The start of a firefight between the British Army and Afghan insurgents which lasted over three hours. When the artist, a civilian, was staying at a Patrol Base near Musa Qala in the north of Helmand province, a foot patrol went out at dawn to investigate a known insurgent area. George took up position with the Household Cavalry Fire Support Group on a hillside vantage point overlooking the area, where he made sketches that were later translated into paintings.

In the middle distance, the foot patrol of British infantry – identifiable from the shape of the bergens (rucksacks) on their backs – are advancing , just as the Taliban open fire from the cover of a wooded knoll beyond. On the ridge, Regimental Quartermaster Corporal Shaun Fry, MC, at centre right, and his men respond with machine gun fire, while on the right a Javelin missile is poised for firing.