OTD 25yrs ago, I survived an ambush in Abkhazia whilst working to enforce the ‘ceasefire’ with Georgia. It was triggered by command wire to two TM57 anti-tank mines in a culvert. This is part of the crater. Fortunately, they were detonated a fraction too early 1/

and I got a couple of seconds of operational flying time as the captain of a Land Rover Discovery (unarmoured, incidentally). Me and my ‘co-pilot’, Ted, landed just beyond the killing zone of the ambush and you can see the Disco behind us. The front end was less complete! 2/

There was no serious medical support, no CASEVAC arrangements, no realistic way of contacting the UK within fewer than 12-24 hours to get help; not that there was a plan to help anyway. All unthinkable today, but we were a ‘small band of determined men’ set on duty above all. 3/

So what? I don’t spend my time counting how many of my 9 lives I have left (this wasn’t my only ‘drama’ in the past 30+ years), but I do think on this day about those less lucky than me, especially @RAF_Regiment colleagues who lost life or limb to IEDs or other enemy action. 4/

Those that survive and who have rebuilt their lives are an inspiration. I hope, had I been less lucky 25 yrs ago, I would have had their #fortitude. But, more than anything, I’m reminded of how important it is that there are still people willing to go in harm’s way. This 5/

despite severe and obvious risks. That members of the Armed Forces do this with customary stoicism is impressive. Now though, to see the people of @NHSuk doing it too, putting others before their own safety, is humbling. I salute all who do their duty in the face of danger. 6/6