Soldier Lobs Taliban Grenade Back At Enemy

9:00am UK, Tuesday March 09, 2010

Damien Pearse, Sky News Online

A British soldier has saved his comrades by scooping up a live Taliban grenade and throwing it straight back at the enemy moments before it exploded.

Rifleman James McKie suffered cuts to his face after the grenade exploded

The device hit Rifleman James McKie’s platoon commander and landed at his feet during a battle in the Sangin area of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

And as the enemy continued to pound his position from three directions the young soldier lobbed the grenade as far as he could.

“I remember thinking that if I didn’t pull this off, it was going to hurt,” he said. “But at that stage I was pretty much committed.”

Split seconds after the grenade left his hand it exploded in mid-air, firing fragments into Rifleman McKie’s face and arm.

His commander Captain Graeme Kerr suffered leg injuries and is now recovering at Selly Oak Hospital in the UK.

Rifleman McKie was posted on the roof of a building when he saw the grenade. Another soldier, also on the roof, escaped unhurt.

Rifleman McKie, from Recce Platoon, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, and originally from New Zealand, described the drama.

“I heard what sounded like a mini flare come from our right where I knew there were none of our guys, so I thought this was really unusual.

“We were in a high position on a compound roof.

“There was no way you could throw yourself off and not get injured, so I made a decision to pick up the grenade and throw it off the roof.”

He went on: “My platoon has taken a lot of casualties. I really didn’t want to see anyone else get hurt.”

Rifleman McKie threw smoke to cover their withdrawal, allowing them to reach the safety of another compound.

Captain Kerr was immediately evacuated by helicopter, but Rifleman McKie was able to continue in his duties until the following day.

“I don’t feel particularly brave,” he said.

“I’m not expecting anything from my comrades … I don’t want any thanks from them. I just don’t want them to get hurt.”

Outstanding bravery which is typical of our gallant fighting forces. What a great pity this Labour Government doesnt think so. Both Labour and the sneaky LibDems have an inheritant loathing of all things patriotic.

I hope when he threw the grenade back it hit its intended targets.

Jim Ferguson