Soldier billeted in Saddam's palace (From Western Telegraph)

Soldier billeted in Saddam's palace

One of Saddam Hussein's palaces provided satisfactory accommodation for a Pembrokeshire soldier while on operations in Iraq.

Neil Bartlett (pictured), an ex-pupil of Fishguard High School and Pembrokeshire College, found himself billeted in the sumptuous surroundings towards the end of the conflict.

Neil, aged 20, has been a member of the Royal Corps of Signals for two years and was sent out to Iraq in January. Originally serving with American forces, he was later attached to the 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats, and ended up in Basra.

Neil, who is returning to base in Nuneaton at the end of the month, is looking forward to being reunited with his parents, Bruce and Karen, and brothers, Shaun and Paul on a visit to the family home in Goodwick.