Stories from across the globe
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I felt ashamed that I'd left my friends in Iraq
Paul Twitchell -
I'd been promoted and there were guys I needed to look after
Paul Twitchell -
I spent most of my time in captivity in solitary confinement.
Sqdn. Ldr. Bob Ankerson -
Playing footy helps to keep the base safe
Ian Sweet -
I found myself hanging under a parachute for the first time in my life.
Bob Ankerson -
I spent seven weeks getting the shit kicked out of me
John Peters -
We knew we weren't going home.
Bob Ankerson -
We were still using bombs from WWII
Al Byford -
Unless I tell him something I'm going to die.
Robbie Stewart -
They beat us with their pistol butts
John Peters -
The Red Cross put themselves in great danger, with only a badge for protection.
Sqdn. Ldr. Bob Ankerson -
They took my gun and both my watches, but they didn't find the gold.
Robbie Stewart -
I was afraid that someone would have to lay down their life to protect me.
Eleanor Rance -
We just don't know how you're not dead
John Peters -
I knew that unless I got help quickly I would die.
Robbie Stewart -
If I didn't answer they would beat me.
Sqdn. Ldr. Bob Ankerson -
We were trying to give ourselves up, but they kept shooting at us
John Peters -
We saw on TV what happened to people who'd been shot down
Ed Smith -
I went for four nights without any sleep
Paul Twitchell -
I felt helpless
Paul Twitchell -
It was normal to see bombs lying around at the side of the road
Paul Twitchell -
You've got sixty tons of aircraft at your fingertips.
Alice McDermott -
On the outside I was super cool. On the inside I was praying every night.
Alice McDermott -
You never train for the war you fight
John Peters -
We do our best at the very edge of our limits.
David Waddington -
You live in fear of the black car.
Christine Ankerson -
I just thought how dare they.
Christine Ankerson -
I thought this would be a really stupid way to die.
David Waddington -
I heard people screaming and wondered if I was next.
Sqdn. Ldr. Bob Ankerson -
The thing you fear most is screwing up
Al Byford -
Until it’s confirmed, don’t say anything to anybody.
Christine Ankerson -
John ate the map
John Peters -
I told my wife I was alive, well and free.
Sqdn. Ldr. Bob Ankerson -
I didn't tell my family I was going to Iraq.
Joan Ochuodho -
I can't quite remember what it felt like to be released.
Bob Ankerson -
Every night we could hear the bombing
Sqdn. Ldr. Bob Ankerson