Tribute to a UK soldier who died in Iraq

[Flibb]

Found this on another forum. Its a tribute video made in the memory of a normal bloke that died during the defence of Cimic House in Al Amarah in August 2004.

LINKY

Thought I would post this not as a do you agree/disagree type thing, but just to get people think about our military personnel that are in the middle of it all. I am extremly glad that my mate that was out there came back unhurt.

Bit of background from the Guardian below

Soldiers from the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment and the Royal Welch Fusiliers were repeatedly attacked in August by Mahdi militia, supporters of the radical Shia cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr. The attacks were triggered by US military action elsewhere in Iraq, notably attempts to seize the holy city of Najaf.

A force of 500 militia in Amara carried out assaults on Cimic House, the British army base in Amara, and bombarded the Pink Palace, the seat of local government, for 23 days, according to military sources.

They fired more than 500 mortar rounds at Cimic House, more than 50 rocket-propelled grenades in 86 firefights. "I've stood before a company of soldiers who have the same haunted gaze as soldiers from the second world war and Korean war because they've been subjected to the most extraordinary events which to a large degree have gone unreported," Brigadier Andrew Kennett, commander of the 1st Mechanised Brigade, told Soldier magazine.

Couple more vids

Bomb disposal to some rather good music

Out for a drive in Iraq

[Kezzer]

I have really strong personal points of view on this. It seems everyone in Britain is very biased on the points of view of who's in that war. Do remember that there are innocent people being killed in their home country everyday by invading troops - if you really want to see then check out some of those sick websites (which I won't post links to) which clearly show what really happens in this war.

I feel more sorrow for the innocent Iraq people who are dying in their homes due to invading troops.

Most people would disagree with me though mainly because they're too proud of their country to understand what's happening in the real world

[Flibb]

I think you have read the majority of Britain the wrong way, most people I know believe we shouldn't have got involved in Iraq in the first place. Hopefully it might make people think a bit more when they hear about our troops in combat, and what the people we vote for are getting them into.

[sybrows]

I have really strong personal points of view on this. It seems everyone in Britain is very biased on the points of view of who's in that war. Do remember that there are innocent people being killed in their home country everyday by invading troops - if you really want to see then check out some of those sick websites (which I won't post links to) which clearly show what really happens in this war.

I feel more sorrow for the innocent Iraq people who are dying in their homes due to invading troops.

Most people would disagree with me though mainly because they're too proud of their country to understand what's happening in the real world

I completely agree my first thought when viewing that vid was "what about the people at the other end of that gun"

BrOw

[yamangman]

I think you have both read the majority of Britain wrong and don't realise that they are completely apathetic.

[Kezzer]

Towards their British soldiers. I don't want to make it sound like I'm generalising, it's just the majority of people I know are more concerned about what happens to invading troops rather than the innocent victims.

[iranu]

Err of course they are more concerned with their country's soldiers. This country's soldiers are made up of the British public. It could have been you or me if we had chosen to join the army.

People feel for the average British squaddie because he has no choice but to do this governments bidding - it's his job and they just get on with it.

I also think that people must realise that the British army is the most highly trained army in the world when it comes to peace keeping and counter insurgency. The Britsish are not wandering around Basra killing women and children for kicks and arguing over who killed the most Iraqi's that day as some people would love to believe.

[Jonny]

I've signed on the line and am committed to attending the TA whilst at Uni and then completing at least 5 years active regular Army (not TA) service after passing out of RMA Sandhurst.

About 8 people on the coalition forces are killed every day in Iraq (Britain, America and Australia, mainly). A lot more Iraqi's are killed. Do you really think that the public are that clued up as to what is going on out there?

When our guys are under attack and all they can see is smoke, people, and rockets going off, you can understand why mistakes are made. It really annoys me when people don't understand this.

Our guys could be faced with a murder charge if they shoot the wrong guy (i.e. an Iraqi civillian), and think of the mental consequences as well. They really don't mean to do it, but mistakes can be made.

Don't believe everything you read!

On a different note, I have a massive collection of videos like those above, including a hi-res version of the PWRR video. PM me if you want any, they're good watching.

[vincent]

In all wars theres casualities....

War isnt the answer because Americas in threat of loosing it's Oil Econamy....

If Iraq didnt have any Natural Resources [Oil,Coal] then no one would give a damm.....

And The Extremists have taken religion to another Dimension..... they say "Allah told me to do it" yeh Gods talking to nutters like you huh

Peace to all those who tradgically lost their lifes Under The Queens reign

[Kezzer]

About 8 people on the coalition forces are killed every day in Iraq (Britain, America and Australia, mainly). A lot more Iraqi's are killed. Do you really think that the public are that clued up as to what is going on out there?

When our guys are under attack and all they can see is smoke, people, and rockets going off, you can understand why mistakes are made. It really annoys me when people don't understand this.

Our guys could be faced with a murder charge if they shoot the wrong guy (i.e. an Iraqi civillian), and think of the mental consequences as well. They really don't mean to do it, but mistakes can be made.

Don't believe everything you read!

Surely the same goes for you too? As in, don't believe everything you hear. That's like saying "52% of figures are made up on the spot". It just doesn't work. You can't go placing facts somewhere and saying "don't believe everything you read" when surely you would've heard such facts from figures or something you read? That's a complete contradiction

[Norky]

I've signed on the line and am committed to attending the TA whilst at Uni and then completing at least 5 years active regular Army (not TA) service after passing out of RMA Sandhurst.

Good luck to you, I've got my RCB briefing coming up soon

I don't really see what this argument has to do with the troops. They are doing a job as best they can, a job that they've been ordered to do. The real problem is the insurgents and militant groups in Iraq delaying to pull-out of coalition forces.

[5cupa]

Although I don't particularly like the way in which the video is montaged together I still think you should pay the respect to the guy whose tribute it is. not go off on one about the wrongs and rights of the war. there's plenty of threads for that.

[Jonny]

Surely the same goes for you too? As in, don't believe everything you hear. That's like saying "52% of figures are made up on the spot". It just doesn't work. You can't go placing facts somewhere and saying "don't believe everything you read" when surely you would've heard such facts from figures or something you read? That's a complete contradiction

I'm not getting my information from newspapers though.
I meet people every day who are returning from Iraq and have experienced it first hand. I know people who have been shot (and lived to tell the tale), or have had to return fire at an enemy.
Now how is believing that incorrect?

EDIT:

Good luck to you, I've got my RCB briefing coming up soon

Good luck to you too! RCB is actually very fun! Let us know how you get on.

[Daymonkey]

He died for his country, hats off to him.