"A lot of Royal Marines came home because of the decisions you made" where the words Martin Wade heard from his colleague years after being the Task Force Legal Advisor to the Royal Marines in Helmand in 2006-7. But by then the damage had been done.

The last episode in this series hears Lt Col (retd) Martin Wade talk us through his journey from battlefield lawyer making decisions on the use of lethal and non lethal force, to a psychiatric ward in Germany and a diagnosis of PTSD. While receiving treatment it becomes clear his legal mind was fighting his mental condition and eventually something had to give and he is medically discharged. As part of his treatment Martin is introduced to painting. In the aftermath of Afghanistan he turned to art to express in a visual way the emotions, feelings, thoughts and meanings associated with that period of his life to such an extent he is now living as an artist, exhibiting, taking commissions and painting for the love of it. Google him..its powerful art. MARTIN WADE - Contemporary War Artist, UK

The charities that have helped Martin are below. That's it for 2024, back in 2025 with a new series and some more live shows with my guests. Details and locations will be posted as and when dates confirmed.

Donate - Supporting Wounded Veterans | Uk Veterans Charity

Donate | Help For Heroes

L/Cpl James Ashworth was killed as he stormed an enemy position in Helmand , Afghanistan. An action he was awarded the VC for; the 14th person at the time to receive the highest award for gallantry since WWII. His father, Duane, himself a former Grenadier, describes how he came to hear the news of his sons death, his repatriation and the announcement of the VC. Mistakes were made, bureaucracy gets in the way and the press intrusion overwhelming. This journey is an emotional roller coaster, as told by the only person who could, beyond those who were there when his son gave his all for those around him.

Duane now runs "Kitchener's" in Lowestoft - a Hotel that provides discounted getaways for veterans, serving military members, and blue light service providers and their families. More info can be found at www.kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk Its a registered charity to, so donations always welcome.

Quoted as uttering the best line of the war, Paul Fear takes us to the moment he had reason to say it back in 2007 in Afghanistan. Paul and I served together in the early 90's. He left and subsequently re joined. He found himself in Afghanistan fighting at close quarters with the Taliban until one day it didn't go his and a few others way. After 6 more years he took the opportunity to leave with a pay out and a pension.. ..except it never came. With a determined wife who fought for his dues all the way to the Prime Minister, the MOD eventually relented. Once again, the Government failed those it asked to go fight on its behalf. Years later working for Sky, the fall of Kabul brings it all back..and credit where credit is due the NHS via Op Courage stepped up. The brutality of engaging with the enemy, fighting for what your due against your former employer, to eventually needing help is a story we hear all too often from this cohort.

Op Courage is the NHS answer to helping Veterans with their mental health - and this episode is a perfect example of what is does. Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)