2 Rifles have been awarded Operational Service Medals for their deployment on Operation SHADER 21
Published on May 27, 2026
The tour saw them conduct escort patrols across Northern Iraq to base defence duties, during what became one of the most intense periods faced by British forces in the region in recent years. Individuals received Wider Service and General Service Medals for other deployments such as Operation CABRIT to Estonia.
In total around 150 soldiers from B and C Company, both based in Lisburn, received their medals after completing tours between August 2025 and March 2026. Operating primarily as the UK Mobility Company, they provided armed protection to multinational advisers working with local security forces.
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