Experiences of the Gulf War
(from a Lance Corporal Serving in the Royal Irish Regiment)

There has been a lot of media coverage of the latest American/British coalition war on Iraq. However, I wish to record the following account as a soldier returned safely from the Gulf.
Prior to departure my Regiment (The Royal Irish Regiment) had approximately one months preparation before embarking by air to our destination in Kuwait. (The equipment, vehicles, etc. were transported by sea). Preparations included precautions against Malaria in tablet form, and inoculations against Anthrax (4 in total over a 24 week period).

Upon my arrival in Kuwait, stationed on the Iraq/Kuwait border, I awaited the inevitable order for hostilities to commence. And so it came! The American forces advanced towards Basra – took the city, and my Regiment’s particular duties ranged from guarding the GOSPs (GAS OIL SEPARATION PLANTS) against destruction, to ensuring the protection of local hospitals from Iraqi civilian looters. (These establishments were the only sources of anything of real value).

I found one of the most fatiguing exercises to be the Chemical Warfare Training. It was very restrictive and caused breathing difficulties and temperature fluctuation. The longest bearable period of wearing the protective clothing, etc. would have been approximately 45 minutes at a time. Gadgets were used for measuring chemical substances in the air, and thankfully there was none present on any occasion that the alert was given. It would have been hard to envisage what would have been worse, the protection and precautions or the chemicals.

As the days passed more and more Iraqi surrender parties emerged and were held in compounds guarded by the British contingent of the coalition in the Basra area.The local Iraqi people gave the liberating troops a real welcome. The only barrier was communication – very few spoke English, and these were mainly professional people, e.g. doctors, lawyers, etc.
I was in the war zone for three months from March to May, and this was to me a bonus, as I had been told to expect at least six months duration.

I was surprised that the confrontation lasted so short a time, with so little resistance. Casualties amongst troop personnel were very low, thankfully, although Iraqi resistance fighters suffered high numbers of casualties. Civilian casualties were very low, albeit propaganda sources would perhaps disagree.
The heat in the desert was not a hindrance. Temperatures ranged from 35† - 40† Celsius, (around 100† Fahrenheit), with very dry air. However, there was no shortage of water, and my Regiment was well equipped with supplies.

At the time of writing this account I have been back home in Ulster for a week now. I have had time to reflect on the experiences of actual war, and I have no regrets of having to fight for my country. I can say that our Regiment played a very important role in the conflict and should feel very proud of their achievements. The Regiment’s Motto, “FAUGH-A-BALLAGH”, (translates “CLEAR THE WAY”), certainly was proven to be pertinent in this instance, and relevant to our principal duties.

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