Shoulder to Shoulder
A timeless game in a hostile space...
Wahza Pa Wahza (Shoulder to Shoulder)
Arabella Dorman
On operations in Afghanistan, the Royal Regiment of Scotland performed advisory and mentorship roles to develop the security and sustainability of the Afghan National Army. Sport – the ‘international language’ – was a means to forge positive relationships; not as one side against the other, but as two working together. Captain Walter Barrie (1 SCOTS) was instrumental in setting up football, cricket and even volleyball teams to develop a sense of comradeship and trust between Afghan and ISAF forces from the start of his deployment to Afghanistan in 2012.
Listen to Walter speaking to forces broadcaster Mark McKenzie in October 2012 about the sports teams set up to build relationships between 1 SCOTS and members of the Afghan National Army:
On 11th November 2012, a football match took place between British Army soldiers and members of the Afghan National Army at Forward Operating Base Shawqat, Helmand Province. During the game, Walter was shot at close range by an Afghan soldier in a so-called ‘green-on-blue’ attack. He was fatally injured.
British war artist Arabella Dorman was attached to the battlegroup in Afghanistan at this time. Inspired by the poignant actions of Walter’s comrades following his death, Dorman created Wazha Pa Wazha. The desert scene depicts soldiers from 1 SCOTS playing football together with Afghan National Army soldiers in the aftermath of the attack. In her diary she wrote:
‘It was emotive and inspiring to watch these men playing together, when only a few years earlier both sides were fighting a fierce insurgency in a viper’s nest of death, murder and corruption, where both ISAF & ANA Forces could do little but retreat behind the wire for a degree of security… I sketched them thinking it will make a powerful symbolic painting, but also a tribute to Walter Barrie… That play has resumed is a profound credit to our men, their courage, professionalism and willingness to return to the field again.’
2013
Oil on Canvas
Captain Walter Barrie
Captain Walter Barrie joined The Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1987 and went on to serve 25 years as soldier and Officer in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, and Afghanistan.
Upon formation of The Royal Regiment of Scotland he transferred to 2 SCOTS, where he commissioned as an Officer in 2009 and was subsequently posted to 1 SCOTS. He was well known for his approachable and compassionate nature, ability to connect with people, and love of sport. His passionate support of Rangers Football Club was the root of many friendships within the Regiment.
In August 2012, Walter deployed to Afghanistan as the 1st Kandak Team Second-in-Command, D Company, 1 SCOTS. Forming part of a Brigade Advisory Group, 1 SCOTS’ role at this time was to mentor and advise a Brigade of the Afghan National Army to take the lead in security responsibilities in their area of southern Afghanistan.
Walter’s son, Lieutenant Callum Barrie, is now serving with 3 SCOTS. His legacy within the Regiment is further maintained through the annual Walter Barrie Cup football match.
