The Fallen: Legacy of Iraq Part 5/5

After six years, British military operations in Iraq have ended and the last troops are now packing up and leaving Basra. 179 servicemen and women will not be returning home though, having lost their lives whilst serving with the British Armed Forces. This is a powerful and timely documentary in which friends and family of some of those who died during the conflict explore the deeply personal and lasting legacy Iraq has for them. The invasion of Iraq has always been controversial but this film provides a voice for some of the people who have been most significantly affected by the decisions that took us to war. From how the withdrawal affects them and their hopes for Iraq and its people to whether they feel blame, anger or pride - for those who are still coming to terms with their loss, their thoughts on Iraq are powerful, varied and sometimes surprising. The film also tells the story of Lance Corporal John 'Frenchie' Le Galloudec, a soldier who suffered severe spinal injuries after being shot whilst on operations in Basra. His friend and fellow soldier Corporal Rodney Wilson was fatally wounded trying to drag Frenchie to safety. For Frenchie the legacy of Iraq is both physical and mental scars.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• the
• fallen
• iraq
• documentary
• bbc
• basra
• soldier
• war
• mental
• scars
• ptsd

[peoplepassion]

So painfully sad to watch...

Not only because of the thousands of Members of the Coalition Forces who never made it home 'alive'... but for the tens of thousands of Iraqi Civiiians who also perished.

My heart is so torn apart by the mess of it all !!!

[Chindro2828]

Even though i think all these middle eastern wars of the past 2 decades are full of shit and veiled in even more bullshit.....i do feel for the loss of life. I would never celebrate the passing of anyone's life, be it American, British or Iraqi. I'm intrigued by war and that primal feeling it gives me. But come on people, let's get real and stop with these bull crap propaganda wars, enough is enough.

[komorokiwi]

This is an amazing doco, my condolences to the families of the "179".

The "Iraq Operation" took 6 years and 179 British lives. How many died on the first morning of the "Somme Operation"? Regardless of the difference and putting everything in perspective....."Kia Kaha" (Maori: stay strong/ endure) to the families of the fallen, may we never forget their deeds, honour and spirit. The deeds of the solider and those they have left behind. As a member of the Commonwealth, thank you to the BBC.

[andrewtc13]

This program has provided me with further insight into the family of my dear friend, Wil who was killed in Iraq. I met Wil in Australia and, in one short week, my life changed forever. It's amazing the impact he made on me, but it's a testament to his incredible spirit. Thank you for including footage of Wil's final resting place. It is a hope of mine that someday I'll be able to visit the country and pay my respects in person. I miss my friend and think of him every day.