The Boat Race continues to provide enduring appeal to a worldwide TV audience but, this year, it has also provided the catalyst for an event with a difference – due to take place in early April in Iraq.

Members of the Queen’s Colour Squadron (No 63 Squadron RAF Regiment) are already in full training for the BAS Boat Race - a Concept II indoor rowing race over the Boat Race distance (see our picture of them training under the desert skies).

This will feature teams from all three services based in Basrah. The squadron are hoping for some challenging competition from the local Army teams because, in the words of Flt Lieutenant Paul MacDonald (UK) RAF, “we’ve won every indoor rowing competition so far during our tour in Iraq”.

Viewers of ITV’s coverage of The Boat Race on 7th April will be able to see Paul and his “team” in action as they build up to their own “big race”.

After the end of their current operation the squadron will return to ceremonial duties conducting Public Duties of the London Palaces in early June.