Burridge was in overall command of British forces under Operation Telic during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In June 2003, Burridge appeared before the Commons Defence Select Committee, telling MPs of delays in distributing equipment to troops in Iraq and of his role in vetoing potentially controversial air strikes while he was in command in Iraq. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath "for gallant and distinguished services whilst on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003" on 31 October 2003.