A Soldiers Tale in Afghanistan

The piece below is an article that I have read on Sky News and is produced for members to read.

A soldier who survived a bomb blast in Afghanistan says the camaraderie of a battalion is the key to getting on with the job.

Corporal David Lynch from the 2nd Royal Welsh was knocked unconscious by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Musa Qalah in Helmand province.

The father-of-three was in an armoured infantry Warrior personnel carrier when the homemade bomb exploded.

"It's dizzying. When I came to and before I knew it the boys were around me sorting me out," he said. "There were no fatalities in that incident."

July has been the bloodiest month for British forces in Afghanistan since the mission began in October 2001.

Twenty-two troops were killed, including 18-year-old Rifleman William Aldridge- the youngest British soldier to die in Afghanistan.

Cpl Lynch, whose tour of duty began in February and is due home soon, said maintaining morale is important.

"Bad things do obviously happen but you've got to concentrate on doing your job," he said. Being a bit older than some of the lads they need someone to look up to and if they see I'm scared they'll be scared. It definitely helps being a Scouser and having some cheeky banter. When you're down they're there to help you out. They're not scared to give you a shoulder to cry on... These guys will help you with anything. "They're not embarrassed to see tears in someone's eyes."

The 31-year-old has previously served in Iraq and Kosovo and added it was hard being so far from home.

"I miss my wife and kids so much, obviously," he said. "But the football's been heartbreaking, missing what's going on and how the Reds are doing, fortunately, mum sends me copies of the Liverpool Echo and I love reading it to see what's been going on."