FOR one Hampshire pensioner the war in Iraq brought back distant memories of an earlier conflict.

Irene Gray, 90, from Totton, near Southampton, was struck by the similarities between the latest war and her own father's experiences during the First World War.

Charles Malyon, a captain with the Royal Medical Corps, was based at the British Standard Hospital in Baghdad throughout the 1914-18 conflict.

In recognition of his dedicated service during the war he was even awarded a special honour from Winston Churchill.

For Irene, the images of men leaving their families to head out to the Gulf brought back memories of the difficulties of life separated from loved ones.

She said: "He was a truly great father - but, of course, he was away a lot.

"I was only a baby when he went to Baghdad and when he returned he was a stranger to me."

Alhough Charles never discussed with Irene his experiences in Iraq, or Mesopotamia as it was then known, he did bring back a number of souvenirs from his time in the Middle East.

Some of the most original pieces include a shell casing he found in the hospital grounds, which he had engraved to remember his time in Baghdad, and a commemorative photograph album given to him by the Daily Mail's war correspondent.

They are now among Irene's most treasured possessions.

A "true Englishman", Charles enjoyed travel and the discipline of the military way of life. But he was also a doting parent.

"He kept his military life and his private life entirely separate," said Irene. "He was a big, tall, kindly man - a great father."

Born in London in 1877, Charles trained at the Aldershot Army medical training camp.

He was stationed at the old but well-loved Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, where he and his wife lived in married quarters. Four of their five children were born there.

Following Charles's return from the First World War the family transferred to Leeds until his untimely death from a stroke in 1923, aged just 50.

Devastated, Florence brought the children back to Southampton to be near her family, and Irene has lived here ever since.

Even after his death Charles's legacy was continued by his children, one of whom followed his father into the Royal Medical Corps.

Irene also maintained a military theme during her career, working for the Supermarine Aviation Works at Southampton, home to the inspiring Spitfire planes designed by RJ Mitchell.

She believes her father would have supported the latest conflict in Iraq.

"He was a very principled and brave man," she said. "He stood up for what he believed in."