Jim
Iraq Surviving A Year In Basra
Life for UK military personnel, civilian contractors and intelligence staff at Basra Palace between January 2005 and into 2006 marked a critical turning point. During this period—encompassing Operation TELIC 5, 6, and 7 (under 4th Armoured, 12th Mechanised, and 7th Armoured Brigades)—the base transformed from a relatively stable administrative post into an increasingly targeted, fortified … Read more
Uncover The Joy Of Golf In North Korea!
Golf In North Korea, really? This is a story that not many people would believe. In a culture that abhorred any form of perceived western or capitalist pastime, especially one that is seen as relatively exclusive, how was this possible? Well, the short answer was that even in North Korea it was possible. In a … Read more
Surviving 3 Years In North Korea As A Foreign Diplomat
How to survive 3 years in North Korea as a foreigner is indeed a good question. 3 years is a long time! Some time ago, I was asked about life in North Korea. Who had I upset to have been banished to the “Hermit Kingdom” for 3 years. I imagine they were slightly taken aback … Read more
Albania My First Posting A Bloodstained Surprise
Albania My First Posting A Bloodstained Surprise. How did this come about? So it was on a cold and windy January morning in 1998 that I arrived at Heathrow airport to catch my early morning flight to Vienna en-route to my final destination Tirana the capital city of Albania. With all the background briefs on … Read more
RAF Russian Linguist: Pathway to Diplomat
What was the journey from the RAF to the Diplomatic Service? Did my military service and qualifications help with the process? All reasonable questions, so here is a brief description of the journey. The Journey from RAF Russian Linguist to Diplomat The Diplomatic Service was in effect my second career. Prior to joining, my first … Read more
Albania British Diplomats Shot
Background: Albania British Diplomats Ambushed And Shot is Part 1 of a story that occurred in 1998. It was a volatile year in Albania’s recent history. At this time, British diplomats who were posted to a volatile or conflict region received virtually no Hostile Environment Training (HET). It was usually the case you popped into … Read more