The mother of a Bradford soldier today said she fears her son will be on the front line in Iraq.
Christine Shackleton, whose son Sergeant Martin Shackleton (pictured) is an electrical mechanical engineer with the 3rd Battalion REME in the British Army, said because of her son's job as his unit's only helicopter mechanic he would be playing a major role.
"I couldn't sleep on Wednesday night and stayed up for most of it watching the news unfold on the TV," said Mrs Shackleton.
"I hoped war wouldn't break out but I knew in the back of my mind that Saddam Hussein would not surrender.
"All I keep thinking about is my son, my baby boy, who is out there and I can't stop crying when anyone mentions it to me."
The Telegraph & Argus reported on Monday that Sgt Shackleton, 31, wrote to readers appealing for basic essentials for soldiers in the Kuwaiti desert.
"I know he's been to Bosnia and served in Northern Ireland for two years but this time it seems more frightening," said Mrs Shackleton, of Moorside Road, Eccleshill.
"I know he'd say to me 'Don't worry mum, I'll be fine,' but I can't help it and he's always at the forefront of my mind."
The GP practice manager said she had not yet heard from his wife Cressida, who lives in Paderborn, Germany, with their two-year-old son Harry at a British Army barracks.
"I know she'll be extremely worried about him and I bet she's gone to pieces," said Mrs Shackleton.
Sgt Shackleton, a former Hanson School pupil, joined the Army 14 years ago.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article