150 soldiers honoured with medals for courage and commitment
Military recognition followed successful tours in Iraq which formed part of UK’s fight against Daesh
Soldiers trained Kurdish troops to tackle serious organised crime, came under sustained attack from Iranian forces and Iran-backed militias, and evacuated hundreds of civilians
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 RIFLES) have been honoured for their courage and commitment during Operation Shader 21, one of the most demanding deployments faced by British forces in recent years.
Around 150 soldiers based in Lisburn, received their medals after completing tours between August 2025 and March 2026. Operation Shader is the UK's contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Working primarily as the UK Mobility Company, they provided armed protection to multinational advisers working with local security forces. Their role enabled vital mentoring and engagement activity, helping coalition efforts against Daesh and contributing to stability in the region.
2 Rifles Medals Parade at Hillsborough Castle, Mon 25th May 2026
2 Rifles Medals Parade at Hillsborough Castle, Mon 25th May 2026
2 Rifles Medals Parade at Hillsborough Castle, Mon 25th May 2026
2 Rifles Medals Parade at Hillsborough Castle, Mon 25th May 2026
2 Rifles Medals Parade at Hillsborough Castle, Mon 25th May 2026
B Company's deployment
B Company deployed first, carrying out 77 patrols across challenging urban and mountainous terrain, often in civilian armoured vehicles alongside USA and coalition partners. Their role extended beyond protection. Working with the British Consulate and Home Office, they trained 78 Kurdish internal security personnel in search techniques. The training was aimed at disrupting the movement of narcotics, weapons, and illicit financial networks.
"I am immensely proud of every soldier in B Company. This deployment demanded adaptability, professionalism and courage, and they delivered on every count."
They also took part in a joint live-fire exercise with USA and Italian forces, coordinating Apache helicopter strikes. This underlined the breadth of capability within the battalion.
Major Jamie Geddes, officer commanding B Company, said: "I am immensely proud of every soldier in B Company. This deployment demanded adaptability, professionalism and courage, and they delivered on every count."
C Company's deployment
C Company followed from December 2025 to March 2026, taking over from B Company and building on the relationships and experience gained during the earlier deployment. In addition to their main role, they also supported the RAF anti-unmanned air systems detachment.
Operation Epic Fury and sustained attacks
On 28 February 2026, as tensions in the region escalated, elements of C Company came under sustained attack from Iranian forces and Iran-backed militias. For three weeks, they endured repeated drone, missile and rocket strikes. Much of that time was spent in bunkers, often overnight, while UK and US air defence systems intercepted incoming threats.
Junior Non-Commissioned Officers from C Company helped maintain operational effectiveness throughout the attacks, ensuring Royal Air Force teams could move safely to forward positions and supporting the day-to-day running of the camp. A well-rehearsed medical evacuation plan gave personnel confidence, despite the increasingly difficult conditions.
Continuing a proud tradition
C Company also played an important role in the Royal Air Force-led evacuation of hundreds of military and civilian personnel.
Their deployment is expected to be the last British sub-unit to serve in the region for the foreseeable future, continuing the regiment's tradition of being first in and last out, from operations in Iraq (Telic) and Afghanistan (Herrick) to the British Army's NATO mission in Estonia (Cabrit).
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