Hugh McManners: Saddam's position weakened by his troops' failure to blow bridges

If Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard are intent on defending Baghdad, they would have ensured the destruction of the vital bridges across which the US Army must cross. The rivers to the south of Baghdad offer a difficult natural obstacle to coalition forces but, with the normal bridges intact, a huge potential advantage has been thrown away.

We learnt yesterday that these bridges were prepared for destruction, with demolition charges in place. But for some inexplicable reason they were not detonated. This was a very severe omission by the Republican Guard, which has important implications for the taking of Baghdad.

Even though the Americans have bridging equipment, time and care are essential to put together a bridge strong enough for 60-ton tanks.For the defence of Baghdad the decision to blow should have been made by the Republican Guards' Corps Commander. Because the bridges were fully rigged for destruction, the demolition guard would have been in place waiting for the order.

As the demolition guard were members of Saddam's most elite forces, their failure is notable, to say the least. The longer the commander of the demolition guard stayed at his post, with American tanks rumbling ever closer, the more dangerous his position. He didn't dare blow the bridge without orders but didn't want to wait, so he left his post before the order to blow was given. The safest course of action was to cross the bridge towards US forces, rather than risk being a deserter in soon-to-be invaded Baghdad.

Such sensible fellows learnt well from their British mentors. Sandhurst, whose motto is "Serve to Lead", had the unofficial creed "Skive to Survive". Which makes me wonder if a similar sense of self-preservation will be exercised by the remainder of the Medina Division as it defends Baghdad.