Son's letter lifts spirits (From Stroud News and Journal)

Son's letter lifts spirits

PARENTS across the country and throughout the Five Valley's are waiting anxiously for news from family and loved ones serving in the War in Iraq.

Tony and Shirley O'Sullivan haven't spoken to their youngest son Peter since January.

The former St Peter's School pupil is a private with the parachute regiment Third Battalion A Company 16 Air Assault Brigade.

"Peter told us he wasn't looking forward to it but he thought it was going to be a quick war," said dad Tony.

"We are very anxious, it is emotionally demanding and very difficult to talk about."

However this week the family's spirits were lifted when they received two letters from their son.

"We were delighted to get the letters from Peter as we have been so worried," said mum Shirley.

"Peter seems okay and has told us not to worry. He wants us to send him out some thinner socks. We are so proud of him."

At, 24, Peter is the baby of the family, with two older brothers Simon and Tim who is in Japan. Peter also has a sister Angela who is travelling in Australia.

All the Sullivans now want is for their son to return home safely.

In his first letter, Peter who has also served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands spoke of seeing blown up vehicles and Iranian troops throwing away their army uniforms to look like civilians.

"Peter told us they have come across booby traps and minefields and that the Iraqi army was putting up a bigger fight than expected," said Tony

He said his son thought the battle in Baghdad would be over in four to five days.

The second letter has been passed exclusively to the SNJ and is published below.

"March 29, 2003

3Dear Mum and Dad 3How are you both? I am well, not much to write about but the last few days were very challenging and exciting.

3As I told you before, we pulled out of the oil fields only to move back in two days later, because of a lot of enemy activity north of where we were.

3I don't like to worry you and we are all safe. A company of us went over the bridge and came under artillery attack so we pulled back to safety.

3Those positions were soon destroyed. That night a patrol came under contact and took a few prisoners, we held them for the night, don't worry we were very nice to them.

3The day after some enemy positions were seen two kilometres north. They were artillery obs bringing fire down on us.

3We were asked to clear them. We had air cover to race further up and heavy guns, we pulled up on four tonners one kilometre short and advanced towards the enemy.

3As we got within 300 metres our artillery and mortars began firing in front of us. The adrenaline and heart rate was pumping like mad but I thought that I would be a lot more worried and nervous than I was.

3When we got about 100 metres I heard an explosion. I thought someone had trodden on a mine but it was enemy mortar fire only 20 metres away from our section.

3We took cover, must have been about 15 shells but the ground was so soft it didn't have much effect.

3We then took them with no casualties. It was something I will never forget. I think the training and comradeship gets you through it.

3We're not sure where we go from here because we can't leave the oilfield unprotected. I have not had any mail for a while because of problems somewhere in the line, but they are sorting it now.

3I will write again when I get the chance, not sure when.

3Try not to worry about us. They don't come much closer than the other day and we are all fine and our morale is high.

3Lots of love, Pete xx"