James Blunt, a contestant on Celebrity Traitors, has claimed that his refusal to follow a US general's order to attack Russian troops during his military service in Kosovo may have prevented World War Three. The singer, known for his hit You're Beautiful, served as a captain in the British Army and was deployed with NATO to the Balkans.
Refusing an Order in Kosovo
Blunt, now 52, has recounted how he declined an order to engage Russian forces while stationed in Kosovo. He said he was prepared to face a court martial for refusing the command from a US general, according to the Daily Star.
At the time, Blunt was leading a unit at the head of 30,000 NATO troops near Kosovo's capital, Pristina. He described the situation as a "mad situation" and said following the order would have risked starting World War Three.
Support from a British General
Blunt told the BBC: "I was given the direct command to overpower the 200 or so Russians who were there. I was the lead officer with my troop of men behind us."
He added: "The soldiers directly behind me were from the Parachute Regiment, so they're obviously game for the fight. The direct command (that) came in from Gen Wesley Clark was to overpower them. Various words were used that seemed unusual to us. Words such as 'destroy' came down the radio."
Fortunately, British General Sir Mike Jackson intervened, saying: "I'm not going to have my soldiers be responsible for starting World War III." Blunt recalled that Jackson told them to "sugar off down the road" and encircle the airfield instead.
Aftermath and Career
Blunt said that after a couple of days, the Russians at the airfield asked: "Hang on we have no food and no water. Can we share the airfield with you?" He revealed he would have refused to comply with the order even if Jackson had not intervened, stating he was guided by his "moral judgement".
Blunt left the Army in 2002 to pursue a music career. His second single, You're Beautiful, became one of the most iconic tracks of the decade, cementing his status as a global superstar. Celebrity Traitors concludes this week, with the finale airing tomorrow.
