'We were only following orders'. But whose orders?

Soldiers accused of abusing Iraqi prisoners implicate their superiors

The Chain of Command

The Chain of Command

Prime Minister Tony Blair

Tony Blair, who has suffered a serious backlash over taking Britain to war, yesterday condemned as "shocking and appalling" the photographs of alleged abuse by British troops.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon

Has yet to make any statement.

General Sir Mike Jackson

Chief of the General Staff (head of the Army). Had overview of the Iraq military operation, but control on the ground was left to Air Marshal Burridge. General Jackson said on Tuesday he "utterly condemned" all abuse.

Air Marshal Sir Brian Burridge

UK commander in Iraq. In charge of all forces. Based at US Central Command HQ. Ex-Nimrod pilot has since been promoted to Air Chief Marshal.

Chief of Staff Major-General Peter Wall

Chief of Staff to Air Marshal Burridge, he was in charge of battle strategy in Iraq, directing operations, including those undertaken by the Fusiliers. He would not have been expected to be involved in the day to day running of units.

Major-General Robin Brims

Commander of the UK Ground Forces in Iraq, consisting of 16 Air Assault Brigade, 3 Commando Brigade, and 7 Armoured Brigade. Later awarded a DSO.

16 Air Assault Brigade: 6,000-strong. Based in Colchester. Aviation and parachute capabilities.

3 Commando Brigade: 3,500-strong. Fighting force of the Royal Navy. Trained for combat in extreme conditions

7 Armoured Brigade: Desert Rats, commanded by Brigadier Graham Binns. Part of 1 UK Armoured Division, 17,000-strong in Iraq.

Lt Col David Paterson

Senior officer in the 7th Armoured Brigade, in charge of the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Reportedly approved Major Taylor's Operation Ali Baba to tackle looters. Awarded an OBE after Iraq war.

Major Dan Taylor: Assigned to the humanitarian aid camp Camp Bread Basket near Basra. Under his command, 100 British soldiers set out to capture looters to "work them hard". Court martial heard operation apparently breached the Geneva Convention. Due to give evidence today.

Lance Cpl Darren Larkin: Aged 30 from Oldham. Admits one charge of assaulting an Iraqi civilian and denies another of forcing two Iraqi males to undress.

Lance Cpl Mark Cooley: Aged 25 from Newcastle upon Tyne. Faces two counts of conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline and a further charge of disgraceful conduct.

Cpl Daniel Kenyon: Aged 33, from Newcastle upon Tyne, faces total of six charges. Among them is the charge that he allegedly forced two Iraqis to strip and simulate sex acts.