By Tony Jones, PA News
A captain in the Royal Marines who has returned to front-line duties after having part of his leg amputated is believed to be the first operational one-legged commando.
Jim Bonney, 26, has passed his basic fitness tests and can fulfil any role, except that of special forces, after a below the knee amputation following a climbing accident.
His achievement mirrors that of Second World War fighter pilot Sir Douglas Bader who lost both legs in a flying accident in 1931 but went onto fly in the Battle of Britain.
“I’ve got my life back and am proud to be a fully fit Royal Marine again, ready for anything,” Captain Bonney told the Sun.
The officer from Petersfield, Hampshire, who joined the Marines in 1999, faced having to leave the forces after he broke and dislocated his right ankle when he fell 1000ft on an adventure training exercise in Alaska in 2001.
The damage to the limb was so bad that the only option was to have his ankle permanently fused with screws and bone grafts.
But the Royal Marine decided to have his leg amputated below the knee so an artificial foot could be fitted which would give him more freedom of movement.
“If I was going to have to leave the Marines I at least wanted to get my life back. With a fused foot I wouldn’t be able to run, get into kayaks or put a ski boot on,” he said.
“I began to think that I may get a better result by opting for a BKA – below the knee amputation.”
He underwent months of rehabilitation following the operation and can now run, swim, ski, jump and climb obstacles.
The officer who is married to wife Kirsty, 28, and has a four-month-old son is expected to specialise as a landing craft officer.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Captain Jim Bonney has achieved this remarkable feat through strength of character, determination and single minded drive.
“The family ethos is central to the Royal Marines which has supported Captain Bonney throughout his rehabilitation.
“His work alongside other injured Marines, giving them guidance has proved an inspiration to us all.”
Theres no stoping you Marines is there
, good luck to him.
