Brian Wood (British soldier) explained

Brian Wood
Honorific Suffix:	MC
Birth Date:	1980 11, df=yes
Allegiance:	British Army
Unit:	Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment
Awards:	Military Cross
Website:	https://www.brianwoodmc.co.uk/

Brian Wood (born 8 November 1980) is a former soldier in the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment who was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the Battle of Danny Boy.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Military service

Wood served for 17 years in the British Army with the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.^[5] During his service in Iraq, he led the first bayonet charge in 25 years.^[6] For his gallantry in leading the bayonet charge in the Battle of Danny Boy, and taking control of the situation during the ambush of his unit, he was awarded the Military Cross.^{[7] [8]}

Falsified allegations of war crime

After coming back from Iraq in 2004, Wood was informed that there were allegations against himself and his regiment from the Iraq Historic Abuse Team.^[9]

At the end of the Al-Sweady Inquiry, which Wood was a part of, Sir Thayne Forbes said that some of the claims against him and his regiment (and the others serving in the Battle of Danny Boy) had been "the product of deliberate lies".^[10]

Phil Shiner of the IHAT legal team was struck off the roll of solicitors in the United Kingdom due to misconduct during the trial and falsification of certain cases.^[11]

Writing

In 2019, Wood published his book Double Crossed: A Code of Honour, A Complete Betrayal in hardback; the book described his service in Iraq, the receiving of his gallantry medal and his involvement with the Al-Sweady Inquiry.^{[12] [13]} On 5 March 2020, the book was published as a paperback version.^[14]

Media

On 3 February 2017, Wood appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain talking about the false allegations against him and his unit by disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner.^[15]

In 2021, BBC Two broadcast the drama Danny Boy. The film details Wood's alleged war crimes in Iraq, and follows his fight for the truth. The film stars Anthony Boyle as Wood, and Toby Jones as human rights lawyer Phil Shiner.^[16]

Medals

Wood has received the following medals:

Notes and References

1. News: Remembering the battle of Al Amara. 28 April 2009. news.bbc.co.uk.
2. News: Iraq war probe 'damaging' says soldier. 2017-02-11. BBC News. 2020-03-12. en-GB.
3. Web site: Hero soldier Brian Wood who was 'betrayed fighting for his country' set to visit Portsmouth to kick-off his book tour. www.portsmouth.co.uk. en. 2020-03-12.
4. News: Barr. James. Double Crossed by Brian Wood review — a soldier ambushed in the courtroom. 2020-03-12. en. 0140-0460.
5. Web site:
   1. 79 - Double Crossed - Brian Wood, Military Cross, Best Selling Author and Public Speaker
   . The Inspiration Space.
6. Web site: An Interview with Brian Wood on The Battle of Danny Boy and Overcoming Challenges | Speakers Corner. Speakers. Corner. www.speakerscorner.co.uk.
7. Web site: Fury of hero soldier Brian Wood caught up in scrapped Iraq abuse inquiry. Marco. Giannangeli. 12 February 2017. Express.co.uk.
8. News: UK combat operations end in Iraq . 19 March 2020 . BBC .
9. News: Iraq war probe 'damaging' says soldier. 11 February 2017. www.bbc.co.uk. BBC News.
10. News: UK army murder claims 'were lies'. 17 December 2014. www.bbc.co.uk. BBC News.
11. News: Disgraced Iraq human rights lawyer Phil Shiner struck off over false abuse claims against British troops. Ben. Farmer. 2 February 2017. www.telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph.
12. Web site: Double Crossed. Brian. Wood. www.penguin.co.uk.
13. Web site: Soldier-Turned-Author Speaks Up About Mental Health. Simon. Newton. 28 March 2019. Forces Network. en. 2020-03-12.
14. Web site: Double Crossed. Brian. Wood. www.penguin.co.uk.
15. Web site: Falsely accused of war crimes. www.itv.com. 3 February 2017. 9 June 2021.
16. Web site: Toby Jones and Anthony Boyle to lead cast of new BBC drama Danny Boy. 2020-11-15. Radio Times. en.