Brits Speak Out: British Soldier's Impressions of the Northern Ireland Conflict

John Lindsay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0946451516 ISBN 13: 9780946451517

Publisher: Guildhall Press, 1998

British soldiers recollections of tours of duty in Northern Ireland.

From the Publisher:

British Soldier's experiences of Northern Ireland
Thousands of young British men spent long periods of their youth walking the streets of Northern Ireland. Occasionally they were welcomed, more often, they were spat at, pelted with missiles, shot at or ignored. They were here to 'keep the peace', to 'assist the civil powers' and to 'fight terrorism'. On their return to Britain there were no street parties or victory parades to welcome them home. How did it feel to be a British soldier in Northern Ireland? How did the Army prepare them for their tours of duty here? What did they see as their role? How did they feel about the land and the people that they patrolled? How did they feel about those who sought their removal by violent means? In Brits Speak Out fourteen soldiers' relate personal accounts of serving in Northern Ireland. Their stories reflect life lived close to the edge, the development of the conflict and the effect of fear and trauma on the human condition. 'The stories of the former soldiers are riveting, depressing, frightening, horrifying and occasionally transcendent and uplifting. They are fast moving and utterly believable.' Anne Cadwallader Ireland on Sunday 'Forthright views, many regrets, disturbing memories and littered with humorous anecdotes.' Stephen Gordon Sunday Life "Fascinating reading..." Niall Stanage Hot Press