NAM.2013-02-8-1

Oral history interview with artist Jules (Julian) George conducted by Sophie Stathi at the National Army Museum, 6 Dec 2012. Conducted for the National Army Museum Unseen Enemy exhibition (2013). Digital audio file, duration: 1 hr 35 min 10 sec. Associated with Musa Qalah District Centre and Operation HERRICK, Afghanistan (2002-2014) 2004- . Interview relates to his painting ‘Inside Mastiff 33A (Withdrawing, we don’t retreat”)’, covering his experience as a Ministry of Defence war artist in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, attached mainly to 2nd Bn, The Yorkshire Regiment, in February 2010; describing the training he received; his pre-deployment nerves; an incident about a helicopter landing; the contrast between the peaceful countryside and the violence of coming under attack; his relationship with the troops; his accommodation; a description of the painting including the names of the troops depicted from the Household Cavalry and 2 Yorks (Gunner Shaun Fry MC, Household Cavalry; Lt Colin Lunn MC, 2 Yorks; Lt Rob Fletcher, 1st RHA; Capt Declan Lynn, attached to 2 Yorks), the equipment depicted, the atmosphere in a Mastiff and the two improvised explosive device (IED) incidents that led to him create the painting (one that he witnessed while in the Mastiff and one that he saw from a distance).

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