25 Years On: A Tank Commander's Account of the Gulf War

February 27, 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the end of the 1991 Gulf War. As I reflect on that fateful period, my mind goes back to the intense moments I experienced as a tank commander during Operation Granby, part of the Allied operation that prevented Saddam's invasion of Saudi Arabia and liberated Kuwait.

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. My helmet was securely fastened, and I was back in the turret within seconds, slamming the hatch behind me. Suddenly, my crew and I were under attack. The sound of enemy artillery rounds whizzing by, punctuated by the staccato bursts of our own tank's cannon, created a cacophony of chaos.

As we prepared to face whatever lay ahead, I couldn't help but wonder what was unfolding around us. Our troop, consisting of Challenger Main Battle Tanks, was part of the British contingent that played a crucial role in the Allied operation.

In the days and weeks that followed, my crew and I faced numerous challenges as we navigated the treacherous landscape of Kuwait and Iraq. We fought bravely, relying on our training, equipment, and camaraderie to overcome the obstacles in our path.

This blog is a personal account of those experiences, written from my diaries, notebooks, and a tape recording made during the war. Over the coming days, I will recount the events leading up to the war, as well as the day-to-day struggles we faced on the battlefield. It's a story that will take readers back in time to relive the drama, tension, and heroism of the 1991 Gulf War.

So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey as I reflect on the lessons learned, the sacrifices made, and the triumphs achieved during Operation Granby.

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