The ground invasion of Iraq was preceded by air strikes on 19 March 2003 and on 20 March 2003 major ground operations began. This first stage of what became the Iraq War lasted just over one month and involved a coalition of forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland. This first stage of the Iraq War ended on 1 May 2003.

The United Kingdom’s National operational title for its participation in Op IRAQI FREEDOM was titled Operation TELIC, and the operational name continued to be used until 2011.