Description
Object description
British NCO served with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Iraq, 2003-2005 and Afghanistan, 2007-2008; awarded George Cross for action in Afghanistan, 9/Feb/2008
Content description
REEL 1: Background in GB, 1983-2003: reason for joining Royal Marines; sporting activities; military tradition in family; attitude to duty and responsibility; attitude to fear. Aspects of operations with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Iraq, 2003-2005: description of first combat experience; problem of adjustment to life in GB after tour of duty; risk assessment during operations; coping with stress; opinion of training; physical fitness; comparison of Royal Marines with other military units; transferred to Royal Marines Reserve, 9/2005; motorcycle accident in GB; volunteered for service with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan; pre-deployment training; posted to Afghanistan, 9/2007. Aspects of operations as reconnaissance operator with 40 Commando Group's Commando Reconnaissance Force, Royal Marines in Afghanistan, 9/2007-2/2008: landed at Kandahar; description of Camp Bastion; deployed to FOB Inkerman; injured in road accident and evacuated to GB for medical treatment, 11/2007; returned to Afghanistan, 12/2007; morale and comradeship in 40 Commando; flew by helicopter from Camp Bastion to FOB Robinson, Musa Kala; part of multinational force; description of base and accommodation; climate and terrain.
REEL 2 Continues: daily routine and duties; foot patrols; size of patrols; use of vehicles; preparations for night patrol; kit and equipment; organisation of patrols; role as leader of four-man close target reconnaissance; briefing; left FOB Robinson c.0100 hrs, 9/Feb/2008; purpose of mission to search Taliban compound for IEDs; description of triggering grenade attached to trip wire and smothering grenade with own body and equipment; explosion of grenade and further explosions from secondary devices; extent of injuries; left compound and returned to patrol; story of Taliban fighter being killed; returned to FOB Robinson; debriefed; medical treatment at Camp Bastion; attitude to being recommended for gallantry award.
REEL 3: Aspects of period in GB, 2008: media coverage of action and reaction to being awarded George Cross; description of award ceremony at Buckingham Palace; citation; conversation with Queen; effect on life of winning George Cross; public appearances and charity work; contact with other members of team; question of returning to Afghanistan; opinion of media coverage of operations in Afghanistan.