Yes, I have noticed in Canada that there has been little discussion that there had been some Special forces in Iraq for it. It makes me feel ashamed of my country, like we will only be involved in an international situation/conflict if one of our own is at risk. [sarcasm]talk about selflessness[/sarcasm]

The BBC went into some detail on the Canadian element saying that there were elements of the Royal Mounted Police involved. I have also seen lots of other reports and heard from folk returning from Iraq that there are elements from the German, French, and other countries. It is not unusual and the elements provided are not usually regular troops but often special forces and other irregulars and observers as you suggest. The German elements are a mix of intelligence and recon units specialized in certain duties.

Indeed, it is now known that it was an American 'observer' in a Catalina flying-boat who sighted the Bismark, after it had sunk the Hood. This sighting led to the intense hunt, by Royal Navy battleships,cruisers, and the aircraft carrier, whose 'Stringbags' got a torpedo to hit the Bismark's rudder. The hit, which must be considered lucky (the luck created by courage) leftthe German vessel to go round in circles until it was attacked and sunk.

I'll make a bet that we had "observers" with the Brits in the Falklands campeign in 1983 as well.

Soldiers are not responsible for the stupidity of politicians, even though they often have to pay for that stupidity.

I remember during the debate in the run-up to the war former PM Chretien specifically said that Canadians on exchange with the US and UK would not be recalled. The Deputy CG of III Corps is a Canadian General.