Soldiers and individuals saved by them are the exclusive interviewees in James W Newton’s heart-wrenching documentary, “Evacuation” (Channel 4). The three-part series, currently airing on consecutive nights at 9pm and available for streaming on channel4.com, provides a unique perspective on the evacuation of Kabul following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s resurgence.
The emotional weight of the documentary is evident as most soldiers openly cry, while others gaze into the distance, lost in memories and words. From seasoned veterans who have witnessed unspeakable atrocities to young personnel experiencing their first operational duty, the documentary captures the toll this mission has taken on those involved.
Diana, an RAF police squadron leader, recounts her experience taking 19-year-olds on what she describes as a sixth-form field trip to Kabul. The documentary offers an inside look at the dangerous British campaign to evacuate Kabul in 2021.
While there have been other documentaries on this subject, none capture the emotional intimacy, intensity, and rawness of this one. The initial episode includes shocking mobile phone footage of Afghans desperately clinging to a US military aircraft during takeoff. As the plane ascends, bodies fall from the sky, representing the grim reality faced by those left behind.
Episode two may lack such visually distressing scenes, but the stories shared by the interviewees vividly paint the harrowing picture of the evacuation efforts. The operation was intended to be straightforward, with eligible individuals ordered to report to the Baron Hotel for processing and repatriation. However, the situation quickly deteriorated as thousands of terrified Afghans, desperate to escape the Taliban, surrounded both the hotel and Kabul Airport. Tragically, many lost their lives in the chaos.
Personal accounts from those on the ground, such as Fahim from the parachute regiment, provide insight into the desperation and cries for help that surrounded the airport. RAF squadron leader Mark, who piloted the first group of evacuees out of Afghanistan, recalls the remarkable resilience of two little girls who boarded his plane, dancing despite the chaos.
Soldiers faced the difficult task of deciding who could be evacuated and who would be left behind. David, a lance-corporal, made an impactful choice by convincing an eligible family to take in a young boy who had been abandoned and would have been vulnerable to child traffickers.
Padre Meikle, an army chaplain, shares one of the most heartbreaking stories. He discovered five children standing around their deceased mother, with the oldest girl, barely 10 years old, having her hand severed. Despite his efforts, the children disappeared before he could secure assistance.
This remarkable documentary showcases the horrors and tragedies of the evacuation but also highlights acts of bravery, compassion, and humanity in the face of an inhumane regime. It is an impactful viewing experience that will leave a lasting impression. All episodes are available for streaming on www.channel4.com.
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