Letters from the Front: From the First World War to the Present Day

by Roberts, Andrew

  Luckily every other man was carrying a 1 litre Hartmans Drip – these saved a lot of the guys with burns. Later on today we’re going back to ‘Bluff Cove’ by chopper for a memorial service. The wreck of the ship will be towed out to sea and sunk as an official war grave.

  I lost nearly all my kit – I got away in what I was wearing. The lads from 2 Para who put us up for the night in their sheep shed were fantastic. Some of them stayed up all night making us tea. Next day we were choppered out to HMS Intrepid where we rested and [were] issued new kit.

  Don’t know how long before we get home but in the meantime we are doing a Northern Ireland type job in Stanley – patrolling – chatting up the locals – checking possible booby traps etc. Mines are still a big problem. They won’t let us use Argies to find them! Looking after the POWs was a bit like giving treatment to the people in Cusichaca who had stolen from us – crazy.

  Still that’s life – that’s war and I’ve had enough of this one for the moment. Not sure when I’ll be home – about six weeks they say – we’ll see. Hope to see you then. Give my love to Exmouth.

  Love and best wishes,

  Andy

  During the 1990s war broke out once more in mainland Europe as the collapse of Yugoslavia saw conflict in Croatia in 1991, and then a bitter internal struggle in Bosnia from 1992 until 1995. Foreign powers sought to intervene to protect, initially through the auspices of the United Nations and from 1995 through the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) with a more robust mandate.

  Captain Peter Caddick-Adams is a military historian who served with the British Army in Bosnia in 1996. Although initially attached to the 1st Mechanised Brigade and 20th Armoured Brigade HQ, he later became a historian at the headquarters of the International Stabilisation Force (IFOR).

  HQ 1st Mechanised Brigade, Operation Resolute, SIPOVO, Bosnia

  BFPO 538

  31 July 1996

  Dear Nigel,

  I trust this finds you well and prospering… My latest news, as my address indicates, is that I was mobilised from the TA nearly 2 months ago, for a 6 month stint with the Regular Army in Bosnia. I landed here on the morning of the 55th anniversary of Operation Barbarossa, and so far, all is going well, working in a brigade HQ – so now I can see how all the nuts and bolts go together for real!...

  Because of the landmine threat (6 million of ’em scattered about, we are told), movement is restricted to a very few roads, each of which have names like the trenches of the Great War, which reflect the identity of their uses. The Americans drive along routes called ‘Arkansas’, ‘Utah’ or ‘Kentucky’. The Brits have named theirs ‘Hornblower’, or ‘Salmon’ but the Dutch – well they cruise along a road called ‘Clog’!

  I often drive past the confrontation lines resembling Ypres or the Somme in 1919–20, abandoned here only last October. It’s as though Blitzkrieg was never invented – twin sets of trenches, and communications trenches separated by No Man’s Land, crater-ridden. Bunkers with log and turf roofs are set into hillsides. Artillery positions, with horse-shoe shaped low walls of stones, turf and sandbags, are dotted around, still strewn with shell cases and ammunition boxes. Bits of equipment, helmets, a lone boot etc, litter the area. Unfortunately we may look but not touch because of the booby traps/landmine threat out here. I am reading Siegfried Sassoon and one or two other choice favourites in the quiet moments. The wanton destruction of homes and villages is initially distressing – either by battle damage, or ethnic cleansing. In Sipovo, where I am based, all shops were gutted and looted, and most houses at least lost their roofs. Now the 1st shops are starting up again – just trestle tables of vegetables or cigarettes outside gutted buildings – possibly like Normandy or Germany in 1944–5.

  Stay in touch, best wishes,

  Pete Caddick-Addams

  In August 1990 Iraqi President Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of the neighbouring state of Kuwait, setting on course a train of events that would lead to the deployment of over 45,000 British troops to the region as part of a vast UN-authorised, US-led coalition.

  Saddam Hussein had used chemical weapons during the Iran–Iraq war of the 1980s, and there was a fear that these would be deployed against coalition soldiers, as Private Neil Robertshaw vividly describes in a letter home from December 1990.

  2/3-12-90

  Dear Eric & Edith,

  I hope you’re all fine and that Julie settles in at her new flat. At the moment I’m still at Baldrick lines. It now takes only 3–4 days for letters to get here but parcels will take up to 2 weeks…

  At the moment Baldrick lines are on white alert and not yellow. Although saying that everyone’s hearts dropped a beat or ten this morning when we all went to Red alert.

  What happened was as our company (and other ordnance companies) was preparing for the St Barbaras Day church parade. There was suddenly shouts from everywhere and people sprinting about. People were shouting ‘NBC attack, NO DUFF, there’s four SCUDs on their way here’ – NBC (chemicals), NO DUFF (it’s for real) SCUD B’s (high explosive/chemical long range missiles capable of travelling from Iraq to here in 6 minutes which is 150 miles away).

  So you can imagine that everyone was frightened to say the least. I raced to my chemical suit and put it on with my heart thundering and then applied my respirator and went to my platoon’s lines where we were accounted for. All this took place in 4 minutes. For the next 2 minutes we waited for the impact which never came.

  Apparently what happened was 4 Scud B’s were spotted on radar and the alert was sounded, but the Iraqi’s were only carrying out firing tests on their own ranges in Iraq. The popular belief was that they were going to fire on Israel who would return fire with nuclear armaments!

  When everything returned to normal sighs of relief were heard in every direction and some other words I won’t repeat.

  It’s now 5.00am (I’m on guard again) so I can write some more letters.

  The Yanks have 24 patriot missiles aimed towards Iraq only 150mtrs down the road and they reckon they’ve a 97% chance of knocking out the scuds well before they reach here.

  Well that’s all I can think of for now. I just can’t wait to get my head down when I come off guard at half seven.

  Anyway, take care and lots of love,

  Neil

  xxx

  Following months of preparation, the assault on Iraqi positions in Kuwait was launched on the night of 16/17 January 1991, with an aerial bombing campaign targeting Iraqi air defence and command and control positions.

  Lieutenant Richard Whitticase served with a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers unit (REME) attached to the 1st (UK) Armoured Division and wrote home on the outbreak of war.

  Some place

  17 Jan 91

  Dear Di & Ian,

  Sorry if my writing is a bit funny – it’s night and this is a LED torch job. Well it seems that we’re at war. We weren’t told anything officially – all I know is what I’ve heard on the BBC World Service – 100 cruise missiles and over 1,000 bomber sorties.

  The only effect on us was an air raid warning when a Scud B was launched this morning. It was a bit inconvenient having to dive into my trench because I’d just heated the water to have a shave. However, at least with scuds their time of flight is only a few minutes so after 10 minutes it must have landed somewhere else so you can come out from under cover.

  I’m losing weight which is a bit worrying. I’m always starving – the food is still good but there’s never enough… If you have any spare food send it over! I find it really tiring just walking about. Walking on sand is always hard work anyway and as our vehicles are so dispersed over a large area, I’m walking miles every day.

  This is my last but one bluey, so you’re quite privileged…

  How is all this affecting the people back home? Last time I was in England, I got the impression that most people were not very interested. It didn’t affect them and it was all very remote. John Major seems to be doing a good
job. Kinnock and Kohl should be shot. At least the French are doing their bit.

  Anyway keep writing.

  Love,

  Richard x

  Although there had been fears before the start of the land campaign that the Iraqi forces would prove a tough challenge for the coalition, in the event the land battle only lasted four days from 24 to 28 February as the coalition forces outclassed their Iraqi opponents.

  Sergeant Pete MacPherson-Smith of the 3rd Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment, was based in the UK throughout the First Gulf War, but corresponded regularly with men of the 1st Battalion who were out in the Gulf, and some of them wrote to him describing their exploits in the land battle.

  Dear Pete,

  Well we cried havoc and they let us loose. It was, I must say, my kind of war with very little coming this way, but a fucking lot going that. Actually apart from about 5 or 6 battles that we got involved with (1st Bn) the bastard tanks got into the en posn before us and we got stuck with the flaming EPW (en Prisoners of War) and what a sight. On talking to the EPW they had been conscripted ten days before and dumped in the front, where upon their officer legged it back to Baghdad. They didn’t cause many problems, although they were not able to tell us where the anti-personnel mines were, but we soon found out. One of the trucks found one and then the rotten bastards made me ride around in the APC [Armoured Personnel Carrier] until I’d cleared a route. Some bloody mate. (Actually, the pressure of the tracks set them off and we couldn’t feel anything.)

  Then came the Rep Gt they kicked it into touch when we told them Jonny Reeves was coming.

  I nearly got to fire my .50 cal one night in an ambush, but would you believe it C Coy and Milan got in first again.

  The above action was where young Moult was killed, the bastards had started to surrender, but as it got dark one of them fired an RPG7 [Rocket Propelled Grenade] which got him in the upper chest. I think C Coy showed tremendous restraint because apart from killing the bastard who fired it they took the rest prisoner.

  We have eventually ended up north of Kuwait City blocking their main escape route to Basra. By the time we got here there were only a few minor skirmishes. The place is a complete wreck [of] tanks, bodies, APCs, bodies, AA guns and more bodies and yes our first tank clean up! Primarily the bodies and before you ask I’ve got your share of teeth in my webbing.

  To top it all it’s now pissing down with rain and the Prats want us to stand around and listen to the PM’s ‘boots fit, letters from home etc etc crap’.

  We wanted to play football but can’t find a space without cluster bombs in it (courtesy of the RAF).

  All in all we didn’t do too bad only 2 dead and about 4 or 5 injured, but upon reading this it wasn’t as easy as it sounds and I must admit I wouldn’t want to do it again.

  Well Pete, that’s all for now…

  See you soon,

  Steve

  PS Translated ‘if the bastards don’t get us home soon there’ll be another revolution’.

  Tues 5th March 9.30am

  Hi there Pete,

  Well we can finally shove this war right up Tony Benn’s arse and pack the bastard off to Baghdad now it’s over…

  Well as the war went there was some hell-raising times and we spent most of the time on the move advancing on positions. But we performed brilliantly when called upon. My crew and vehicle was responsible [for] taking out the most enemy tanks/APCs in one attack, 5 in less than 5 minutes, all kills, good hey. We were out on the flanks and came in on the unprotected rear of a div position and took out the tanks from 1,600–1,700m. We were so chuffed.

  We were all slightly pissed off when the cease fire was announced as we were on a high and heading for the retreating Republican Guard, it would have made my day to take out some T72s but never mind.

  Well Pete you had a few drinks on us to celebrate over victory, well I tell you what mate, there [will] be some more done as soon as I get back that I promise.

  You’re a real friend Pete and have kept me going in the right spirit through this war and for that truly thank you…

  Tomorrow we meet the Prime Minister so I’ll say hello for you mate. Pete, don’t write any more as I don’t plan on being here to receive them by that stage.

  Cheers,

  Tomo

  A decade later British forces found themselves in the Gulf once more as part of another US-led coalition. This time the target was Iraq itself.

  Lance-Corporal Iain McMenemy of the Scots Guards was one of those who took part in the initial invasion of Iraq in March 2003, as British troops headed towards the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

  Dear Mark, Alison and Katie,

  Thanks for taking the trouble to write to me. You would not believe how your spirits are lifted when you receive post.

  The war started in the early hours of Thursday 20th March and we rolled over the border from Kuwait into Iraq on Friday 21st at 1255. War is shit.

  You live on your nerves the whole time. The rag-heads are using dirty tricks like wearing civilian clothes or suicide bombers etc. So it is hard to tell who is who. We are also confused by the fact that we are under orders to be extra nice to the civilian population. We don’t know who is who.

  Only 4 days ago I caught a guy passing through a checkpoint with an AK-47 rifle down his side. I caught a glimpse of the bayonet under his robes.

  We are constantly missiled with Scuds and mortars and RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenades). Pretty hairy! And if they don’t get us, the Yanks will! Daft cowboy bastards (sorry Katie).

  Parenthood seems to be treating you well. You probably have a tougher time than me. You’ll get less sleep! I hope I can get home in time for your pilgrimage to Scotland in May. I have no idea when I will be released. It all depends how long this war phase lasts.

  If I am still here I am sure Pearl and Jamie will entertain you.

  Your dad has probably shot more Arabs than me but we can swap war stories one day…

  Thanks again for writing, you are true friends!

  Love Iain xxx

  X – big kiss for Katie

  Far from being a short-term operation, it wasn’t until 2009 that British combat troops finally withdrew from Iraq.

  One of those deployed on what became known as Operation Telic was Major Nick Lock, who was commander of B Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He and his men were based in Az Zubayr to the south of Basra in 2004.

  8 July 2004

  Dear Alan,

  Well we are three months into our tour and still not halfways through yet, a seven month tour is going to prove a long hot summer! I think we are getting used to the heat now as it is touching the fifties and we are still able to operate although you rapidly get soaked through. Apparently July and August are the ‘Hell Months’ as the locals say, so I may regret my comments above very rapidly. Aircon in our rooms give a good deal of relief when you come in off patrol.

  The handover of power seems to have gone off OK with Paul Bremmer doing something right in handing over early. In the south after a quiet period our local roadside bomber is back with two bombs in three days. We were lucky again with no casualties unlike the unfortunate Fusilier from the RHF [Royal Highland Fusiliers] in Basra the other day. It is a sobering reminder that up until now British troops have been very lucky, despite a lot of battle casualties we have had very few deaths. We have now handed over responsibility for much of the security in the town to the Iraqi police so we will have to see how they do on their own. I think in many cases they may go back to their old ways. A station commander informed me today that he had got nothing out of a hijacker who had attacked an isolated police station but after a few slaps he had sung like a bird! I had to remind him that that is how Saddam dealt with people and that the people here would rapidly lose any respect for them if it continued.

  Our efforts are now concentrated on stopping the terrorists blowing up the oil pipelines and stopping smuggling and hijacking. We have had some notable successes with s
muggling recently breaking up an illegal fuel documentation market and making forty-four arrests. This is still the tip of the iceberg as it is believed that sixty per cent of all the fuel produced is being smuggled away.

  The local elections have been on – off – on and off again over the last week. We now hope that they will take place at the end of next week. We have done enough work towards preparing the police and ourselves for the elections that we just want to get them out the way now and once in place we hope that the Iraqis will start to take responsibility for their own affairs. I will be pleased if it means that I will no longer be the stand in mayor of Az Zubayr! I am also about to be an honorary sheik of one of the local tribes whose head is also chairman of the tribal council. Apparently they have the full outfit ready to go, Lawrence of Arabia here I come, just have to make sure I don’t become too eccentric in the process!

  Only three weeks to go to R&R [rest and recuperation] now so that will definitely keep me sane, can’t wait to see Sarah and Jack who I am sure will have really changed. No real holiday plans at present just time at home relaxing with the family which will make a wonderful change.