padsbrat
07-14-2011, 05:04 PM
A bombardier has had a narrow escape from the Taliban after a sniper's bullet flew so close to his head that it cut clean through the strap of his helmet.
James Hallam from 148 Battery, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, has been in Afghanistan since April.
The soldier, who has been in the army for 11 years, was on his first patrol with a new unit in an area known for its militant hide-outs, east of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province
The bullet had hit the clip on the underside rim, severing the strap.
Miraculously, despite being only millimetres from his face, the bullet left no mark.
This is the third time that Bdr Hallam has been deployed to Afghanistan - but admitted this was his most dangerous encounter with enemy troops.
The headgear is being examined by army experts as is the case with any equipment damaged in the line of duty.
Bdr Hallam is hoping to get his helmet back.
He said: 'That helmet saved my life - there is absolutely no doubt about it.
'I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it again because of the damage but I’d like the strap at least to carry around with me as a bit of a lucky charm.
James Hallam from 148 Battery, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, has been in Afghanistan since April.
The soldier, who has been in the army for 11 years, was on his first patrol with a new unit in an area known for its militant hide-outs, east of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province
The bullet had hit the clip on the underside rim, severing the strap.
Miraculously, despite being only millimetres from his face, the bullet left no mark.
This is the third time that Bdr Hallam has been deployed to Afghanistan - but admitted this was his most dangerous encounter with enemy troops.
The headgear is being examined by army experts as is the case with any equipment damaged in the line of duty.
Bdr Hallam is hoping to get his helmet back.
He said: 'That helmet saved my life - there is absolutely no doubt about it.
'I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it again because of the damage but I’d like the strap at least to carry around with me as a bit of a lucky charm.