My name is Natty.

I am a Reservist Medic. My regiment is the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), I am a qualified as a Combat Medical Technician Class 1 (CMT1), Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support (BATLS) trained, attached to the Rifles.
I have served just over 8 years with the Rifles. I deployed in 2011 with 1st Battalion Rifles. My tour of 6 months was with A Company 2RGR (Royal Gurkha Rifles). I spent 6 months in PB1 Helmand Province. On return I went back to my reserve unit. I have been the Lead Medic for the Coy for the past 8 years. Initially I was the only medic but now there is a team of 4 trained medics with new medics waiting to start their training. I have also been given the task of the Battalions Occupational Health where I teach other medics and the riflemen medical training.

My father served during WW2 on the Suez Canal and Korea. He started out as rifleman and got to the rank of Sgt and then took a commission to become an Officer. He became an Acting Major. My older brother, Simon, joined the Royal Anglians and did 3 tours of Northern Ireland and got to the rank of LCpl during the late 70’s to early 80’s. My older brother didn’t really talk about Northern Ireland, growing up through that time you were constantly worried anyway! It was on the news daily! My younger brother Saul joined the 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry, which is now the 3rd Bn the Rifles. He did 2 tours of Northern Ireland and a 6-month tour of Iraq, 2006 to 2007. He then left and transferred to the Reserve Army. Saul hated Northern Ireland and Iraq completely changed him. He talked about what he had to do to save the lives of his fellow teammates.

My father talked a little bit about WW2. He got seconded to the Para’s and I understand he jumped into Arnhem, where he was wounded – shrapnel wound though he walked around with no problem as such. It was years later that when he was having problems with his bowels that they found the shrapnel. I remember his wound and where he had a massive scar across his abdomen, which would ooze periodically. He was also in the SAS, but I don’t know what period as his file is sealed. What I remember most is spit and polish your boots, wear your uniform with pride and properly or don’t wear it at all!

I have enlisted for 12 years. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and to help those who can’t help themselves. We lost so many soldiers, being pulled out of theatre before the rest of my guys coming home. I guess I have become angrier and slightly tougher on those around me. I firmly believe it’s in God’s Hands, what will be will be! My experience of Afghan is not bad. It’s a beautiful country and I was treated with respect, dignity, and became part of the Gurkha Family. I was sad when I wasn’t there to support my guys when Vijay Rai was KIA. It was devastating as well as missing the family and battle buddies I made. WWIII will be in the Middle East. Unfortunately with war comes those who feed off those who can’t defend themselves and profiteer, someone will always pay the price.

Highlander Scott McLaren died on 4/07/2011. He was a young soldier who had gone missing and was later found dead. He had been caught by the Taliban and killed and will be forever remembered by family and friends. That was the day when the young man put a side arm to my head and asked me what it felt like… We lost so many young soldiers on that tour it puts your own life into perspective. Life is so short. My greatest fear was going back to my old unit.
When I returned home, my family was glad I was home safe and sound. My readjusting to civilian life was horrible. I spent most of my time trying to understand why the grenade that landed hadn’t killed me or injured the guys I was with on patrol that August! My Mum had a brain hemorrhage while I was deployed and after I was demobilized, it was confirmed that I was pregnant. I was so ashamed; I felt I was the most unprofessional soldier ever. I was 37 years old and in complete denial about my pregnancy. I didn’t feel any real connection to what was happening to my body. My mind was still in Afghan. I knew that the guys in my unit would judge me. However I didn’t expect to get completely isolated and ostracized by one of the platoons in the coy. People prefer to listen to gossip than find out the truth. It has taken 4 years to kind of get back to where I was.

I am now a mother to a 3 year-old little girl named Freya who is full of energy and mischief. I also care for my mother who has spent the last 19 months in hospital following complications in Neurosurgery. She has been home nearly 2 months now and settling back in. I resumed my role as lead medic when I came back from ops. As my father would say, don’t let the ‘Bastards Win’ don’t you ever give in to them! I am too stubborn and bull headed to a degree – I love this job. It is my passion, calling if you like. I miss my father every day and wish I could still have those conversations with him. I have been given an amazing opportunity to support the BN on an occupational front. What does that mean? Short version is to make sure they get the care when they are injured, vaccinations and signpost them when it is something I can’t deal with. Most important it means that I have to develop my communication skills across all rank structures and departments, which can be quite challenging. I feel I am making a difference and contributing again.

I am also one of the administrators for Female Soldiers Association and FB page supporting those serving and Veterans.
~ Natty T., British Soldier

www.facebook.com/FemaleSoldiersAssociation
www.facebook.com/homefront
www.facebook.com/WomenWarriorAssoc

We are deeply grateful to Natty for sharing her service and story with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper where we are all connected be it here or across the pond…

My Passion Is Sharing Veteran Stories: jennylasala.com/