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Patron: Her Majesty the Queen

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The Royal Scottish Society of Arts
Showcasing Scotland's Science, Technology and Innovation



1st Meeting of the 187th Session (2007-2008)

"Some Realities of War"

Brigadier Ian Gardiner

In the Wolfson Suite, Ground Floor
Edinburgh University Library
George Square, Edinburgh
On Monday 15th October 2007, at 7pm

Brigadier Ian Gardiner commanded a company of Royal Marines in the Falklands War. Eight years earlier, he commanded a company of Arab soldiers in the little known but hard fought Dhofar War in Oman where he was decorated for leadership and gallantry in battle. He also served four tours in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles. In his final appointment, he was Secretary to the Military Committee at NATO Headquarters during the Kosovo conflict.

Drawing on this, he will offer a rich and profound insight into the lot of soldiers in conflict - and their families - which cannot be got from TV, films or the Press. He will address such areas as: why men fight; the overall effect of technology on war; post traumatic stress syndrome; the realities of command in battle; the incidence of "friendly fire", why battles are won and lost, and many other aspects of war. Since Britain has sent her Servicemen and women into lethal conflict every year bar one since the Second World War, this talk is relevant to us all.

Brigadier Ian Gardiner is author of "In the Service of the Sultan: A First-Hand Account of the Dhofar Insurgency". Copies will be available to buy at the meeting.

Location of meeting

Society Business

The President, Professor Anthony Busuttil, will be in the Chair

Members of the Public are welcome to attend

Jane Ridder-Patrick, Secretary
secretary@rssa.org.uk
Telephone: 0131 556 2161

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