Bereaved Father Compares Trump's UK Troop Remarks to a 'Twisting Knife'
A former soldier whose son was killed in Iraq has described Donald Trump's comments about British forces in Afghanistan as feeling like "being struck with a knife that twisted again". John Miller, 74, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, spoke out after the former US president suggested UK troops had "stayed a little back from the frontline" during the conflict.
Family's Military Sacrifice
John and his wife Marilyn, 66, have deep personal connections to the British military. Their son Simon was just 21 when he was killed alongside five comrades in Iraq in June 2003, while their other son Jon has served two tours in Afghanistan and continues his military career after more than two decades of service.
"We were only there fighting because of America," John told the Mirror. "But Trump's comments were as if our service personnel did not exist. The UK lost so many lives."
No Apology Adds to Insult
While Trump later issued a statement praising UK forces as "among the greatest of all warriors," John noted the absence of any apology made the situation worse. "He praises our troops but there is no apology, and there should have been," he said.
The father of two explained how the remarks reopened old wounds: "The remarks by Trump hurt me and my wife. Especially when you go back to Iraq, we are still seeking justice for Si even now."
Painful Memories and Ongoing Justice Battle
John described the traumatic memory of seeing six coffins, including his son's, returning from Iraq. "That is a sight that I will never forget," he said. "It will be 23 years this June since he died, and we are still seeking the murderers who did it."
One man was convicted in absentia last year for Simon's murder and received a life sentence, but remains at large with frozen assets. John has been campaigning for justice for years, including meetings at the Ministry of Defence.
Brother's Continuing Service
Despite the family tragedy, Jon Miller has continued his military career with distinction. "He has signed up for another 10 years after serving 22 years to become a warrant officer and regimental sergeant major," his proud father revealed. "We are so proud of him."
Jon has two sons, including 15-year-old Simon named after his late uncle, and 11-year-old Ollie.
Context of UK Sacrifice in Afghanistan
The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the Afghanistan conflict after the United States, with 457 fatalities among British service personnel. This came after the US-led invasion in October 2001 to oust the Taliban following the 9/11 attacks.
More than 3,500 coalition soldiers died in the conflict, with approximately two-thirds being American casualties before the US withdrawal in 2021.
John Miller's powerful words highlight how political comments can deeply affect military families still grieving losses from conflicts that began decades ago, while continuing their fight for justice and recognition of their loved ones' sacrifices.
