[Shasown]

Just to put the record straight, patrols are done in groups of at least four, so that pairs can cover each other, often one brick (team of four+) will move down one street and another brick will move down another street in the same direction and at the same time, its called multiple patrolling. These teams will support each other if needed or act as cutoffs in the event of a shoot.

If an IED(improvised explosive device) goes off, the standard operating procedure is not to enter the area in case of secondary devices or an ambush, if you are in the area and able to, it would be expected you administer first aid to any casualties then get them out of the area. (Warrenpoint was a case of secondary devices being left where the responding troops were expected to park up in response to the original device).

It is possible he was left lying for an extended period during which time the area would be checked for secondaries, and cleared to ensure a sniper or machine gun team werent waiting to take on those going to help, during this time its possible a local mutt had a chew on him, a human body is just meat and bones after all.

As for being a hero, no he wasnt a hero being wounded, his actions afterwards may be deemed heroic by some, helping the local disabled basketball team and yachting to raise money for service charities etc.

At the time he was in Belfast, troops didnt go on the piss to the local pubs, especially not in the Falls Road area (very Republican Area) they werent allowed to. Not unless they wanted to be picked up and face a night of questioning by a local ASU(PIRA Active Service Unit) and end up being dumped somewhere with a 9 mill in the skull.