Basra 2011

Our visas were not sorted out until about ten minutes after we were supposed to have started boarding in Dubai, but they did turn up in the end, or at least we able to get someone in Basra to explain to the airline that we would be able to pick up visas when we landed at Basra Airport.

One of Basra's tribal leaders was waiting on the apron and greeted us as we climbed down from the Airbus. His team showed us through to the VIP lounge where we waited for the visa process to start.

Our "visas" were processed in less than an hour and we then were transferred to secure accommodation in the Coalition Operating Base (COB) near the airport. There we saw American men and women scurrying around with packs of food in one hand and automatic rifles In the other.

The stamps that they gave us were good enough to let us into the country, but we were told that we would need to pay $82 to get proper visas on our way out of the country at the end of the mission.

Our security companies issued us with helmets and body armour. My equipment just made me look very silly - especially as the helmet was too small and the chin strap would not fasten in the right place!!

Location