40 Commando Royal Marines is starting to deploy to Iraq as part of the routine adjustments to British forces in the Gulf.

Announcing in a written ministerial statement that the Commando would deploy from June 21, completing the handover in mid-July, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said the Royals will replace the Royal Highland Fusiliers, helping support Iraqi security forces during the early stages of the Transition period and protecting essential infrastructure over the summer months.

“Because all four companies of 40 Commando will deploy to Iraq there will be a net increase of approximately 270 personnel in theatre, which will bring the total to around 9,200,” said Mr Hoon in his statement.