As people in Pembrokeshire began to wake up yesterday (Thursday) morning, news was breaking that 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' was underway.
President George Bush launched his war on Iraq with an attempt to take out Saddam Hussein and his inner circle of leaders.
With dawn rising over Baghdad, more than 40 cruise missiles began raining down just 90 minutes after the US deadline for Saddam to leave Iraq ran out.
The US decided to bring forward its timetable for war after information was received on the location of a particular command and control target.
A UK military command source said the air strikes were 'taking advantage of a window of opportunity'.
Thousands of Welsh servicemen are among those making up the awaiting invasion force.