Major Richard MaltbyPURTON can feel proud that a former villager is leading troops in Iraq.

Royal Marine officer Major Richard Maltby has been put in charge of American troops in Iraq.

His mum, Gillian, and his former headteacher, David Bisset, have been telling the Adver why they think he is the right man for the job.

As reported in yesterday's late edition, Major Maltby, 34, has been sent to the troubled province of Anbar in western Iraq, seconded to the American Second Marine Regiment.

He is the first foreign officer to be put in charge of US combat troops in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Major Maltby, who is married to Sheena and has a one-year-old son, Jacob, is teaching his commando colleagues the counter-insurgency skills British troops learned while serving in Northern Ireland.

His mum, widow Gillian, 65, of Purton, is pleased her son has chosen such a rewarding career.

"We are all very proud of him. I do worry about him but I am proud," she said.

"When Richard was a boy he liked to be outside and join in clubs. He was in the Cubs and then he joined the Scouts, which he loved.

"Then when he was in his early teens he joined the Air Training Corps in Malmesbury. Someone had to take him there every week but it was worth it because he enjoyed it.

"And then when he got a bit older he started at the TA Centre in Swindon.

"He also worked at the local butcher's part-time.

"I'm not sure if I thought he would go for the Marines or not but I did think he would go for a career in the military in some way.

"He has worked hard for where he is now and it has not been very easy.

"Before he joined up when he was 22 he had to keep really fit and was always out running and swimming.

Major Maltby trained as an officer at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

"One of the things that stands out about Richard is his determination. I think he has had to be a determined person. He is also very kind," said Mrs Maltby.

"I think he enjoys what he does.

"Obviously he misses his family while he is away from them.

"I keep in contact with him through emails and he tells me he's okay.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him when he comes home at the end of the summer."

David Bisset, of Purton was Major Maltby's headteacher at St Mary's Primary School.

The 66-year-old widower holds fond memories of the sporty lad.

"I remember him extremely well as a pupil at the school," he said.

"My wife Angela also taught him when he was an infant. She and Richard were quite close. Richard was very fond of her.

"I am quite surprised he has become an officer in such amazing style. I think it is just tremendous.

"As a boy he was extremely keen on sport. He enjoyed playing football and swimming.

"He was a good lad at school and popular.

"But I would never have guessed he would have chosen to be an officer in the Marines.

"I think people who knew him would feel very proud of him."

Lyndsay Scanlan