The Mirror
·Aug 2026
I died 3 times in Army bomb blast but I'd still let my son join up
Twenty years after surviving an ambush in Afghanistan that caused burns to 75% of his body and shattered his leg, former Household Cavalry soldier Martyn Compton says he would support his 15-year-old son Archie if he chose to join the Army. Despite more than 500 skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, PTSD and continuing nightmares, Compton credits military service with giving him confidence, discipline, resilience and lifelong friendships. He also supports some form of National Service for young people. His wife Michelle, Prince William and veterans' charities, particularly Pilgrim Bandits, have supported his recovery. Compton is now fundraising for injured veterans through a Vietnam jungle challenge while remembering the soldiers who died in the 2006 attack.