'The fear is always there'

'The fear is always there'

Lt Col Larpent says the greatest fear was of chemical weapons

As the war in Iraq enters its second week, BBC News Online talks to two veterans from the South West who fought in the first Gulf war, 12 years ago.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Larpent led soldiers into battle in the desert in the first Gulf War.

And he led prayers after nine of his men were killed by friendly fire from American warplanes.

"As with all conflicts, it is expected that casualties will occur," he said at the time.

"Those men will never be forgotten."

Being out there made me a different person, gave me a different outlook on life

Phil Spencer

Lieutenant Colonel Larpent has now left the Army and works in Taunton for Somerset Care, a provider of care for elderly people.

Another war with Iraq means he is reflecting on the challenges - and the emotions - of battle.

"The fear is always there.

"When we went across the line into southern Iraq in 1991, the worry about chemical weapons was the greatest.

"It is an insidious and unseen threat", he said.

War souvenir

"We all had our respirators out of our haversacks, expecting to be the subject of chemical attacks at any time.

"You know that you are in danger. But the fear is: 'Am I going to do my job? I must not let down those I am supporting and those I am fighting with'."

Phil Spencer from Stroud kept an Iraqi military guidebook as souvenir of the first war.

After 22 years of service he was due to leave the Army, but was sent to the Gulf in December 1990.

"Saddam Hussein did issue aide memoires to his troops in respect of biological and chemical warfare", he told the BBC.

Home thoughts

"It shows me that they were aware of the symptoms.

"Being out there made me a different person, gave me a different outlook on life.

"When the missiles were falling, I thought: 'Will I see my family again?'.

"I'm sure all the soldiers out there are thinking of their families at home."