GWT: Welsh Cavalry honoured by British commandos

(7 Apr 2003)
1. Wide of troops and equipment, British and Welsh flag flying
2. Close up track on military vehicle being hit with mallet
3. Soldier doing washing in a bucket
4. Close up jacket with Welsh Cavalry written on it
5. Low shot down barrel of tank
6. Soldier securing Welsh flag
7. Low shot of gear on ground
8. Soldier standing between British and Welsh flags, pull back to troops
9. Close up boots coming to attention
10. Various of Welsh Cavalry troops being presented with Commando Dagger
11. SOUNDBITE (English) Brigadier Jim Dutton, Commander, 3 Commando Brigade
"3 Commando Brigade has lots of integral capabilities, what we don't have is mobility and fire power in the way that they have and so screening south of Basra - especially what we know now about the amount of enemy that has been pushing out of Basra to the south east - to have attempted to have screened that without them would have been almost impossible."
12. Welsh flag, pull out to wide of troops and equipment
13. Troops cleaning weaponry
14. SOUNDBITE (English) Trooper Dale Thomas, Queen's Dragoon Guards
"It's nice to know that we are good at the job and we can do our job and that other people have noticed it as well. So it's quite good."
15. SOUNDBITE (English) Lance Corporal Gareth Thomas, Queen's Dragoon Guards
"Oh it's quite an honour. There is a lot of history behind it and I think we have gained the respect of the marines and that means a lot and hopefully, I can't see us being able to wear it again after the operation, but it's quite an honour. I think the boys will be sewing it on straight away."
16. SOUNDBITE (English) Trooper Steve Wintle, Queen's Dragoon Guards
"I'm very honoured. It means a lot to me. Obviously we've earned it in the last couple of weeks and I think we've worked with 3 Commando Brigade so basically we've earned it."
17. British and Welsh flags flying above troops

STORYLINE:

After 12 days on the frontlines south east of Basra, Britain's Queen's Dragoons Guards return to 3 Commando headquarters to refurbish their vehicles and themselves.

The Welsh Cavalry, as they like to call themselves, bore the brunt of some fierce fighting in southern Iraq.

One vehicle was directly hit by a rocket propelled grenade.

But the cavalry took out more than 20 Iraqi tanks and killed scores of enemy troops.

Their return to headquarters has brought with it recognition of their bravery as Royal Marine brigadier Jim Dutton awarded C Squadron the Commando's Dagger - believed to be the first time an army unit has received such an honour.

The Queen's Dragoons have made such an impact on the Royal Marine Commanders they are now routinely referred to as Commando's light horse.

For the men there is immense pride.

The Queen's Dragoons Guards will soon be back on the front line.

But next time they face the enemy both man and machine will sport the Commando Dagger.

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