Medal for 'life-saving' RAF nurse

L/Cpl McKenzie says Cpl Smart will be a "lifelong friend"

An RAF nurse has been recognised for helping save the life of a Hampshire serviceman in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Rory McKenzie, 29, from Aldershot, lost a leg in an attack in Basra in which several colleagues died.

Corporal Hazel Smart, 29, based in Buckinghamshire, was in a response team and cared for the solider immediately after the incident in January 2007.

The pair were reunited on Monday when L/Cpl McKenzie presented the Iraq Campaign Medal to his "best friend".

Cpl Smart was part of a team onboard a Merlin helicopter which flew in to help the wounded.

'So scared'

L/Cpl McKenzie said: "My artery was severed and there was a lot of blood lost.

"When I eventually got my vision back in the helicopter it was to see a beautiful blonde nurse called Hazel."

Cpl Smart added: "When I was there we had an awful lot of casualties coming through but I can definitely remember holding his hand.

"I used to hold a lot of hands because they were so scared at the time."

L/Cpl McKenzie said: "The experience has been unforgettable and more so I have a new best friend for life."