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An Ordinary Soldier visits Uni

06/11/2008
 
 
Captain Doug Beattie, MC will visit the University’s City Campus on Monday, 10 November from 1pm to 2pm.
 
Doug has published a book about his experiences in Afghanistan, An Ordinary Soldier, and will sign copies after his talk.
 
Doug followed the family tradition by joining the British Army at the age of 16. For next 20 years he spent almost half of that period away from home either on operation or training, and served in such places as South Armagh, Berlin, Cyprus, Bosnia and Iraq.
 
Lecture organiser Dr George Kassimeris, from the University’s History and Governance Research Institute, said: “In 2006 Doug was posted to Afghanistan, ostensibly to do a desk job at Kandahar airbase. Instead he ended up working as a mentor to the Afghan National Police. It was this role which saw him sent to the town of Garmsir to try and help the Afghan forces retake from insurgents what is known as the Taliban gateway to Helmand Province.
 
“During two brutal and bloody weeks of fighting Doug's life was constantly on the line. For his exceptional bravery and leadership he received the Military Cross.
 
“On his return Doug started to write about his experiences as a way of communicating to his wife and children what he had seen and done. Only later was it suggested to him that the story deserved to be told more widely. The result is his book, An Ordinary Soldier.”
 
The talk will be in the Millennium City Building in room MC401. No ticket is required.

Further information

For media inquiries, contact Vickie Woodward in the Press Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112.
 

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