A man who formerly served in the military has expressed his intention to participate in the Iraq15 event organized by the Royal British Legion on Friday. His motivation stems from honoring his deceased comrade who courageously volunteered and tragically lost his life in the line of duty.
Former Fusilier Stephen Guard, residing in Rugby, shared with The Mirror how he narrowly escaped the fate of his fallen colleague who bravely stepped forward when volunteers were needed. Reflecting on the somber event, he emphasized the unfortunate reality that it often seemed to be those who volunteered or stayed longer who faced the gravest risks.
The fallen friend, Fusilier Stephen Robert Manning, along with Fusilier Donal Anthony Meade, lost their lives in Iraq on September 5th, 2005, due to a roadside bomb explosion during a patrol in the Basrah province. Stephen Guard, recalling the moment, revealed that the two young soldiers volunteered while he hesitated, a decision that spared his life but left him with a profound sense of survivor’s guilt.
Having transitioned to a career as a window fitter and serving as a reservist, Stephen Guard will be present at the Royal British Legion event commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Iraq War. The event, marking the conclusion of Operation TELIC, aims to pay tribute to all who served, their families, and the bereaved, with an estimated attendance of 1500 veterans and their families.
For Stephen, the day holds special significance as he plans to lay a wreath at the service, where he will find the names of his fallen comrades inscribed on the Armed Forces memorial wall. The solemn occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the 179 British Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives and the over 6,000 who were injured during the conflict.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Stephen recounted his deployment to Iraq in 2006, a year after his friend’s tragic death, and the devastating losses suffered by his platoon. The guilt of surviving while others perished weighed heavily on him, especially during the challenging period when several of his comrades lost their lives during subsequent deployments.
Moreover, Stephen’s military journey was fraught with danger, including near misses and harrowing encounters. Recalling one incident involving a helicopter scare and mortar attacks, he vividly described the intense moments of fear and uncertainty faced by him and his fellow soldiers.
Despite the challenges and close calls, Stephen considers himself fortunate to have returned home. With a family of his own now, he acknowledges the fragility of life and the randomness of fate that spared him while claiming the lives of others. His decision to attend the event serves as a solemn act of remembrance and gratitude for the fallen soldiers who never made it back home.
