Amid all the media and political agonising over the morality of the conflict to come, the mood on the ground was perhaps summed up by an RM officer on exchange duty with his American counterparts: “We only hear from the vocal minority – we’d like to hear from the silent majority,” he said.

Meanwhile Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Michael Boyce’s message was unequivocal: “I have issued the Directive to start operations in Iraq. The actions on which we are about to embark are just and lawful, and will be conducted in accordance with international law.

“We have assembled in a remarkably short time a most formidable force that will now achieve – with our Allies – what is needed for the disarmament of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

“The Chiefs of Staff join me in paying tribute to all those who have enabled our forces in the Gulf to reach this heightened state of preparedness.

“And we especially wish to convey to each one of you in theatre, wherever you are poised ready for action – in our assembly areas, or at sea, or in our forward air bases in the region – our high regard for your professionalism and commitment.

“You are now ready to take the action that is required – to fight, and to win.

“The coalition forces must disarm the Iraqi regime. That is our task, and we shall prevail. We will then return Iraq to her people.”

In his own message Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon added: “Over the last few weeks, as we built up our Forces in the Gulf, both I and fellow members of the Defence Council visited a number of units both in theatre and along the staging routes.

“As always, we have been enormously impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of all concerned, and the shared belief in the necessity of showing resolute military determination to achieve the objective of disarming Saddam Hussein.

“Many units – not just those now deployed in the Gulf but also those based in the United Kingdom and along the deployment routes – are currently operating at maximum activity levels.

“All Defence Council members are fully aware of the demands that this has placed on many of you – whether you are in the Services or civilian – and your families.

“Be assured that our aim is to restore a better balance when circumstances permit. But in the meantime there is vitally important work to be done.

“Working with our allies, we will remove the very real threat that Saddam Hussein’s regime poses.

“This is not just a threat to the Gulf region, but to the United Kingdom and the people of all countries who would be at risk from his continued possession and development of weapons of mass destruction – and this includes the innocent population of Iraq itself, who have continued to suffer most under this tyrant’s regime.

“We wish you every success and a safe return.”