Brian Wood MC (born 8 November 1980) is a former soldier in the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment who was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the Battle of Danny Boy.[1][2][3][4]
Brian Wood | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 November 1980 |
| Allegiance | British Army |
| Rank | Colour sergeant |
| Unit | Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment |
| Awards | Military Cross |
| Website | https://www.brianwoodmc.co.uk/ |
Military service
editWood served for 17 years in the British Army with the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.[5] During his service in Iraq, he led the first bayonet charge in 25 years.[6] For his gallantry in leading the bayonet charge in the Battle of Danny Boy, and taking control of the situation during the ambush of his unit, he was awarded the Military Cross.[7][8][9]
Falsified allegations of war crime
editAfter coming back from Iraq in 2004, Wood was informed that there were allegations against himself and his regiment from the Iraq Historic Abuse Team.[10]
At the end of the Al-Sweady Inquiry, which Wood was a part of, Sir Thayne Forbes said that some of the claims against him and his regiment (and the others serving in the Battle of Danny Boy) had been "the product of deliberate lies".[11]
Phil Shiner of the IHAT legal team was struck off the roll of solicitors in the United Kingdom due to misconduct during the trial and falsification of certain cases.[12]
Writing
editIn 2019, Wood published his book Double Crossed: A Code of Honour, A Complete Betrayal in hardback; the book described his service in Iraq, the receiving of his gallantry medal and his involvement with the Al-Sweady Inquiry.[13][14] On 5 March 2020, the book was published as a paperback version.[15]
Media
editOn 3 February 2017, Wood appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain talking about the false allegations against him and his unit by disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner.[16]
In 2021, BBC Two broadcast the drama Danny Boy. The film details Wood's alleged war crimes in Iraq, and follows his fight for the truth. The film stars Anthony Boyle as Wood, and Toby Jones as human rights lawyer Phil Shiner.[17]
Medals
editWood has received the following medals:[citation needed]
 |
Military Cross (MC) |
 |
NATO Medal for Kosovo |
 |
Iraq Medal |
 |
OSM For Afghanistan |
 |
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal |
References
edit- ^ "Remembering the battle of Al Amara". 28 April 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Iraq war probe 'damaging' says soldier". BBC News. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ "Hero soldier Brian Wood who was 'betrayed fighting for his country' set to visit Portsmouth to kick-off his book tour". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Barr, James. "Double Crossed by Brian Wood review — a soldier ambushed in the courtroom". ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ "#79 - Double Crossed - Brian Wood, Military Cross, Best Selling Author and Public Speaker". The Inspiration Space.
- ^ Corner, Speakers. "An Interview with Brian Wood on The Battle of Danny Boy and Overcoming Challenges | Speakers Corner". www.speakerscorner.co.uk.
- ^ Giannangeli, Marco (12 February 2017). "Fury of hero soldier Brian Wood caught up in scrapped Iraq abuse inquiry". Express.co.uk.
- ^ "UK combat operations end in Iraq". BBC. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ "No. 57588". The London Gazette (1st supplement). 18 March 2005. p. 3374.
- ^ "Iraq war probe 'damaging' says soldier". BBC News. 11 February 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "UK army murder claims 'were lies'". BBC News. 17 December 2014 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ Farmer, Ben (2 February 2017). "Disgraced Iraq human rights lawyer Phil Shiner struck off over false abuse claims against British troops". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ^ Wood, Brian. "Double Crossed". www.penguin.co.uk.
- ^ Newton, Simon (28 March 2019). "Soldier-Turned-Author Speaks Up About Mental Health". Forces Network. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Wood, Brian. "Double Crossed". www.penguin.co.uk.
- ^ "Falsely accused of war crimes". www.itv.com. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Toby Jones and Anthony Boyle to lead cast of new BBC drama Danny Boy". Radio Times. Retrieved 15 November 2020.