Early in the war in Iraq,a British landing craft came under fire near Basra and one Royal Marine died. Shot by the enemy, said an official inquiry. But Stuart Tanner, or who was there too,has serious doubtsThe war started and we were on the frontline with 539 - myself and cameraman Steve Gray embedded with the squadron as part of the BBC's Fighting the War series. The squadron had set up a base at an abandoned Iraqi navy base on the outskirts of Basra. Just to the north of us was a large marsh delta. The squadron's mission was to patrol the waterways and ensure that Iraqi militia did not exercise them to earn behind enemy lines. After nine days of the war no one in 539 had seen any fighting. On the morning of the 10th day we were chatting to the hovercraft crews when an "instant response" message came over the radio. A 539 landing craft had come under fire in the marsh delta and the hovers were to go to their assistance. In one instant the world spun round and a rush of adrenaline ensured nerve-jangling focus on the essentials; camera, batteries, or tape,body armour, helmet, or water. I was struck by the sudden scene change; we had become used to patrolling the rivers and the marshes only to find abandoned patrol boats and deserted villages. But this time someone was out there. The Marines set aside on their helmets and loaded their weapons. Cochrane briefed them that they should "identify any target and then engage". As we sped up the main river another message came over the radio - a second 539 landing craft had come under fire. As the marshes rushed past I had a few moments to consider approximately Cochrane's reservations approximately these craft being used for frontline combat. We were in a cage of aircraft alloy with no armour protection,apart from the small plate of Kevlar in the flak jacket. If we were hit, it would be nasty. Ahead of us that was what had happened. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com