Бывший солдат 23-летней службы возвращается в Сомerset, чтобы отдать долг родному сообществу

David Baker couldn’t be prouder of his Somerset roots. Having been on a global journey in service of his country, he is now preparing to return to the county he calls home. David’s story started in Bridgwater, the town of his birth, but his fondest memories are of his early life in Taunton, which he calls home. He grew up in the former Full Moon pub, in South Street, and enjoyed his time at The Castle School. But seeing an advert encouraging young people to join the Army was to change his life. He said: “Like many young people in the town, I could not have imagined where life would take me when I first stepped into the Army Recruiting Office in Taunton in 1992. "It was on my mother’s birthday when I said goodbye to my parents and began a journey that would shape the next chapter of my life as I entered the army as a new recruit.” After basic training, he joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets (now The Rifles) and was posted to Dover. Early in his career, he deployed overseas to train with NATO forces in Norway and Denmark as part of the rapid reaction force preparing to defend the United Kingdom. Alongside operational preparation, he also represented his regiment in sport, including boxing in inter-unit competitions, and a range of regimental sporting events that built strong bonds and discipline. Read more Key service at Musgrove Park Hospital forced to close after rat spotted Investigation launched as serious fire destroys home in Somerset town Taunton woman, 20, on how she overcame long-running anorexia battle His first operational tour came during Op Banner in Northern Ireland, where he served on the streets of Belfast supporting the police during a challenging period. Working in small infantry teams, soldiers provided patrols, observation, reassurance to local communities and protection during the marching season. Duties included cordon operations, vehicle checkpoints, crowd control support and responding to public order incidents, where tensions could escalate quickly. David said: “It was demanding work that required restraint, teamwork and professionalism in difficult environments.” Next, he transferred into the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, where he managed a unit gym, while remaining closely involved as an operational soldier. He also served as part of a commanding officer’s close protection team, providing personal security support, maintaining high levels of fitness and operational readiness. David’s next deployment was to Basra, Iraq, where the operational tempo was significantly higher. He said: “During this period I experienced frequent enemy contact while on patrol and within fortified bases. “Rocket attacks, mortar fire and improvised explosive devices became part of the daily threat environment. “Like many who served there, I witnessed loss, and experienced the lasting impact of conflict, including the often unseen effects on mental health that follow service. “These experiences remain part of my story, and reflect the reality faced by many British soldiers during that campaign.” He was then deployed to Afghanistan, where his role focused on training and mentoring within the Afghan Army. “Working closely with local forces, I helped develop training systems and supported the development of future officers at their military academy, contributing to long term capability building rather than frontline operations,” said David. His final posting was in Cyprus, where he worked in support of the British Sovereign Base Areas, continuing to serve alongside infantry units in a strategic overseas environment. At the end of his 23 years’ service, David finally left the Army, having dedicated most of his adult life to military duty. He is currently running a small business at the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus. His work involves supporting the British military community, focusing on safety assurance and compliance to British standards within water sports. David added: “I’m looking to reconnect with Taunton in the near future. “Like many, I’ve seen Taunton and the surrounding areas change over the years, some things for the better, some more challenging. “But, it has always been the strength of the community that stands out. “Despite being overseas, Taunton has always remained home in my mind and I plan to return later this year. “Growing up, and even during my time on operations, my parents, who still live in the area, would send me the County Gazette so I could stay connected with local news. “It has always meant a great deal to me.” During his time in Cyprus David has got to know Anne Diamond, who began her career in local journalism at the Bridgwater Mercury, sister paper to the County Gazette. “We were recently visited by her,” he said. “She spoke very fondly of those early days and we often find ourselves chatting about Somerset, local papers and community life when she visits. “That has only strengthened my connection to the area. “As I look to return, I’m keen to reconnect and get involved in the community. “I firmly believe that if you care about where you live, you don’t just complain, you contribute, whether that’s through supporting local initiatives, helping businesses.” He added: “My journey is now turning back toward home. “Somerset remains my home, where my story began. “I now look forward to returning to the town that shaped me. “I now seek to give something back to the community that started it all.”