Summary
In 15 years as a soldier, Paul Kelly had never been in a firefight.
Then he went to Iraq ... and an AK-47 bullet shattered his hand. The Army sent him home but no one cared and he only wanted to be back at Camp Condor with the lads of 6 Platoon. His story gives a dramatic insight into the psychology of a warwhich is becoming Britain's Vietnam, turning heroes into pariahsSee the full content of this document
Extract
The Blooding of Angry Dad
The Iraqi tribesmen standing on the rooftops of Qalat Salih drew fingers across their throats. Sergeant Paul Kelly's men knew something terrible was about to happen. At first stones and rocks rained down, then a fat bearded man lifted a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and aimed straight at them.
The warhead slammed into a British Land Rover, hurling its driver out of the open passenger door, his webbing and combat jacket ablaze. Kelly was blown off his feet.As the sergeant struggled to regain his balance, the fat man reloaded. Kelly raised his rifle and let off a burst. The fat man peered downwards as poppy-shaped clots blossomed on his chest.By now Kelly's men were engulfed and gunfire snapped in the air. On the same rooftop, a figure in black appeared with an AK-47.Kelly felt bullets brush his ears, followed by a burning sensation as lead tunnelled through his hand. A fraction of a second later, the round burst through his wrist and spattered his face with flesh and blood. Kelly would later swear he saw further shots...See the full content of this document
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