Double Crossed
The Sunday Times Bestseller that inspired BBC drama Danny Boy
At the age of 23, Brian Wood was thrust into the front line in Iraq, in the infamous Battle of Danny Boy. Ambushed, he led a charge across open ground with insurgents firing at just five soldiers. On his return, he was awarded the Military Cross.
But Brian's story had only just begun. Struggling to re-integrate into family life, he suffered from PTSD. Then, five years later, a letter arrived: it summoned him to give evidence at the Al-Sweady Inquiry into allegations of war crimes by British soldiers during the Iraq invasion of 2003.
After years of public shame, Brian took the stand and delivered a powerful testimony, and following the tense inquiry room scenes, justice was finally served. Phil Shiner, the lawyer who made the false accusations, was struck off and stripped of an honorary doctorate.
In this compelling memoir, Brian speaks powerfully and movingly about the three battles in his life, from being ambushed with no cover, to the mental battle to adjust at home, to being falsely accused of hideous war crimes. It's a remarkable and dark curve which ends with his honour restored but, as he says, it was too little, too late.
Brian Wood MC, former Colour Sergeant, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross, one of Britain's highest awards for gallantry in combat, by the Queen, following his courageous leadership under enemy fire in Iraq.
During a 16-year military career, Brian led British troops across the spectrum of battle: from training to fighting; from operations in the Balkans to high-intensity combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Brian is a frequent broadcaster, and is also a highly inspirational public speaker, delivering compelling sessions on leadership and grit. This is his first book.
Brian lives in Hampshire, with his wife and their two children.