ROYAL Marines who spearheaded the invasion of Iraq had "mixed feelings" over the reasons behind going to war, according to a former city commando.

Dave Brooks, from Crownhill, was one of thousands of servicemen from Plymouth who took part in the controversial invasion on March 20, 2003.

The 27-year-old believes there was doubt among his comrades who believed they were simply finishing off America's war in the Gulf.

He was speaking as the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, published his memoirs writing of his sadness at the loss of life in Iraq and his lack of regrets over the war.

At the time of the invasion Dave was serving with Stonehouse-based Command Support Group.

He said commandos were supposed to be sent to Norway for training, but instead they were sent to Kuwait in preparation for the assault.

Attached to Bickleigh's 42 Commando as a driver, Dave was at the forefront of the historic occasion.

Eight Plymouth-based servicemen died on the first day of the war.

"There were mixed feelings among the lads about the reasons why we were going to war," Dave said.

"We were young and we were just doing what we were told. We didn't really think about the politics.

"But saying that, some people thought it was all about Bush trying to finish his daddy's war in the Gulf. I remember people using that phrase."

Despite criticism over the war, especially given no Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) were found, Dave agrees with UK troops being sent in.

"I saw the reaction of the Iraqi people and the look on their faces," added Dave, who left the Royal Marines in November 2006.

"The moment we crossed the border into Iraq people were happy to see us. They thought we could help them."

Anti-war campaigners have never forgiven Mr Blair for his decisions over Iraq.

Yesterday protesters staged a demonstration outside Waterstones bookshop in London's Piccadilly where Mr Blair is due for a book signing next week.

Writing in A Journey about the decision to go to war with Iraq, Mr Blair states: "I am unable to satisfy the desire even of some of my supporters, who would like me to say: it was a mistake but one made in good faith.

"Friends opposed to the war think I'm being obstinate; others, less friendly, think I'm delusional. To both I may say: keep an open mind."

Referring to his feelings about those who lost loved ones in the Iraq War, he writes: "Tears, though there have been many, do not encompass it.

"I feel desperately sorry for them, sorry for the lives cut short, sorry for the families whose bereavement is made worse by the controversy over why their loved ones died, sorry for the utterly unfair selection that the loss should be theirs."

Lindsey German, convener of the Stop The War Coalition, said: "He is refusing to say sorry or express any regret."

In his memoirs Mr Blair also reveals how he "hesitated" in agreeing the renewal of the nation's submarine-based nuclear deterrent.

Mr Blair said he understood "the common sense and practical argument" against keeping the Trident weapons system, and that scrapping it "would not have been stupid".

However, he said he ultimately rejected this as it would undermine the UK's world status and risk the nation's defence.