Archive: Just waiting for news - The families back home

Taken from the files of the WHT, Wednesday, March 26, 2003... ANXIOUSLY watching the round-the-clock TV coverage of the war in Iraq has been a daily ordeal for one families with loved ones in the Gulf. John and Linda Ginty have been waiting to hear if their

Taken from the files of the WHT, Wednesday, March 26, 2003

ANXIOUSLY watching the round-the-clock TV coverage of the war in Iraq has been a daily ordeal for one families with loved ones in the Gulf.

John and Linda Ginty have been waiting to hear if their 20-year-old son Daniel, serving in the 16th Air Assault Regiment, is safe, as coalition troops battle on.

Last Wednesday night, 24 hours before fighting started, a phone call came from Daniel's base, Camp Eagle.

Mr Ginty, 40, from Beehive Lane, WGC, said: "He just said they were all ready and when they had to go in they would go for it but we don't know exactly where they are.

John, who served in the first Gulf War himself, added: "He seemed fine and had received a couple of parcels we had sent over with his favourite sweets.

"He was a bit apprehensive and said it would be the last time he would be able to talk to us."

Mr Ginty, a director of WGC-based Comdis Ltd, said he believed his son was near Basra.

"I know from my own experience that although this is just a job to some people, most have no idea what horrors troops face every day.

"I just hope to see him back safe and well soon.