Synopsis
Kevin J. Mervin was one of 2,351 British Territorial Army soldiers called up for Operation Telic in February 2003 to fight Saddam Hussein's regime alongside the British regulars and US troops. Like the other TA soldiers, this was the first time Mervin was to experience real fighting rather than the weekend training he would normally undertake. During his time in Iraq, Mervin kept a day-to-day diary of his movements and noted the daily events taking place elsewhere in the war, and this diary forms the backbone of his dramatic account. Weekend Warrior reflects the traumas, trials and tribulations that Mervin and colleagues endured while carrying out their work, including situations in which they literally had to fight for their lives. It is a personal story of the conflict in Iraq from a 'part-time' soldier's point of view. Mervin reveals how he and his companions dealt with the horrific sights, sounds and realities of war. Thrust unexpectedly into the middle of a dangerous conflict, his memoirs emphasise that the war was not the pushover many journalists portrayed it to be. As the battle continued, all Mervin wanted was his life back, including the opportunity to return to his civilian job. Unfortunately, both were to prove out of the question: his outlook on life in general was immensely affected by his experiences, while his manager sacked him for being absent due to his call out. Weekend Warrior paints a startlingly vivid picture of fear and confusion on the front line and the long-term mental scars inflicted upon the author as a result. Amazon.co.uk
****
Cpl Mervin was a Recy Mech in the REME, served on Op Telic. He had several contacts whilst recovering various vehicles, and while in convoy with his battle group. He writes of several harrowing examples of the suffering of the Iraqi people, especially children. He had a very eventful tour, had several near misses including his gripping account of straying into enemy territory before the conflict even began (!) searching for a vehicle needing recovery. His civi employer terminated his contract while he was on ops, and he had to leave the Army due to prejudice from prosepective employers on his return. He quite rightly rails against the BBC's politically motivated portrayal of the war and the aftermath. Someone even spat at him in the street, their mind no doubt warped by the media portrayal of the war.
A gripping read, was lacking in descriptive, creative writing, but not in substance, conviction and integrity. Thoroughly reccomended.
