Solider 'cheats death' five times in a week

Date published: 04 August 2009

The Daily Mirror has revealed that a soldier from Rochdale has "cheated death" five times in the space of a week.

Fusilier Steve Stratton has survived two rocket-propelled grenades, two bomb attacks and a 45-minute hail of bullets whilst serving in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

He said to the Mirror: "I took a few minutes to chat to the boys and check myself for shrapnel, but then it's straight back out there and hoping you stay lucky."

The Mirror reports:

One of the soldiers in his patrol was shot in the chest in the final attack, but was saved by his body armour. Mr Stratton admitted for one fleeting moment he thought it was "game over" when he came under rocket attack.

He was at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers' patrol base Woqab in Musa Qala, the northern-most point of British control, when he heard what sounded like a firework. He said: "There was a plume of smoke and a rocket propelled grenade coming at me."

Steve, with 2nd Battalion RRF, got his head down. Seconds later, as he started to shoot back, another RPG zoomed in. He said: "There was a loud bang then blackout. It hit the wall and took me clean out. I came around 30 seconds later being shaken by my mate." Steve was back on watch 20 minutes later.

On foot patrol the same week, he came across two improvised explosive devices laid just 40 yards apart.

The most terrifying experience came when he and three were pals were pinned down down by enemy fire.

Mr Stratton, 26, said: "There were shells coming over our heads and hitting the wall behind. It was brutal. I've never been so scared in all my life." The patrol finally shook off the Taliban by calling in air support. Platoon Sgt Jamie Orange described Steve as "a true pro". He added: "Experiences like these pull the guys closer. I've never seen the unit so tight."

Mum Sue, 60, told how Steve laughed off his brushes with death in a recent phone call. She said: "Of course I worry constantly. But I'm bursting with pride that he loves doing his job fighting for his country."