-
Andrew McKie - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
The family of a New Zealander fighting in the British army in Afghanistan say they are proud of his actions in saving the lives of two British comrades.
Soldier James McKie was on a roof fighting Taliban insurgents when a grenade landed beside him. Risking his life, the 29-year-old picked it up and threw it away saving the lives of his comrades.
Mckie's father Andrew, says he is incredibly proud of his son's "brilliant and courageous act" and says he is relieved he has lived to tell the tale.
The rifleman grew up in Wellington and went to Tawa College, before joining the army.
He was no stranger to the military. His father served in the New Zealand Defence Force for 20 years and his uncle is also a military man.
"He's very much a military child," says Andrew.
James served as a medic in the New Zealand Army for seven years, and in search of adventure he decided to join the British armed forces.
Andrew says James has remained patriotic to New Zealand. "He always carries his New Zealand flag with him.
"I think he understates everything but he has been in the reconnaissance platoon, been at the forefront of a lot of really fierce fighting, and just reading his letters, we're very proud of him," he says.
He says the family is apprehensive about James fighting in "an extremely dangerous place".
"You don't get immune to it and always worry. Every day there's a new death of a soldier in Afghanistan. It really comes home to you.
"But that's (James') choice, that's what he wanted to do."
Andrew says they intend to see their son after he finishes his time in Afghanistan in three weeks.
Meanwhile, James is now in line for a bravery award and is already back in action on the front line.
