Brave soldier meets baby son for the first time

A brave soldier has returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan to meet a very special person for the first time.

Private James Rhodes, of the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was "overjoyed" to finally hold his baby son Liam, who was born two weeks before his time on the frontline finished, Keighley News reports.

"It was awesome to see him for the first time," he said.

Private Rhodes’ comrade Private Richard Whiteoak also returned from his time in Afghanistan on April 2nd, receiving a medal for his efforts in the country.

He explained: "I have wanted to be in the army all my life. It’s nerve-wracking having all my family here at the ceremony but it is nice to get a medal."

Worcestershire soldier Private Alex Kennedy, 19, recently became the youngest person in more than 40 years to be awarded one of the UK’s highest wartime honours – the Military Cross – for his bravery while serving on the frontline in Afghanistan.

Posted by Samantha Thompson