NAM.2008-09-29-1

Compact disc of oral history interview with S/Sgt Brangan, 1st Bn Royal Irish Regiment, Mortar Platoon, 1995-2006 regarding his experiences in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK in 2006. Interview conducted by Mairead O’Hara, 23 May 2007 for National Army Museum Helmand Exhibition. Interview covers his life before joining the Army and his reasons for joining up; his military service prior to Afghanistan, including postings in Canary Wharf after the Docklands Bombing by Irish Republican Army (IRA), Canada, Belfast after the Holy Cross dispute, Kosovo and Iraq. Interview focusses on his time in Afghanistan, describing his first impressions of the country and daily life when on duty including recreational activities and food. Brangan describes events of 6 Aug 2006 at the Musa Qaleh outpost, Helmand Province, when his unit was subjected to a mortar attack from the Taleban and he helped with the extraction of a casualty whilst under heavy fire. He talks in more detail about another mortar attack on 1 Sept which killed Ranger Anare Draiva, with a direct hit, and Corporal Paul Muirhead, who died later of his wounds. He describes the practicalities of dealing with fatalities and casualties and the morale of other soldiers during and afterwards. Associated with Operation HERRICK, Afghanistan (2001-2021) 2002-2014.

HERRICK, Operation, 2002-14 (Afghanistan 2001-2021)