Return to front line is a rare occurrence

SEAN WISEMAN’S heroic return to service is extremely rare.

Ian Waller, operations director for Blesma, a charity for limbless veterans, said: “An amputee going back to active service in a ground combat unit is unusual because of the robustness involved.

“Sometimes injured personnel are offered jobs within the military to enable them to continue service.

“However, these tend to be office-based roles which most do not want to take on, and therefore they choose a medical discharge.”

Black Watch Corporal Colin Hamilton is Blesma’s only other amputee member to return to active service after an amputation.

The 28-year-old signaller lost his right leg and suffered serious burns to his stomach and face in Kosovo in 2001, after bravely trying to save a colleague who had fallen on a high voltage electric cable.

Following his recovery, he was determined to prove to army chiefs that he was fit for duty.

And, after he clocked up the second-fastest 800-metre run by a military amputee, they granted his wish and allowed him to return.