Ayr Soldier can't wait to get soaked

Aug 1 2008

A SOLDIER on frontline Iraq claims he’s craving a return to the weather of Ayrshire.

Corporal John Kelly is working in daily conditions above 45C as he patrols the streets of Basra.

And the Ayr man is having to drink nine litres of water per DAY to combat the searing heat.

Now the war veteran, who’s also served in Kosovo and Bosnia, is just desperate to return for a spot of rain.

John, 40, insisted: “There have been no surprises, all as I expected.

“Basra is in a better state than I expected, better in comparison to places I saw in the Balkans.

“There is a lot of construction with infrastructure being rebuilt everyday.

“The locals are also friendly which are all positive signs.”

But what does the former Tesco worker miss most about his days in Ayr?

“Family, rain, Scottish weather, greenery, trees and, of course, Ayr United!” he laughed.

The dad-of-two, will soon return to see wife, Helen, and sons, Kyle and Dylan for a two-week break.