Afghanistan had been a cakewalk compared to Iraq. The Iraqis knew we were coming. They were dug in, ready to fight. The Yanks had started their 'shock and awe' campaign with the bombing of military installations across the country. Then the troops were sent in. The Royal Marines came in by sea, the rest of the army crossed the border from Kuwait, a dual strike towards the main target of Basra.

Our first target was the main Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. Alongside our American and Polish allies, we met stiff resistance, needing to clear the city street by street. It was the first time I'd led Marines into proper...