From the battlefields of the First World War to the conflicts of the early 21st century, stories of service continue through the lives of those in our communities. One of these is former Kidwelly Rugby Club captain Andy Francis. Many knew him as a leader on the field – strong, committed, dependable. Yet behind that familiar face was a chapter not spoken about often, one that deepens admiration far beyond sport or friendship.
Andy enlisted in the Royal Welch Fusiliers in the year 2000, serving proudly until 2005. In 2004, he was deployed to Al Amarah, Iraq – an area that would soon become one of the most heavily contested and dangerous regions for British troops during the conflict. From April to September 2004, Andy and his battalion were stationed in what became known as Cimic House, a small compound that formed the British base in the city.
It was here that Andy fought and wounded in what would later be called The Battle of Cimic House.
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The Battle of Cimic House (2004)
In the summer of 2004, British forces at Cimic House came under near-constant attack from the Mahdi Army, a well-armed militia loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr. For weeks, the Fusiliers and their attached units faced:
• Daily mortar and RPG bombardments
• Sustained small-arms fire
• Repeated attempts to overrun the compound
• Minimal sleep, constant danger, and intense heat
Cimic House effectively became a besieged outpost, holding firm under overwhelming pressure. The men defending it displayed unwavering resilience and professionalism in the harshest of circumstances.
During one of these attacks, a mortar round landed less than a metre from Andy. The explosion sent shrapnel into his hand and face, wounding him in the line of duty. Despite injury and the chaos surrounding him, he continued to serve alongside his fellow soldiers until their eventual withdrawal.
The battle came at a cost. There were British casualties, and the defence of Cimic House is remembered as one of the most intense close-quarters engagements faced by UK forces in Iraq.
A Quiet Strength
There are some things people carry without ever needing to speak of them.
Andy’s service, his courage, and his sacrifice were never something he sought praise for. But once known, they bring a deeper understanding of the man – his resilience, his loyalty, and his strength both on and off the field.
It is one thing to respect someone.
It is another to learn what they endured, and feel that respect grow far beyond words.