Agonising wait for mother with four sons in Royal Artillery

With the war against Iraq likely to last for longer than expected, the worry and concern felt by families at home continues to grow.

For at least one mother, the agonising wait for the end of hostilities has been exacerbated by the fact that instead of having just one son to worry about she has four, all serving on the front line as part of the same regiment.

Elizabeth Stewart, from Wishaw, Lanarkshire is proud of her sons, and her fear for their safety is tempered by the knowledge they are looking after each other.

"This war will take as long as it takes, and my boys will do their jobs," said Mrs Stewart yesterday. "They are soldiers who took the Queen's shilling. They have no choice in where they go or what they have to do and neither have I, but it doesn't stop me worrying."

Mrs Stewart's eldest son, Sergeant Stuart Campbell, 35, was the first to enlist in the 26th Royal Regiment of the Royal Artillery, in 1986. He was followed into the regiment by his brothers, Sergeant Robert Campbell, 34, Bombardier Gordon Campbell, 22, and Gunner Scott Campbell, aged 19.

"My two older boys were in the first Gulf War and it's just a pity that they have had to go back. If the politicians had finished the job properly the first time then my other two sons would not have had to go and a lot of families would have been spared the worry they are going through now," Mrs Stewart said.

The last Mrs Stewart heard from her sons was just before the war started when Scott telephoned. "He was in good spirits and said he was fine and relaxed," said Mrs Stewart, who admitted that her two younger sons were excited about seeing some action.

"I know they can all look after themselves but it helps to know they each have somebody close to them sharing the same experiences," said Mrs Stewart.

"They might be grown up but they're still my boys and I still worry. I just hope they come back safe and as soon as possible. They've told me they expect to be out there at least six months, even if the fighting stops tomorrow. But when they do come back there will certainly be a big party waiting to welcome them home."