“We were all just sitting down to dinner when all hell broke loose......”

PALMA
ROBIN Dyche and his partner Laura McWhirter are holidaying on Majorca, but they are no ordinary holidaymakers.
Robin served with the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) which was attached to Rifles 2 Battle Group, out in Afghanistan and suffered injuries in a rocket propelled grenade attack in his patrol base just outside Sangin in July 2009.

I met the young couple yesterday as they were about to spend the day on board a motor yacht courtesy of Roger Holder. This isn't the first time that Roger has offered hospitality to injured ex servicemen, last year he and his partner Hazel entertained seriously wounded Royal Marine Commando Andy Grant and his family.

Robin recalled what happened on that fateful day just over a year ago. “In the actual attack and explosion there were eight of us who sustained injuries; we were just sitting down to dinner when all hell broke loose. I was just about to take my first mouthful when the RPG exploded above the table. “It was unusual because normally the attacks come during the day, but this was late evening. I was quite lucky really because I was actually inside the patrol base; the explosion was about a metre away from me, so within a couple of minutes the medics and doctors were treating me and within ten minutes the air ambulance helicopter landed, even though we were still under full attack, they transported me to Camp Bastion hospital within twenty five minutes of the attack. “I have several shrapnel wounds all over my body, the worst one is to my left knee, I had an operation four weeks ago, there's a lot of damage to the cruciate ligaments and, I had key hole surgery a couple of weeks ago and I still have a few more operations to come. I also lost the top part of my finger so I have another operation next Thursday on that.” Robin tells how he spent seven weeks at the famous Headley Court in Surrey. “It's very important with the rehabilitation because you're in there with guys who have been through the same experience and we can all identify with each other. The money from Help for Heroes has built a brand new gym there and it's top spec; it was just finished when I was there in December. The Help for Heroes charity is doing a splendid job.” Robin was swift to acknowledge the kindness of the people of Majorca who have made this break possible for him and his fiancé. “I would like to thank everyone who has been so generous toward us. Mike Lillico from Playa de Palma has donated his apartment to us; we got there, there's food in the fridge, even a bottle of champagne. “We've been to The Tavern in Ca'n Pastilla, Bernard the owner is ex-RAF and he invited us to a nice meal, then we met Stan (Ex-Irish Guardsman Stan Bowles) who has been instrumental in bringing us out here. We're going out to another meal on Friday, Mike has organised that for us too. We really appreciate everything everyone is doing for us.” The charming young couple have much to celebrate, Laura is happy to have her man home and in one piece, but the big news is that they are expecting a baby at the end of April. So what of the future, will he stay in the army?

Robin outlines his plans: “I'd already served seven years in the army and before I went to Afghanistan I put in my year's notice so that after six months out there I'd finish my army career. “So after my operations by the beginning of 2011 I'll be ready to start my life over. I've already done a bit of re-settlement and I've completed a City & Guilds training course in fibre optic cabling, there's local company close to where we live, the Managing Director is an ex-Royal Marine and they're quite keen on employing ex-forces personnel, so fingers crossed I hope to get a job with the company.” Roger is ready to cast off, so I take my leave wishing the very best in life for Rob and Laura, they patently deserve the best.