The Battle of Al Waki Market was a battle that took place in August 2007 in Al Waki Market in Basra, Iraq, between No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and approximately 50 members of the Iraqi insurgency. It is notable as the battle for which the first Military Cross was awarded to an airman of the Royal Air Force.
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The battle
On the 7 August 2007, elements of No. 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment B Flight were on foot patrol north of Basra Air Station. The intent of the patrol was to deter attacks on the air station and to reassure the local population. As they moved through Al Waki market the civilian population suddenly dispersed and the area went quiet. At the inquest into Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Beard's death, the section commander, Sergeant Robert Williams said that "..It all changed in a matter of seconds; the gunshots started and they opened fire on us from our left hand side."
The flight tried to take cover behind some buildings, but then people began firing at them from the rooftops. Corporal David Hayden who was also on the patrol said "It was as if everybody out there that day decided 'let's just have a go at them'. It was coming from all directions." The battle lasted for nearly 90 minutes with a heavy concentration of fire for 30 minutes. Enemy forces were estimated at about 50 with at least 16 of the insurgents being killed by the RAF Regiment. Besides the many insurgent deaths, LAC Beard was also killed. Corporal David Hayden carried Beard over 200 metres (660 ft) under enemy fire to medical aid whilst he was injured, however, Beard died of his wounds, becoming the 166th British casualty of the War in Iraq. For his actions, Corporal Hayden became the first airman of the RAF to be awarded the Military Cross.
Painting
The battle is the subject of a painting by Stuart Brown, commissioned by the RAF Regiment. Copies of the painting are on display in several military buildings around the United Kingdom.