A COURAGEOUS war hero who overcame brain surgery to return to duty is being honoured.
Lance Corporal Jamie Webb was only 24 when he was killed in an insurgent attack on his patrol base in Afghanistan.
A new memorial to the fallen soldier will be unveiled in his home village of Handforth on the anniversary of his death on March 26.
READ > Bidlea Dairy celebrates hat trick of five-star food hygiene ratings
A public service will be held at 11.30am at the memorial off Grangeway.
His proud family has been overwhelmed by support from the local community, veterans and servicemen and women across the country.
Brother Luke, 28, said: “Jamie demonstrated exceptional bravery throughout his life.
“He overcame two brain operations and returned to active duty with the Mercian Regiment following an attack whilst on leave after a tour of Iraq.”
Jamie was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack one evening in Wilmslow Luke said: “Jamie got back on his feet.
“A lot of people would have quit but he was determined to serve his country.”
Jamie went to Wilmslow High School and joined the army when he was 17.
He served in Northern Ireland and Iraq before being deployed twice to Afghanistan, working as a point man, intelligence analyst and section second-in-command.
Tragically, Jamie was killed during his second seven-month tour.
Luke said: “A vehicle-borne truck bomb was driven into the perimeter wall as insurgents attacked his patrol base.
“Mercian Regiment’s C Company stood firm and took the fight right back to the enemy.
“Jamie’s remarkable resilience, kindness, and love for his country make him an exemplary role model, showcasing the existence of genuine heroes like him serving our country.”
Luke spoke to his brother hours before he was killed.
“He phoned us regularly,” said Luke. “I spoke to him the day he died.
“He was really happy and looking forward to coming home for my birthday.
“It makes me feel so proud that people now know about Jamie’s story.
“I think it is important to teach children about modern wars.
“For me, it’s about leaving a lasting legacy.”
Sadly, Luke and Jamie's dad, David died in 2022, aged 62.
Luke said: "He never got over the loss of my brother. The vicar said at his funeral that he died of a broken heart.
"They are buried beside each other.
"We used to call ourselves 'The Four Musketeers', working together and battling ahead.
"Now mum is here with me and dad is with Jamie."
A big crowd is expected to attend the unveiling, including students from St Benedict's, The Grange and Wilmslow High.
Luke said: "This is going to be a very special day for us and the village.
"We hope a lot of people will come.
"Jamie deserves this."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here