A former soldier, Stephen Guard, expressed his intention to participate in the upcoming Iraq15 event organized by the Royal British Legion. He plans to pay tribute to his fallen comrade, Fusilier Stephen Robert Manning, who lost his life volunteering for a mission. Guard recounted the moment when Manning and another soldier stepped forward as volunteers, with only one returning unharmed. This incident remains a poignant memory for Guard, emphasizing the risks faced by those who bravely volunteered.
The tragic event took place on September 5th, 2005, in Iraq’s Basrah province, where Manning and Fusilier Donal Anthony Meade were killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol. Guard, who narrowly avoided volunteering, acknowledges the uncertainty and dangers faced by soldiers during their service. Reflecting on his past experiences, Guard, now a window fitter and reservist, will join the Royal British Legion’s commemorative event marking the 15th anniversary of the Iraq War.
The event will honor all service members who participated in Operation TELIC, including those who sacrificed their lives. Guard, alongside 1500 veterans and families, will attend the service at the National Memorial Arboretum. He plans to lay a wreath in memory of his fallen comrades, whose names are engraved on the Armed Forces memorial wall.
Having survived his deployment to Iraq in 2006, Guard acknowledges the challenges faced by his platoon and the losses suffered during subsequent missions. He recalls the guilt he felt for leaving his comrades behind and the emotional toll of losing close acquaintances in subsequent conflicts. Guard also mentions the personal impact of tragedies like the murder of Lee Rigby, another soldier from his battalion.
Despite facing several close calls during his service, Guard emphasizes his gratitude for returning home safely. He recognizes the fragility of life in combat zones and the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Guard’s decision to attend the commemorative event serves as a tribute to his fallen comrades and a reminder of the realities faced by military personnel in conflict zones.