15 years ago today, Op Telic officially came to an end.
But for many of us who served in Iraq, some memories never leave you.
Today I’m remembering Lt Thomas Tamswell, who we lost during our tour in 2006, right near the end.
Tom was the Multiple Commander and one of the good ones. Professional, respected, calm under pressure, and someone everyone genuinely enjoyed being around. He’d had a fantastic tour and the whole multiple was a great team to work with.
On that patrol, I was actually covering for another soldier. We were at the front of a convoy when our vehicle was hit side-on by an articulated lorry.
I remember being flung out through the back doors. My helmet and body armour plates were smashed. When I woke up, I couldn’t feel my legs. Somehow, by the time I left hospital, I’d escaped with relatively minor injuries.
Tom sadly died at the scene.
One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do afterwards was ring my mum and tell her I’d been involved in what she’d already seen on the news, but that I was alive and OK. She was so worried.
Tom’s family never got that phone call.
That reality has stayed with me ever since.
As we mark 15 years since the end of Op Telic, I wanted to remember a man who led from the front, was respected by all who served with him, and should still be here today.
Rest easy, Sir.
You are not forgotten. 🇬🇧
Clayhanger, England 🇬🇧 English
