Liam's Story

In 2006, Liam's brother Paul was serving with the Queen's Dragoon Guards in Iraq when he was killed by a roadside bomb. Twenty years on, he reflects on his experience of losing a loved one through service, and shares how his family continue to honour Paul’s legacy.

Liam’s childhood memories of Paul 

Liam grew up as the youngest of four children, with two older sisters, along with his eldest brother, Paul.  

"Paul was a typical big brother," recalls Liam. 

"He was always the one with the tidy room, his Lego's were always perfectly displayed – if anyone went into his room it was like World War three! 

"One of the amazing memories I have comes from when I was really into my fashion - he loved coming round and asking what he should wear for when he was going out – we shared clothes and everything." 

 

Life with a relative serving in the Army 

 

In 2002, Paul enlisted in the British Army and joined the Queen's Dragoon Guards.  

After excelling during his basic training, he went on to complete tours of Afghanistan and Iraq.  

By 2006, Paul was married and had three young children.  

"We would see them every four or five months, and then at Christmas or other special occasions," says Liam. 

"I still lived with our mum, so I always knew when she was upset.  

"I remember there being a worry in the house but at the time I couldn't always put my finger on why. Looking back, I know it was because Paul was away. He was her firstborn, so it was stressful." 

Paul's death in Iraq 

Paul returned to Iraq in April 2006, and was killed on 28 May when his armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in Basra. 

" I remember it so vividly," says Liam. 

"I woke up in the morning and had 20 missed calls from my mum. Instantly I knew that something was wrong, but never in my wildest dreams thinking it would be anything about Paul. 

"From that day, through to the funeral, it was the most beautiful, yet saddest time of my life. Everyone came together as one. 

"I think the worst thing was always seeing it on the news, it was everywhere." 

 

How the Royal British Legion supports bereaved families 

 

Partners, spouses and children who are bereaved of a service person or ex-service person are eligible for support from the Royal British Legion.  

We are here year-round to provide support in a range of areas, including employment, financial difficulties, housing or homelessness concerns, barriers to living independently, mental and physical health challenges, or a lack of community connection. 

Find out more about practical and financial support for those who are bereaved, here on the RBL website.

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Honouring Paul’s legacy through Remembrance

 
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Paul’s death in Iraq. 

"I've thought about it a lot this year, as it has been twenty years since he was killed," says Liam. 

"I feel proud that I had a family member that served and loved what they did. 

"Legacies are a big thing for us in our family, and Paul left so much positivity behind – in his children, our mum, every single person that ever-spent time with him in his life. 

"We commemorate him through song, poetry, and all different things. We all meet up and get together to remember him.

Honouring Paul’s legacy through Remembrance 

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Paul’s death in Iraq. 

"I've thought about it a lot this year, as it has been twenty years since he was killed," says Liam. 

"I feel proud that I had a family member that served and loved what they did. 

"Legacies are a big thing for us in our family, and Paul left so much positivity behind – in his children, our mum, every single person that ever-spent time with him in his life. 

"We commemorate him through song, poetry, and all different things. We all meet up and get together to remember him." 

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