The First Gulf War: Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (17 January-28 February 1991)

The First Gulf War was triggered by Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invading and brutally occupying Kuwait, triggering an international response. A coalition of UN-sponsored allies, led by the USA, assembled to liberate Kuwait. The forces in the region included a British contingent, initially focusing on an Armoured Brigade, but eventually expanding to an Armoured Division, supported by maritime and air components. The Army presence included Royal Army Dental Corps officers and soldiers in clinical roles, but also as medical sub-unit commanders. A brief account of the field organisation of the Army Medical Services and the varied roles played by dental personnel leads into a short clinical report which provides epidemiological information on the dental health of the force and data on the treatment carried out. A description of the preparation for war is followed by a personal narrative of the land campaign.