Gulf War 1990-1991
17 January 2021 marks thirty years since the start of Operation Desert Storm, the military response by a US-led coalition of 35 nations against Iraq’s illegal occupation of neighbouring Kuwait in August 1990. The UN Security Council had set 15 January 1991 as the deadline for an Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, with which Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein failed to comply.
A full-scale war unfolded when coalition forces began military operations against Iraq in the early hours of 17 January 1991, beginning with a devastating 42-day aerial bombing campaign against Iraqi military targets in Kuwait and the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. On 24 February 1991, coalition ground forces moved from Saudi Arabia against Iraqi positions, destroying what was left of Iraq’s ability to resist. After two further days of air strikes, Baghdad radio announced Saddam’s forces had been ordered to withdraw from Kuwait to the positions they had occupied before 2 August 1990. As they did so, they set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells and dumped millions of barrels of oil into the Persian Gulf. Less than 100 hours after the commencement of ground operations, a ceasefire was declared on 28 February 1991.
Australia was one of the 35 nations that contributed to the Gulf War. Of the 1800 ADF members who deployed to the region in 1990 and 1991, most were members of the Royal Australian Navy. They had helped to enforce UN economic sanctions against Iraq through naval blockade (HMAS Adelaide and Darwin), provided air defence for the US carrier battle group in the Persian Gulf (HMAS Brisbane and Sydney) and carried out sustainment and logistical support for coalition vessels (HMAS Success and Westralia). Some 20 members of the Australian Defence Force participated in Operation Desert Storm, attached to US and British formations, and four ADF surgical teams served aboard the US hospital ship Comfort.
After the ceasefire, RAN clearance divers from CDT3 deployed to Kuwait, where they cleared a number of ports of mines, explosive devices and ordnance left over from the Iraqi occupation. In May 1991, 75 ADF personnel deployed to Northern Iraq to help provide humanitarian relief to millions of Kurds displaced by ongoing turmoil in the aftermath of the conflict. Between 1991 and 1999, some 175 ADF personnel deployed to Iraq with UNSCOM – the UN mission that sought to oversee Iraq’s compliance with the destruction of its chemical, biological and missile weapons facilities.
Gulf War
Centenary of Service
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We want to hear from you
Thirty years on from the Gulf War, the Memorial would love to hear from veterans who participated in these events and may have objects, photographs or stories of their time in the Middle East Region they might donate to the National Collection.
Collection Items
Photos, artwork and objects from the Memorial's Collection
Missile in the ready position on HMAS Adelaide in the Persian Gulf. c 1991
Gulf of Oman, c. 1990-12. Taking a break from their duties, two Electrical Technical Systems (ETS) crewmen aboard the Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Brisbane enjoy a recreational game of chess in the room where they work.
The USS Russell (no. 59), an Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyer, sails in Gulf waters while on duty shortly after the end of the Gulf War.
Astern of the RAN Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Brisbane (foreground), the USS New Orleans (left), an Iwo Jima class Amphibious Assault Ship, is about to be refuelled by the USS Platte, a Cimarron class Fleet Oiler, which is largely hidden by the Brisbane. The three ships are serving with Battle Force Zulu in the Gulf War, HMAS Brisbane as part of Australia's Operation Damask.
The replenishment oiler HMAS Westralia, upon arriving in the Persian Gulf in January 1991
Australian medical team member talks to the Kurds driven from their homes by the Iraqis. The 75 member Australian contingent for Operation Habitat, the multinational humanitarian relief mission, provided medical and other health care to the Kurds of the Gir-i-Pit region north of the city of Dahuk. Northern Iraq. 1991-06-13.
Two Iraqi silkworm missiles recovered and rendered safe by CTD3 in Kuwait following the Gulf War.
Probably Muscat. A RAN Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter stands on the aft deck of the Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Sydney. In the foreground is the bow of the Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Brisbane above which the Australian flag is flying. The two ships are berthed bow-to-stern at a wharf in the port of Muscat. They are making a brief visit to the port during their deployment to the Persian Gulf to serve in the Gulf War as part of Operation Damask.
For Army medical officer Captain Tam Tran, of Durack, Qld, the recent Australian humanitarian relief mission to help the Kurds of northern Iraq brought back many memories. She had migrated to Australia from Vietnam as an 11-year old refugee. As part of the Australian contingent of Operation Habitat, she was able to provide medical care to Kurds who had fled their homes earlier this year to escape the Iraqi Army. Captain Tran, a doctor with the 1st Field Hospital, serves at Ingleburn, NSW.
United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) members wearing various chemical protective suits. Left to Right: British Pattern (desert camouflage), Czech POO suit, British Pattern (AUSCAM) and French suit. Muthanna, Iraq. 1992-09-16.
Flames and smoke issue from alcohol filled Al Hussein nerve agent warheads for SCUD missiles, burning after demolition by an explosive charge. These warheads were destroyed by members of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) under the United Nations (UN) mandate which required the destruction of everything related to chemical warfare.
Port bow view of HMAS Brisbane (41) at the dock. Dubai, Persian Gulf.
Crew of the Adelaide-class guided missile frigate HMAS Sydney in dock at Dubai, January 1991.
Australian medical team member, one of the 75 member contingent for Operation Habitat, the multinational humanitarian relief mission aimed at helping to ease the suffering of the Kurds driven from their homes this year by the Iraqis. Northern Iraq. 1991-06-13.
Wearing protective clothing against chemical contamination, United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) members Warrant Officer Dirk Van Gent, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Chemical Disposal Member, and Acting Squadron Leader Peter Bruce RAAF, return to the hotline for decontamination after working in the 122mm nerve agent destruction pit. UNSCOM, operating under a UN mandate, was destroying all ordnance related to chemical and conventional warfare.
Copyright holder of image : Henry Arvidsson (www.henryarvidsson.com) / UNSCOM
Depicts two vessels, HMAS Sydney and HMAS Brisbane, a guided missile frigate and a destroyer , alongside the wharf at shore station HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, on their way to the Middle East , at the beginning of the First Gulf War. An unidentified naval vessel (a tug) is beside the ships. Lynne Norton is the daughter of Second World War and Korea official artist, Frank Norton.
A protest poster campaigning against the First Gulf War (1990-91). Produced by the 'Bring the Frigates Home Coalition' it advertises a rally and march, proclaiming 'No Gulf War' and urging people to assemble at the US consulate 10.30am Sat 26th January. 1991.
The Kuwait Liberation Medal issued by the Government of Saudi Arabia to all who served as part of the coalition forces to liberate Kuwait. It is the only foreign award recognising the Gulf War officially approved by the Australian government.
Al Hussein Scud missile penetrator nose cone. The cap came from one of the many missiles that were destroyed by UNSCOM at Al Muthanna under their mandate to investigate and destroy all weapons of mass destruction after the 1991 Gulf War.
Three L4A1 anti nerve agent self injection combo pens (expended for safety reasons). These were a part of the NBC individual protection equipment issued to personnel serving in the Gulf War.
Flying helmet worn by Lieutenant Commander Mike 'Irish' Macneill, as Seahawk helicopter observer on HMAS Sydney in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War.
Explore the bridge of HMAS Brisbane
using google street view
On Closer Inspection
Explore the Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide class FFG frigate and take a closer look at HMAS Sydney IV both inside and out. Click on pop up icons to see archival photos, watch videos, hear audio recordings, and uncover the stories behind one of the most capable warships in Australian Navy history.
Designed for long-range escort roles and equipped to undertake air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance duties the Adelaide class FFG is considered by many to be one of the most capable warships in the Royal Australian Navy’s history.
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Royal Australian Navy records of the First Gulf War
Back in 1990 as I was flying back to Australia after a month in England I noticed the flight path took the plane over the Middle East. I didn’t think much of it at the time, as the Earth usually does from 20,000 feet, the area looked serene. Little did I know that in less than two weeks this serenity would be broken on 2 August 1990 when Saddam Hussein’s armies rolled into Kuwait and started what was to become the First Gulf War 1990-1991.