FERGUS Greer went into the Balkans as the first photographer to be officially accredited by the Ministry of Defence as a War Artist.

Like the official artists of the First World War, Greer had been a professional soldier, an officer serving with the Irish Guards in Germany and the UK.

From April to June 1999, Greer went into Macedonia and Kosovo with his old regiment, documenting their activities, culminating with the liberation of Pristina.

Although Greer's photographs from this journey reference the tradition of war photojournalism in their restriction to black and white and the prominence of their grain, their style is closer to that of the painter than the news photographer.

His interior shots have the rough, intimate immediacy of Kitson's Falklands sketches, and his panoramic exteriors focus on surreal moments and unexpected symmetries in a style reminiscent of Lee Miller, another photographer who, like Greer, came from a portrait rather than a news background.

The book also includes narrative extracts from Greer's journal of events during his time with the Irish Guards in the the Balkans. The foreword is by General Sir Mike Jackson who commanded the Kosovo Force (KFOR). He describes the book as "a remarkable collection of photographs which vividly portrays the drama, poignancy and tragedy of the Kosovo campaign".

The introduction by Lieutenant-Colonel W G Cubitt, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion Irish Guards, Battle Group Commander, outlines the role undertaken by the Battle Group.

He describes Fergus Greer's book as a "superb photographic record of the operation" that will provide a lasting memory for those involved in Macedonia and Kosovo, and will reveal much to those with an interest in military operations.

Priced £15, plus £2.50 postage and packing, it can be ordered at bookshops, Amazon.com or direct from the publishers, Rosebud Media (ISBN 0-9708277-0-9).

All profits from the sale of the book are going to the British Forces Foundation and the charity has 100 specially signed copies available to buy.

'This is a unique and fascinating record of a very tense and difficult time. Fergus Greer has skillfully caught the tension, humanity and professionalism of a very proud and effective Battle Group, which I had the rare privilege of visiting in the Balkans.' - Jim Davidson, Chairman and Co-Founder, The British Forces Foundation

'Painters have deployed as official war artists for centuries; it seemed exactly the right status for Fergus. The results speak for themselves in this volume. Fergus has produced a unique record of operations in Kosovo, portraying his own regiment with the power, clarity, understanding and affection of one who is a 'Mick' as well as an artist.' - Brigadier Sebastian Roberts, Director Communications, Ministry of Defence

'These superb photographs are a testament both to the great talent of Fergus Greer and to the professionalism of the forces in Kosovo. In both cases they represent nothing short of a triumph.' - Andrew Roberts, author and historian

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