Saddam Hussein has not withdrawn his forces from Kuwait and the UN deadline has passed.

The air war is getting underway and the RAF takes to the skies adding to the firepower of the coalition.

This is the real thing, not a movie and there is danger ahead for pilots, navigators and ground crew.

Listen as the decision makers, military commanders and ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen all reflect on their roles in the 1991 Gulf War, 30 years on.

This is an original podcast series from BFBS.

Presented by Jade Callaway.

Produced by Jade Callaway and Jess Bracey

Sound design by Joe Carden

Edited by Josella Waldron

With thanks to Emma Davies, Laura Makin-Isherwood, Simon Newton, Rob Olver and Claire Sadler at Forces News

BBC SFX library: NHU9720323, 07070016, 07025003.

Archive:

The Prime Minister speaks to forces families in Germany (Simon and the Squad, BFBS Radio 1991)

The Gulf War: How did the RAF Prepare (BFBS TV 1990)