Anglo-Iraqi War

Anglo-Iraqi War. The Anglo-Iraqi War was a brief military conflict during the Second World War between the United Kingdom and the nationalist government of the Kingdom of Iraq. Fought primarily in May 1941, the war was triggered by the 1941 Iraqi coup d'état which installed a pro-Axis government under Rashid Ali al-Gaylani. The British Empire launched Operation Sabine to secure its vital strategic interests, including air bases and oil supplies, leading to the restoration of the pro-British Hashemite monarchy.

Background and causes

Tensions between the United Kingdom and Iraqi nationalists had been escalating since the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty (1930) granted formal independence but retained significant British military and economic privileges. The outbreak of the Second World War and the early successes of the Axis powers in the Western Desert campaign and the Balkans campaign emboldened anti-British factions within the Iraqi Army, particularly the nationalist Golden Square officers. The 1941 Iraqi coup d'état ousted the pro-British Regent Abd al-Ilah and installed Rashid Ali al-Gaylani as Prime Minister, who immediately sought support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The British government, led by Winston Churchill, viewed the coup as a direct threat to its communications through the Suez Canal and its critical oil supplies from the Kirkuk fields, managed by the Iraq Petroleum Company.

Course of the war

Hostilities began on 2 May 1941 when Iraqi forces besieged the Royal Air Force base at RAF Habbaniya, west of Baghdad. The garrison, comprising training aircraft and the 1st King's Own Royal Regiment, launched a pre-emptive aerial assault. A relief column, Habforce, was assembled from troops in the British Mandate for Palestine and began its advance under Major-General George Clark. Key engagements included the Battle of Fallujah and actions along the Euphrates River. Concurrently, a German and Italian air mission, Flyer Command Iraq, arrived via Vichy French-controlled Syria but provided limited support. The decisive factor was the rapid advance of the main British relief force, Iraqforce, from Basra, commanded by Lieutenant-General Edward Quinan. By 31 May, British forces entered Baghdad, and Rashid Ali's government collapsed.

British and Allied involvement

The British response was directed from Middle East Command in Cairo under General Archibald Wavell, though operational control fell to India Command and Lieutenant-General Edward Quinan. Ground forces included the 10th Indian Infantry Division, elements of the British Indian Army like the 21st Indian Infantry Brigade, and the Arab Legion contingent from the Transjordan. The Royal Air Force deployed squadrons from RAF Shaibah and RAF Habbaniya, flying aircraft such as the Hawker Audax and Gloster Gladiator. Key units like Habforce and the Kingcol flying column were instrumental in the relief of RAF Habbaniya. Limited support also came from the Royal Australian Air Force and Free French forces.

Iraqi forces and politics

The Iraqi military, numbering approximately four divisions, was led by figures like Colonel Salah al-Din al-Sabbagh of the Golden Square. Key formations included the 3rd Division at Fallujah and the 1st Division near Baghdad. The irregular Futuwwa militia also participated. Politically, the regime of Rashid Ali al-Gaylani sought legitimacy through a nominal alliance with the former Regent but was fundamentally a nationalist military government. It received diplomatic recognition from the Soviet Union and limited direct military aid from Nazi Germany, including aircraft from Fliegerführer Irak and arms shipments through Syria.

Aftermath and consequences

The swift British victory reinstalled the Hashemite monarchy, with Regent Abd al-Ilah returning to power. A pro-British government was formed under Prime Minister Jamil al-Midfai. The conflict had immediate strategic repercussions, prompting the Allies to invade and occupy Vichy French-controlled Syria and Lebanon in the Syria–Lebanon campaign to deny the Axis further bases. Politically, the defeat discredited the nationalist officers of the Golden Square, with several, including Salah al-Din al-Sabbagh, later executed. The war ensured continued British control over Iraqi oil and military bases for the remainder of the Second World War, notably supporting the Persian Corridor for Lend-Lease aid to the Soviet Union. However, it also entrenched anti-British sentiment, contributing to the instability that culminated in the 14 July Revolution of 1958.

Category:World War II Category:Wars involving the United Kingdom of War