Belfast 85 A Soldiers Story

A first-hand account from the front line of the Troubles.

In June 1985, a young British soldier arrived in West Belfast, thrust directly into the heart of Operation Banner. For six months, the streets of areas like the Divis Flats became his reality-a world where the line between peace and conflict was blurred by the relentless tension of a divided society.

Far more than a record of service, this memoir offers an intimate look at the daily existence of a soldier on patrol. Beyond the checkpoints and the constant adrenaline of the watch, it reveals the profound human impact of an operational tour: the weight of responsibility, the intensity of the environment, and the memories that linger four decades later. Concluding with his personal journey of transitioning into post-service life.

A defining chapter of history told from the ground up, this is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeply personal perspective on military service and the enduring legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland.