Alex, a veteran participating in IWM's We Were There programme
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9 Questions...

  • Where do you call home?

    Chelmsford, although I’ve always been a bit rootless.

  • What conflict(s) do you discuss when volunteering for We Were There?

    Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

  • How were you involved in that conflict?

    Infantry Officer – from Platoon Commander to Battlegroup Chief of Staff.

  • How long have you been volunteering for WWT?

    A little over one year.

  • What do you enjoy most about participating in WWT?

    Engaging with children – especially when they ask insightful questions.

  • Tell us your favourite moment so far during the sessions?

    When a young girl asked me about the effect of my deployments on my children, and I had to blink back a tear as I answered.

  • What’s your favourite object in IWM’s collections and why?

    Too many to choose from! I was an RAF brat, so I’m obsessed by all types of aircraft.

  • What do you like to do in your spare time?

    Read, spend time with friends and family, and travel.

  • What is your favourite biscuit?

    Army issue Garibaldi from the ration packs – sadly they changed the recipe a few years ago.

Volunteers help bring to life the stories of our collections. Find out more. 

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Helicopter pilots in full flying kit on board HMS INVINCIBLE during Operation GRAPPLE, the British military deployment in support of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Bosnia (UNPROFOR). INVINCIBLE sailed for the Adriatic on 22 July 1993 to relieve HMS ARK ROYAL. She remained in theatre until 20 December, with No 800, 814, 846 and 849A Naval Air Squadrons embarked.
© IWM HU 92566
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© IWM MH 30549
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A Balloon Site, Coventry
© IWM (ART LD 2750)

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An interwar Earl Haig Fund 'Remembrance Day' poppy
© IWM (EPH 2313)

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