In memory of nine soldiers from 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusileers who on 26th February 1991 while advancing through the Kuwaiti desert in their Warriors (like a Bradley) were attacked by two US A10 Tankbusters, Fusileer Conrad Cole was among the dead, at 17 years old he was the youngest British soldier in theatre. It's difficult to put into words how we felt that day.

Time is a great healer and although I'll never forget I have forgiven, I've listened to the cockpit voice recording of the pilot, when he started the attack he was convinced the vehicles were Iraqi, however the realisation in his voice of what he had just done was obvious. I have no doubt he has been beating himself up about it ever since.

This remembrance Sunday I will salute and, no doubt raise a glass to all soldiers killed in war, but in particular to those nine young lads.

God bless them all.

One of the most heartbreaking things in any armed conflict are incidents of friendly fire where there are casulties.  I am sure that you are correct Andrew when you say that the pilot must be going through a special kind of abject misery knowing what he has done.  I can only hope that he has been able to forgive himself, as you have forgiven him, and that he can find some peace knowing that it was unintentional.  It is a terrible burden for any man to have to bear and one of the true horrors of war.  Thank you for reminding us of these young men who will also be in my thoughts on Veterans Day. 

 Kathy

Kathy, I was unsure how that message would have been taken on this site.

Thank you.

Andrew,

War is a horrible, gruesome reality and that should never be forgotten.  I am grateful that you were able to forgive my fellow American for his blunder.  It is the stuff that nightmares are made of and I can say personally that every life lost is a blow, but none more so than those of innocents or allies.  I am fortunate in that I have not had to fight in a war.  But I know that for every life I would take, a piece of myself would be lost.  It is no wonder that soldiers say they are changed forever once they have fought.   Of course we Americans grieve with the families and battle buddies of those who were killed and we wish it had not happened.  But human beings make mistakes, even tragic ones, and it is unfortunately a part of war.  I can only hope that the families of these men have been able to find some peace. 

Kathy