Nearly all the TV footage during the war with Iraq has been on the bombing of Baghdad or the march by troops through the country.

But there is a vital role also being played by the Royal Navy, which we are happy to highlight.

We have now adopted our namesake, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship The Argus, which is Britain's only hospital ship in the Gulf.

She is a floating hospital with two operating theatres and beds for 100 casualties.

In emergencies, she can take up to 750 troops.

Already, she has been in action during the war, tending to some of the casualties in the conflict, including three soldiers hurt by so-called friendly fire.

During the war, we will keep readers up to date with her role and the help she is giving to troops.

There is no doubt that anyone injured will be in good hands.

The ship carries scores of experienced staff, ranging from surgeons to doctors and nurses.

She will give equally good attention to Iraqi prisoners of war as to British combatants who have been injured.

The role of hospital ships during a war is vital because the aid it can give is close to the conflict.

It can save lives which might be lost if badly injured people have to be transported by plane on long journeys back to Britain.