A TEENAGE soldier who has had to battle the odds to realise his dream of serving in the Army is preparing to say an emotional second farewell to his Kidderminster family.

John Perry leaves next week for five months' service in Iraq, where he has already witnessed the aftermath of a military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five service personnel.

The 18-year-old spent two months in Iraq's second city, Basra, having volunteered for his first tour of duty after joining the Army in 2004.

The former Harry Cheshire High School pupil was welcomed home by his proud relatives after flying back for two weeks' leave.

The private in the Edinburgh-based 2nd battalion light infantry has had to overcome personal difficulties and family tragedy to achieve his ambition of serving his country.

John overcame his problems with dyslexia to successfully gain a place in the forces and sadly lost his father, Mark Perry, in a road accident just weeks after joining up.

He said: "When my dad died it just made everything 10 times harder but it has made me even more determined to succeed. I just want to make him proud.

"I volunteered because I wanted to do my bit and see for myself what it is like over there. That's why I joined the Army in the first place and it's my job."

The soldier, who will serve with the Devonshire and Dorset light infantry regiment while in the Middle East, said the only experience that shook him during his first posting was witnessing the crash of a helicopter, which resulted in the first British servicewoman being killed in action in Iraq.

He explained: "That was the only thing I saw like that while I was over there. It was horrible. I saw it take off, turned around and then just heard this massive bang.

"I then saw the thick plumes of black smoke coming from the city. Within five minutes there were about 400 people on the scene. That is what it's like. When something happens, it really happens."

Sandra McMahon, John's grandmother, said she has "loved every second" of having him back home and would be "counting the minutes" until his November return.

The 59-year-old said: "It will be heartbreaking when he leaves again. I cannot explain how lovely it has been seeing him. I have been trying to get my sleep in because I know I won't be getting much while he is over there.

"Like any other nan, I would rather him not go but the Army has been his life ever since he was knee high to a grasshopper and I could not take that away from him."

John McMahon, the soldier's grandfather, admitted he felt a sense of apprehension every time a news bulletin about Iraq's second city came on the television or radio.

The Walton Close resident said: "It will be a very worrying time for us but this is what he has always wanted to do and it his job.

"I can't emphasise just how proud we are of him. He will be one of the youngest squaddies in Basra when he goes back over there again. He is an absolute credit to his family and has done so well, especially considering what he has been through."

John's mother, Sharon Perry, who now lives in Bridgnorth, said she hoped her son's achievements could be used as an example to youngsters in Wyre Forest that "nothing is impossible if you want it hard enough".