Dave Watson suffered life-changing injuries in Helmand in 2010
A former British soldier who lost three limbs serving in Afghanistan reacted angrily today to US President Donald Trump’s comments that allied forces’ contributions to the effort were less than those of their American counterparts.
Dave Watson, 38, from Romsley in Worcestershire, became a triple amputee when he was blown up by an improvised explosive device during a routine foot patrol with 1st Battalion Scots Guards in Helmand Province in May 2010, leading to his immediate medical discharge from the British Army.
In an interview with Fox News at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump claimed NATO allies in Afghanistan “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines,” implying their combat involvement and sacrifices were minimal compared to Americans – a position he rowed back from last night on Truth Social (see below).
‘I speak as someone who lost three limbs in Afghanistan’
Dave, who after leaving the army became an Invticus Games discus and shot put champ, said: “For Trump to say Allied Forces, including British troops, were somehow less committed to the cause than our American colleagues is as laughable as it is ignorant.
“I speak as someone who lost three limbs in Afghanistan, where myself and my colleagues served.”
He added: “Personally, I’m not someone to get bent out of shape by someone running their mouth.
‘The bond between those who served is unbreakable’
“I know, and my colleagues know, including American colleagues, what happened in these conflicts. Sadly, Trump doesn’t. Even though he’s the President, his ill-judged comments won’t break the bond my fellow servicemen and I have with allied forces across Europe and America. That bond is unbreakable.”
After a period of depression following his life-changing injuries, Dave resorted to drink and drugs. He then found hope and purpose in sport, going on to win gold in shot put and discus at several Invictus Games, including in Sydney in 2018. He has recently come out ot retirement to train for the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027.
A British military veteran from a different era also condemned Trump’s comments, albeit making clear he still rates the US President for what he does, if not everything he says.
‘I love Trump but I’m disappointed by what he said’ – army vet Nigel Poole
Nigel Poole, 70, from Willenhall, who served with the Queen’s Own Hussars from 1974 to 1978, including operations tours in Northern Ireland, said: “I’m disappointed by Trump’s comments, particularly because I love the guy for what he’s doing politically, but sadly in this case not for what he’s said, which was just plain insulting and ignorant.”
Nigel, a green card holder who spent many years living in America and voted for Trump, added: “Allied forces, including British troops, lost as many men, as a proportion of the total, as the Americans did in all recent conflicts.
“I wish he hadn’t said that stuff because he risks losing all the support he has among military service personnel, not just in America but around the world.”
Trump backtracks on Truth Social
After a huge backlash from British troops, Trump carried out a rare public climb-down on his ill-judged words at Davos with a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He praised the UK military, noting the 457 who died in Afghanistan, adding: “We love you all, and always will!”
Nigel, the vet from Willenhall, reacting to Trump’s post, said: “I honestly thought he would [backtrack]. I have faith in him as President.”
