Major General Patrick Cordingley was heavily involved during the Gulf War, leading Allied troops into Iraq.

He commanded the Desert Rats, (the 7th Armoured Brigade), during the conflict in 1991.

In fact it was his tanks which were the first to enter into Iraq during the Gulf War.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery and leadership.

Critically acclaimed

His skills have also been used elsewhere. Maj Gen Cordingley was appointed as Military Advisor to the Sultan of Oman.

Maj Gen Cordingley retired from the army in September 2000 but he is still as busy as ever.

Instead of commanding armies, he now splits his time between writing and his many outside interests.

He is now chairman of a company, chairman of the trustees of two museums and governor of a public school.

Sceptical

He became a published author in 1996, with the release of the critically acclaimed and best selling book In The Eye Of The Storm - which details his account of leading the troops into Iraq.

He has been quoted as being sceptical about the possibility of a new war against Saddam Hussein, and especially about the validity of the much vaunted dossier.

He said: "I don't think they have much, frankly."