Soldier recalls time in war-torn Iraq

The war-torn streets of Basra and Baghdad are a world apart from life in the Black Country.

Despite becoming conditioned to daily bombings and the constant threat of attacks, young soldier Simon D'arcy counts his time in Iraq as one of the best experiences of his life.

Spurred on by messages of support from loved ones, the 22-year-old Territorial Army soldier, based in Fallings Park in Wolverhampton, has returned home after a six-month tour of duty.

Today the former Codsall High School pupil recalled an attack which he said reminded him of scenes he had only witnessed played out in films. "The high point of the tour was a suspected improvised explosive device attack on my sangar," he said.

"The insurgents used a raft to float it down the river towards my position and I got the chance to sink it with machine gun fire, just like something you would expect to see on the old war films." Private D'Arcy, from Chapel Lane, Codsall, is a member of the 4th Battalion Mercian Regiment and volunteered to go to Iraq where he served alongside the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment as an infantry soldier patrolling the streets.

"Basra is a deeply religious place," he said. "Because of their Arabic culture the people are very keen on giving you things and can show great acts of kindness.

"But at the same time, things can turn quite nasty there very quickly. Baghdad was different – the majority of people are happy the coalition are there.

"A lot of people have been to university and many speak English, and the kids would run behind our tank shouting 'America good, America good'."

As a captain in the 4 Royal Military Police in West Bromwich, Private D'Arcy's father George knew the time would come when his son would be flown out to the battlefield.

But that did not make the six months any easier for the family, including his mother Ann and 22-year-old girlfriend Stephanie.

"The darkest point is missing people back home," he said. "But my family and friends were constantly sending me things and I was always able to speak to them when I was feeling down.

The former adventure instructor flew out to Iraq last November.

"It was a great experience," he said. "I saw inside Saddam's bunker and palace and walked under the crossed swords in Baghdad which I think everyone has seen on TV or in the papers, although I was wearing body armour, helmet and carrying my rifle.

"I enjoyed my time with 1st Mercian and made some good friends. I think we are doing an excellent job over there."