NAM.2014-01-26-1

Oral history interview with Matthew Cook, war artist and TA soldier, 2003-. Interview conducted by Jo Sohn-Rethel at National Army Museum Chelsea for the Contemporary Collecting Project, Exit from Afghanistan (2013), 29 January 2014. Digital audio file, duration: 1 hr 30 min 10 sec. Associated with Iraq (2003-2011) and Afghanistan (2001-2014). Interview covers his career as an artist documenting the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and his service as a TA soldier in the UK; describes reasons for becoming an illustrator and a war artist documenting the Iraq War in 2003; describes interest in Afghanistan conflict and trips to Afghanistan recording regiments’ and brigades’ activities, including preparation and administration for visits in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013; describes latest trip on Op HERRICK 18 embedded with Household Cavalry including fire fights, planning operations and use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); describing aspects of withdrawal including closing of patrol bases, transport of equipment and shipping container storage; describes his methods of working in the field; describing particularly eventful days embedded with troops, including patrols, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and sniper attacks, ambushes and night battle; describes painting showing British troops collecting civilians’ biometric details; describes painting showing Afghan National Army (ANA) preparing for major operation including his relationship with ANA troops; describes thoughts on politics and cultural elements of withdrawal

TELIC, Operation, 2003-2009 (Iraq 2003-2011), HERRICK, Operation, 2002-14 (Afghanistan 2001-2021)