7th February 1991 General Sir Peter de la Billière giving a press conference in Riyadh during the build-up to war with Iraq.
Image details
Contributor:
Johnny Saunderson / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2WH38K1File size:
141 MB (2.7 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5866 x 8400 px | 49.7 x 71.1 cm | 19.6 x 28 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
7 February 1991Location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.More information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
Aged 56, despite being due for retirement, de la Billière was appointed on 6 October 1990 as Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in Operation Granby (the Gulf War), in effect the second-in-command of the multinational military coalition headed by US General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. His experience of fighting in the area, knowledge of the people and possession of some fluency in Arabic overrode concerns about his age. In this role he was largely responsible for persuading Schwarzkopf (who was initially sceptical) to allow the use of SAS and other special forces in significant roles in the conflict.