The Soldiers

Listen to the disarmingly honest views of British soldiers as they share their hopes for the future, the disappointments they've faced and the dangers that each day presents. Watch as they warily patrol the streets of Andersonstown and Turf Lodge engaging the IRA in guerrilla warfare in West Belfast's Republican heartland. This Thames documentary uses their words to reveal the reality of life for the average British Army troop during the Northern Ireland conflict.

Although filmed over the Christmas period, there are few of the traditional holiday emblems on display, save a few chickens roasting in the oven and a handful of Christmas cards in the army barracks. However, whilst the seasonal festivities and carousing are curtailed, the soldiers are seen at the film’s close enjoying a concert by local comedian James Young. This film is from the BFI collection. It is part of the Thames current affairs television series ‘This Week’, broadcasting regional issues to a national UK audience. The series often provoked controversy, reportedly the demise of Thames was not helped by Thatcher’s anger over their coverage in 1988 of the killing of three IRA members in Gibraltar.