Medal test of nerves

Photo / Glenn Jeffrey.

A British soldier who defused a record 139 bombs on a six-month tour in Afghanistan says receiving a medal from Prince Charles was more nerve-racking.

Warrant Officer Karl Ley, 30, was yesterday presented with the George Medal, Britain's second highest honour for valour when not in the presence of the enemy. He said going to Buckingham Palace was far more terrifying than his tour of duty in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. In a single 72-hour operation last year he deactivated 28 devices.