Each of the deaths in question occurred after the 2003 invasion which toppled dictator Saddam Hussein

British soldiers who fought in Iraq are facing 11 investigations over their “conduct”, it emerged last night.

The hearings have been ordered by the Ministry of Defence into the deaths of 11 civilians after the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Each hearing will last an average of three months, costing in total £11million.

The probe into operations in Iraq comes after Royal Marine Sgt Alexander Blackman was jailed for executing a wounded Taliban insurgent in Afghanistan.

More than 60,000 people have pledged their support on a website for him after he was given 10 years’ jail.

Ex-marine Lord John Burnett also attacked the decision to identity Blackman, 39, of 42 Commando based in Plymouth, referred to ­previously as Marine A.

One supporter posted online he had been “misjudged and railroaded into the role of scapegoat”.

An ex-serviceman claimed it had happened before: “This happened a couple of times in the Falklands.

“This killing only came out because of the headcam recording.”

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Murder conviction: Sergeant Alexander Blackman