Four British soldiers in Afghanistan strapped themselves to the
wings of fast-moving Apache attack helicopters in a daring attempt
to rescue a comrade shot by the Taliban, according to the defence
ministry.
"This is believed to be the first time UK forces have ever tried
this type of rescue mission ... It was an extraordinary tale of
heroism and bravery of our airmen, soldiers and marines who were
all prepared to put themselves back into the line of fire to rescue
a fallen comrade," said UK Task Force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel
Rory Bruce.
Royal Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Ford, 30, was shot on Monday
when more than 200 British troops attacked the Islamist militia's
Jugroom Fort in southern Helmand province.
When Ford was discovered to be missing, the Marines first planned a
rescue attempt with armoured personnel carriers, but when the
Apaches became available they decided the fast attack helicopters
provided the best opportunity to rescue him.
But the helicopters can only carry a pilot and a gunner, although
according to The Guardian newspaper there are attachments on the
wings that soldiers can harness themselves to in emergencies.
Two troops each were strapped to the wings of two Apache
helicopters, with a third Apache and several ground units providing
covering fire.
After landing at the site of the earlier battle, the four soldiers
found Ford dead, but were able to recover his body.
