35 Engineer Regiment in a two-night operation.

The Royal Engineers, from 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 35 Engineer Regiment, worked tirelessly to repair wear-and-tear damage, which had been caused by constant use, to some of the steel plates that make up the bridge over the weekend, 10 and 11 January 2009.

The Sappers worked during the night in order to cause as little disruption as possible to the local community, who had been warned of the overnight bridge closures by radio message, and the successful repair work means that the Basrawis’ transport infrastructure remains fully functional.

The operation required close liaison with the Iraqi Security Forces to ensure a security cordon was placed around the bridge during the repair phase.

The troop commander in charge of the operation, Lieutenant Angela Laycock, from 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron, Royal Engineers, said:

“The troops were very grateful to carry out this task as they knew the bridge repair was so vital to the locals. They worked really hard during the night and there was good interaction with the Iraqi Police and Army who helped to man the outer cordon. They were really positive about the bridge being repaired too.

“As soon as the bridge was reopened at 0600 in the morning a moped, donkey and a truck full of sand crossed the bridge without having to dodge the broken panels that were there the night before.”

The Mabey-Johnson Logistic Support Bridge spans Cigar Island in the north-west of the city and links Basra to the Qaryat Ar Ramlah region. It was built during Op Telic 4 (2004) by members of 22 Engineer Regiment.

Troops from 35 Engineer Regiment deployed to Iraq from their base in Paderborn, Germany, in September 2008 to take part in Operation Telic 13 and form part of 20 Armoured Brigade which took over the command of UK forces from early December 2008.

Copyright Ministry of Defence