A Sutton freelance photographer has been capturing images for the world's media from battle zones in Iraq.
Ric Cole has spent the past four months commanding the two-man combat camera team in Basra.
Working from the contingency operating base at Basra International Airport, the team has provided a "soldier's eye view" of combat operations.
"It has been an amazing tour of duty," said Ric.
"The combat camera team was with the first British troops back into Basra in support of the
Iraqi security forces' surge into the city.
"We have had the privilege of working closely with the Iraqis - they love being photographed!"
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Ric left the army last year after serving 12 years with the Royal Marines and the Royal Irish Regiment.
He is now a captain in the Media Operations Group (Volunteers) and was one of more than 550 army reservists serving in Iraq during the TA's centenary.
As well as documenting combat operations, his team has also photographed a British v Australian army cricket match for the Desert Ashes, supported a British Museum survey of Iraq's ancient sites and a Foreign and Commonwealth Office conference in Kuwait.
It has also covered visits to the area by senior officers and politicians, including Des Browne
and US Army General David Petraeus.
Ric's photographs and articles have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines and on the Internet and TV.
He added: "It does give an enormous sense of satisfaction when you see your work make it into print or on the TV. It reassures you that the risks you take to capture the images have been worth it."
Ric will soon be heading off to another of the world's combat zones. He is due to deploy to Afghanistan in July in support of the paras in Helmand province.
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