The Accidental Soldier: An Honest and Hilarious Account of Serving in Iraq

This is the instant Sunday Times bestselling true story by Owain Mulligan detailing his unexpected deployment to the frontline in Basra during a violent period of the Iraq conflict. Mulligan, who was never intended to be a career soldier, swapped the challenges of teaching for service, only to find himself navigating homicidal militias, questionable command decisions, and inadequate equipment.

This book offers a searingly honest and darkly funny perspective on the realities of being in the British Army in Iraq, covering the hardships, fears, and sheer lunacy of military life when a war goes wrong.

• An account of serving in the Territorial Army and subsequent deployment to Iraq.
• Details experiences on the streets of Basra during intense conflict periods.
• Explores the challenges posed by militias, command structure, and equipment issues.
• Delivers a darkly humorous and candid look at military precision and life.

• Author: Owain Mulligan
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Publication Date: June 4, 2026
• ISBN-13: 978-1399737098
• Dimensions: 12.8 x 2.6 x 19.6 cm
• Weight: 220 g
• Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks

If you are interested in authentic, often humorous, and unflinching military biographies set within the context of the Iraq War, The Accidental Soldier provides a compelling narrative of survival and absurdity.