Channel 4 televised the first of a three-part documentary on Sunday 2 July about the British service personnel who oversaw the evacuation of Afghan refugees fleeing for their lives when Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021.
Evacuation gives a profound insight into the harrowing ordeal they experienced and the consequences on their mental health. A combination of footage filmed at the time of the evacuation and interviews given for the documentary, serving personnel speak openly about what they endured. It is a raw and confronting account.
We know this documentary will be triggering for some veterans and serving personnel. We are urging those affected by the programme to call our 24-hour Helpline for confidential advice and support. Veterans can call 0800 138 1619; for serving personnel it is 0800 323 4444.
Last month we attended a screening at Channel 4 of the first two episodes. The impact on those military personnel featured was clearly devastating and sadly, among some, signs of mental health issues such as moral injury were visible.
We hope this documentary will help viewers gain a better understanding of the role our servicemen and women perform. This is a must watch series that painfully captures the courage, compassion and determination displayed by the British armed forces in an unprecedented crisis.
Evacuation will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 9pm on 2, 3 and 4 July. Warning: this programme contains scenes that some viewers may find distressing.
