Iraqforce

On 1 April 1941, during World War II, Rashid Ali seized power in Iraq via a coup d'état.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill saw Basra as a major supply base in the future for material from the United States.

Churchill also wanted to reinstate a more compliant Iraqi government and to protect British interests in Iraq, notably the oilfields of which the British-owned Anglo-Persian Oil Company was concession holder.

On 2 May, British aircraft from Habbaniya launched a surprise attack on Iraqi forces throughout the country.

[2] In June and July 1941, after Iraq was secured, elements of Iraqforce/Iraq Command took part in the Syria–Lebanon campaign and, while active in Syria, they once more came under the authority of the Cairo Headquarters.

In late August 1941, Iraq Command conducted the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Persia, in conjunction with forces advancing from the Soviet Union.

A new formation, Hazelforce, based on the 2nd Indian Armoured Brigade was formed within Iraq Command during this effort.

In January 1942, Persia and Iraq once again came under Middle East Command[5] and, in February 1942, Quinan's headquarters was re-designated as Tenth Army.

[7] Formed from existing units in early June: Arriving At Basra on 9 June:[22] Arriving at Basra on 16 June:[22] Commanded by Lieutenant General Edward Quinan During the Syria–Lebanon Campaign Iraqforce consisted of: Commanded by Lieutenant General Edward Quinan During the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Persia (Iran) Iraqforce was renamed Paiforce, consisting of: Footnotes Citations