During the 15th anniversary commemoration of the end of the Iraq War, Celia ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, a 65-year-old former Royal Navy medic, shared a harrowing experience of narrowly escaping an attack by an Iraqi civilian she was treating. The event took place at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Celia recounted her time at 34 Field Hospital in Shaibah, where she provided medical aid to Iraqi citizens amidst ongoing missile attacks. She described an incident where she had to defend herself from a potential threat with a steel bedpan, narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation.

Reflecting on the lasting impact of her service, Celia revealed her ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experiencing emotional challenges even years after returning from Iraq. She emphasized the lingering effects on mental health for veterans.

Another veteran, Janet Riddell, shared her own ordeal of surviving a helicopter crash in Baghdad, resulting in severe knee injuries. Despite the difficulties, Janet remained committed to her duties, enduring mortar fire and challenging conditions during her time in Iraq.

For convenient access to relevant news, consider selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.

To enhance user experience and provide personalized content, Reach and its affiliates utilize data obtained through cookies and similar technologies. By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your data as described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.