Iraq War hero who played major role in liberation of Basra now has job with Theresa May in Downing Street
Former Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Lieutenant Colonel Chris Brannigan will sell government policy from Whitehall to the business world
THERESA May has hired a Iraq War hero to her top team in No 10, The Sun can reveal.
Former Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Lieutenant Colonel Chris Brannigan commanded a tank squadron to liberate Basra in 2003.
He led the charge during Britain’s largest tank engagement since the Second World War.
But now he will fight Mrs May’s battles as Downing Street’s new External Affairs chief — selling government policy from Whitehall to the business world.
In early April 2003 British forces took control the Iraqi southern port Basra, routing out forces loyal to toppled tyrant Saddam Hussein.
Britain’s major assault on Iraq’s second city was led by tanks from Royal Scots Dragoon Guards battle group.
Lt Colonel Brannigan commanded a group of 14 Challenger 2 tanks that smashed their Iraqi opponents in the earliest days of the bloody conflict.
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2,000 troops backed by 40 tanks were greeted by rocket propelled grenades, Kalashnikov rifles and anti-tank missiles.
But the onslaught left 120 Iraqi fighters killed by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards battle group alone.
On the eve of battle, Lt Colonel Brannigan — then a Major — told the men under his command that they were “about to join a very exclusive club."
He added: “They know they are going to fight in a war and it will be a very big test in their lives, but one they can pass."
The army hard man told the BBC from the frontline: “When I was about to join the army my father gave me a choice of the Gurkhas or the Jocks, because they are the best fighters.”
Lt Colonel Brannigan’s appointment followers our revelation that Mrs May had hired a energy guru to boost the government's policy plans to drive down gas and electricity bills.
A No 10 source said they “were very pleased Chris has joined as Director of Government Relations, where he will manage relationships with business and campaign organisations.”