Prompt action in the field that prevented two fatalities

Private Chris Watson, 21, saw at first hand the devastation caused by IEDs – Improvised Explosive Devices – after coming face-to-face with two near tragedies

He helped save the lives of both his mate, Private Stephen Baimbridge, and a 10-year-old Afghan boy.

Pte Watson, from Edinburgh, said: “Where we were deployed we were under constant firefight. Luckily the Taleban didn’t know how to use sights properly, and I could see this line of fire coming towards me and I was able to dive out of the way before being hit.”

He added: “I was on patrol with Pte Stephen Baimbridge when he stepped on an IED and his legs were blown off.

“I was the first to get to him and applied the field dressings we all carry. The medic was quite far away but because everyone is trained in first aid, my training kicked in. At the time, you don’t think it is a mate that is injured.

“You just have to remain professional until your job is done, and it was only after he was taken away, the emotion of it all begins to affect you. Afterwards the Regimental Medical Officer told me that my quick actions had saved Steve’s life. I only saw him again for the first time today and I am looking forward to joining him on the Homecoming Parades.”

The soldier also described how an IED crippled an Afghan boy.

He said: “The lad was actually helping us look for IEDs when he unfortunately stepped on one.

“Both his legs and an arm were blown off. We ran down wearing just flip-flops and bermuda shorts. We didn’t have time to put our kit on and get our guns, it was just a case of running to get him.

“There was a real threat to us, but we gave him immediate attention and carried him to safety.

“A helicopter flew him to Camp Bastion and he is alive.”