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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 169

(x) A fascinating campaign group of four awarded to Sergeant M. Powell, No. 201 Squadron, Royal Air Force - who performed the evacuation for two SAS operators during the famous 'Basra Prison Incident' on 19 September 2005

General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Air Operations Iraq (SAC M Powell (F8418166) RAF); Iraq 2003-11, no clasp (SAC M Powell (F8418166) RAF); Jubilee 2002; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (Sgt M Powell RAF F8418166), mounted court-style as worn, pin removed, good very fine (4)

Matthew Powell was born on 13 July 1973 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1990 as a Photographic Interpreter, serving seven years. He re-joined the service on 1 April 2001 and trained as an Air Electronics Operator (Sonics), flying in that capacity from August 2002. His Log Book entry for 19 September, with No. 201 Squadron records 'RESCUE S.R.R. x2', likely confusing the Special Reconnaissance Regiment for the Special Air Service for his part in the famous 'Basra Prison Incident'. Flying in Nimrod XRV250 flown by Flight-Lieutenant Melville, Powell played his part in the action.

On 19 September 2005, two undercover SAS soldiers disguised in Arab civilian garments and headdresses opened fire on Iraqi Police officers after having been stopped at a roadblock. Iraqi police found explosives in the British soldiers vehicle. Two Iraqi officers were shot, at least one of whom died. The two British men were arrested and taken to the Al Jameat police station. The two SAS operators were part of Operation Hathor whose objective was keeping an Iraqi Police officer (who ran a crime unit with rumoured links to corruption and brutality in the city) under surveillance. Tension was already high between the Iraqi Police and British forces and when Iraqi policeman tried to pull the operators from their vehicle at the roadblock, they opened fire, killing two of the policemen. The SAS men drove off with Iraqi Police in pursuit, but feeling they could not outrun them they decided to stop and talk their way out of it. The Iraqi police beat and arrested them.

In response, twenty members of 'A 'Squadron 22 SAS and a platoon of paratroopers from the Special Forces Support Group flew from Baghdad to Basra. Other SAS operators tracked down their two colleagues to Al Jameat police station and then withdrew and called in Hathor's QRF (Quick Reaction Force) in Basra, whilst a predator drone fed the UK JOC a live feed on the prison. Members of 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment were the spearhead of the operation, taking the lead in the operation to rescue the 2 SAS soldiers after significant small arms fire and RPG attacks the men from the Battalion Assaulted the police station securing it ensuring the safe extraction of the 2 SAS soldiers.

Powell was a keen member of the Royal Air Force road cycling and time trial team and retired on 23 November 2011; sold together with his Aircrew Flying Log Book (RAF Form 1767), with full entries covering his career, RAF Testimonial, Squadron cloth Badges, besides certificates and group photographs.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£950

Starting price
£450