During the Iraqi Rebellion in 1941, No.2 Armoured Car Company RAF was part of the relief forces, and reached RAF Habbaniya as part of the Kingcol relief column on 18 May. Its advance was marked by brief but violent actions whilst under constant threat from snipers on a road that was blocked by anti-tank obstacles. The Company continued to provide the reconnaissance element for Kingcol and the advance on Baghdad. By the time the Armistice was agreed on 30 May the Company, under the command of Sqn Ldr Michael Casano who won an MC for his efforts in this theatre, was 10 miles from Baghdad. The Company established a base in Baghdad and then fought in Syria against Vichy French forces.