Red Caps from Colchester are to join troops being sent out to Iraq in January.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced a platoon of about 20 soldiers from Colchester-based 156 Provost Company will be going out to Iraq together with a platoon from 101 Provost Company and the 1st Battalion, the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders.
He said the troops will help to train the country's security forces and will be in Iraq for six months.
Six soldiers from 156 Provost Company were murdered in Iraq in an ambush at a police station in Iraq in June.
Some 3,000 town-based troops were in Iraq during the war this year. The 600-strong 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, flew to Iraq last month from Colchester for a six-month tour of duty.
Mr Hoon told the House of Commons: "The protection of Iraqi and international military and security forces, and indeed of civilians, is of paramount importance."
Published Tuesday December 16, 2003
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