'As precious to me as my own family': comrades mark 35 years since Op Granby
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers hosted a memorial service at their regimental headquarters at the Tower of London to mark 35 years since the end of the First Gulf War.
There was vibrant chatter in the 16th century chapel as veterans from the regiment gathered to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Third Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (3 RRF) deployed on Operation Granby from its barracks in Deilinghofen, Germany, in what is deemed one of the most successful armoured operations in the 20th century.
Op Granby led to the deaths of 47 British soldiers, six of which were Fusiliers. They werte killed alongside three Privates from the Queen’s Own Highlanders, who were attached to C Company, in a 'friendly fire' incident.
A further Fusilier was killed whilst training immediately after the cessation of hostilities.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula within the Tower of London, followed by lunch at the regimental headquarters located within the Fusilier Museum.
One of the 3 RRF veterans in attendance was Corporal (Ret'd) David Satchell. David deployed on Op Granby aged 24 as part of A Company, along with his younger brother Stephen aged 18, in C Company, who was killed in action.
Mr Satchell recalled to BFBS Forces News how he heard the news of his brother.
"We heard a very large explosion. We were about a mile away… suddenly we heard a vehicle has been hit or had run over a mine and then later that evening, my Platoon Sergeant came over and said 'Satch [as I was known], your brother has been killed' and that is, that's something I wouldn't want to wish on anybody.
"That is news, and the wind was taken right out of my sails.
"It's like yesterday and it's good that I'm coming up and seeing my old comrades and talk to them, but it also opens some wounds that are in there and will never go."
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Andrew Larpent was the Commanding Officer of 3RRF during the Op. He said the event is both a commemoration and celebration.
"Honouring the memories of those that we lost, while joining together in brotherhood, and relishing the opportunity to come together and the emotions are fairly high, as you can imagine, on an occasion like this."
He spoke of the bond between the Battalion 35 years later.
"I happened to be the lucky guy who was in charge at that time but these guys are as precious to me as my own family."
In addition to the wreath-laying service, former Fusilier Sergeant (Ret'd) Geoff Green cycled up to the Tower of London, greeted with cheers and pats on the back to mark the end of a 450km 'Tower to Tower' charity bike ride.
Mr Green cycled from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Tower of London in three days to raise money for the Fusilier Aid Society, which helps other Fusiliers in their time of need, and his own charity Mindful Step, which he set up recently to support veterans living with mental health challenges.
The First Gulf War, also known as Op Granby, was fought from 1990 to 1991 and saw the largest ever deployment of the British Armed Forces since the Second World War, equating to over 53,000 personnel.
The aim of Op Granby was to liberate Kuwait after the invasion of Iraqi forces led by President Saddam Hussein in August 1990. The operation was deemed a success.
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was awarded the battle honour Gulf 1991 which appears on the Regimental Colour.
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