Operation Telic and the Liberation of Iraq (Hardback)
From the Desert Rats to the Media War
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 224
Illustrations: 35 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036106416
Published: 16th August 2024
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Operation Telic and the Liberation of Iraq Operation Telic and the Liberation of Iraq is an anecdote-packed daily diary recounting the author’s experiences as a reserve officer and media handler with 7 Armoured (the Desert Rats) and 19 Mechanized Brigade in 2003.
A journalist in uniform, Abbott provides an insider-outsider account of British Army media ops in southern Iraq during the immediate post-conflict phase. With a sharp eye for detail, Abbott provides a behind-the-scenes account of the highs and lows of serving two ‘masters’ – his demanding military commanders on one hand and a voracious press on the other. One of his first missions is dealing with a barrage of media questions following the brutal murder of six Royal Military Police by a crazed mob in Majar al-Kabir.
Abbott recalls the adrenalin-filled atmosphere when the British garrison at Basra Palace is surrounded by a crowd unleashing hundreds of rounds from their AK-47s. It’s only after a tense stand-to that the nervous troops discover that they are not under attack: the crowd is celebrating the demise of Saddam Hussein’s sons. There are plenty of lighter moments, too, as Abbott tells stories that fortunately didn’t make the news at the time. The author admits how criminal thoughts might just have briefly crossed his mind over the tens of millions of dollars flown in by the US government each week and stored feet from his camp-bed.
Above all this is a vivid account of a controversial operation that cost many lives and severely tarnished the reputation of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US leadership. Unconvinced of the merits of military action before arriving in theatre, Abbott ends his tour in a positive mindset despite the failure to locate WMD. His diary is more SOS than SAS, with little of the derring-do of an Andy McNab adventure. Yet it’s just as un-put- downable. More in the tradition of Leslie Thomas’ Virgin Soldiers, it’s an honest, authentic and often funny read which has the potential to appeal beyond a niche audience. There has been no account of the British in Iraq quite like this.
“This is a very fine book. Dennis Abbott’s account of his time in Iraq is entertaining, challenging and thought provoking.”
Martin Banks, Journalist, ex-European Voice
“Operation Telic is essential reading for those interested in media communications from the battlefield. Then editor of European Voice – a precursor of Politico – Dennis Abbott had a front row seat on the dividing lines between what George W. Bush termed ‘New Europe’ and ‘Old Europe’. Sent to Iraq after being mobilised, Dennis delivers an honest and very human, historical account of day-to-day life against the backdrop of the difficulties faced by journalists reporting in the fog of war.”
Catherine Feore, Euractiv
“Dennis Abbott is not one of those superheroes who served in a top-secret special unit. His experience is that of a journalist turned officer, a man more accustomed to press meetings than the mean streets of Iraq. As such, his diary is unlike any other account of the conflicts with Saddam Hussein. Full of humour and intelligence, it is the caustic vision of a gentleman with a razor-sharp pen who wonderfully describes fear, courage and human absurdity. An instant classic.”
Dr Bernard Wilkin, war historian
“Dennis Abbott is a rare writer who combines real expertise and on-the-ground access with brilliant storytelling. In Operation Telic, he writes with clarity and honesty as he witnesses both the success and setbacks in the aftermath of the controversial Iraq intervention. A natural raconteur, Abbott’s compelling tour diary recounts daily life amid a chaotic moment of global history.”
Leo Cendrowicz, The Brussels Times
"With wit and candour, Dennis Abbott provides a deeply personal, first-hand account from the front lines, brilliantly capturing the interplay between the military and the media. Essential reading for anyone interested in the role of communication in modern warfare, and the contentious political justification for the Iraq war."
Mared Gwyn Jones, Euronews
“A compelling and important eyewitness account, told with such clarity and honesty. A real insight into this very controversial war.”
Dr Helen Fry, historian
“Journalist Dennis Abbott volunteered to serve in Iraq as an Army press officer and gives a vivid account of dealing with British and overseas reporters and TV crews.
Arthur Edwards MBE, The Sun
He also writes about daily life at his base in Saddam Hussein’s Basra palace. I’ve been there too and can confirm it has gold-plated taps! A very good read.”
"This war diary by a hack – whose military father warned him that soldiering should be a last resort – puts on khaki to fight the information battles in Iraq is gripping reading. There is humour, the inner wiring of how the press works and the tragedy of war in a controversial conflict that, whatever its right and wrongs, should not be forgotten."
Bruno Waterfield, The Times
“Dennis’ travels from Belgium to Basra serve as an honest and humorous reminder that there is
Joe Barnes, Daily Telegraph
more to life than inside the EU’s ‘Brussels bubble’.”
“An authoritative and authentic insider’s account. Dennis Abbott paints a no-holds-barred yet
James Franey, New York Post
balanced picture of how British troops in southern Iraq battled to keep the region together.”
About Dennis Alexander Abbott
Dennis Abbott is a journalist and former reserve officer who served as a media handler during Operation Telic in Basra, Iraq, in 2003. His journalistic career included stints at The Sun, Daily Mirror, European Voice, The Brussels Times, Blackpool Gazette and North Wales Weekly News. He also served as a spokesperson for the European Commission and as a communications consultant with global agency BCW. He is a Battle of Waterloo tour guide and author of 100 years of the Royal British Legion in Brussels, where he is branch Chair.