BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today begins a dedicated week of programming to mark 15 years since the end of Operation TELIC (Op TELIC), codename for the involvement of the UK Armed Forces deployed to Iraq between March 2003 and May 2011.
Daily commemorations this week will run across BFBS Radio, BFBS TV, and digital platforms, exclusively bringing together multiple contributors including veterans, serving personnel and BFBS staff as key voices in the special broadcasts forming a comprehensive tribute to the Op TELIC anniversary, and to honour the lived experiences of the UK Armed Forces personnel who served.
While many broadcasters covered the conflict from the outside, BFBS was broadcasting alongside the UK Armed Forces, keeping personnel connected to home throughout operations. From playing music that lifted morale to sharing messages from the families waiting back home, to putting on events to entertain personnel, BFBS served those deployed rather than simply reporting on them. Fifteen years on, that shared experience places BFBS in a unique position to help tell their stories in their own words.
Beginning today, audiences will hear directly from those who served through interviews, long-form specials, bespoke digital content, and live discussions across BFBS radio and social media reflecting on the legacy, with support from BFBS TV. These personal reflections form the heart of the week, capturing a wide range of lived experiences from those who were deployed.
As part of a long-form content, Dan Panter (Chef, TELIC 1, 8 and 9) reflected on a memory that has stayed with him since his service:
“There is a moment that stands out to me more than anything else, and it’s a moment that still haunts me to this day.” He also recalls the impact of BFBS messages from home: “Seeing people’s faces light up, and grown men come to tears because their families delivered them a little message from BFBS, was absolutely amazing.”
Darren Coventry (Royal Military Police) shared:
“When I came home from my first TELIC tour, it rained. I just went outside and stood on the grass and just got wet. It’s surprising how much you can miss these things when they’re just not in your life anymore.”, while Adam Somers described the intensity of operations from his very first patrol: “It was a baptism of fire. That patrol was going to visit some of the local police stations to go and do the hearts and minds part of it. To say it doesn’t change you would be a lie. It does change you. For me personally, there’ll always be a part of me left there.”
Additionally, Major Simon Reynolds (OC 43 HQ & SP Sqn) recounted the conversation he had with his mother prior to deploying:
“I remember her saying to me, remember what Forrest Gump did? If you get into any trouble, you just run, Simon, run.”, and added how BFBS contributed to his welfare: “BFBS kept my morale up, presenting and also listening, because the service is designed for that.”
The exclusive programming will build towards Friday 22 May, the official 15th anniversary of the conclusion of Op TELIC, when BFBS will also broadcast dedicated content and remembrance coverage from the main commemorative activity taking place at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Nicky Ness, Director of Broadcasting and Entertainment at BFBS, said:
“BFBS was there alongside the stories we are now sharing. Op TELIC meant something profound to those who served and to their families, and we understand deployment in a way that other broadcasters simply cannot, so this week is all about recognition, and ensuring those voices are heard and acknowledged.”
Alongside reflections and personal memories, the wider legacy of Op TELIC also includes the moments of connection and morale, a long standing BFBS welfare objective. Among them was a visit organised by BFBS’ live events team, formally known as CSE, during the operation by comedian Iestyn Edwards, performing as Madame Galina, who travelled to Iraq including Al Amarah to entertain British troops. The story reflects the role BFBS played in supporting wellbeing and is one of many examples of entertainment that BFBS was uniquely placed to offer, then and now.
For Op TELIC commemoration updates throughout the week, visit www.bfbs.com/optelic
For images of our contributors: https://we.tl/t-8O9L5VKBiRmT6NQx
For general updates, visit BFBS or follow on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
