A MOTHER who hasn't heard from her Royal Marine son since the outbreak of war found out he is alive and well when she saw his photo in the Evening Advertiser.

The news agency picture was taken on Tuesday and showed three marines from 40 Commando launching mortars outside the southern Iraqi city of Basra. By chance one of the soldiers happened to be private Carl Naudo, 20, from Swindon. His mum, Pat Williams, said: "I was totally amazed that of all the soldiers over there we should see our son.

"It was nice to see him as well because we haven't seen him since January even if it is just a photograph.

"We feel very proud to see him out there but we are also very frightened."

Mrs Williams last heard from her son on Monday, March 17, the day before the war started.

She said he only had time for a brief "Hello Mum, how are you?" on the satellite phone.

His family had no idea where he was until seeing yesterday's Adver.

Mrs Williams said: "It was a relief to see that he is still standing up it's great really.

"We worry because he is only young, but we realise the camaraderie between them all is brilliant and they will look after each other.

"The only thing that lets us accept it is the fact that he does love his work."

Private Naudo is a former pupil at Kingsdown School and joined the marines in November 2000.

He served in the Afghanistan conflict last year and sailed out to the Middle East on HMS Ocean in January with 40 Commando, Royal Marines.

As well as his mum he has a stepfather Martin and sister Ellie, 18, who live in Kingsdown Road, Stratton St Margaret.

He also has a girlfriend Stacey Leftwich, 19, who lives in West Swindon.

Private Naudo's grandfather, Rene, 82, fought with the early SAS during World War Two and is understood to be very proud of his grandson.

Mrs Williams believes it is time now for the country to unite behind its servicemen and women who are fighting in Iraq.

She said: "They are doing a great job, they are all professionals.

"I think we should all get behind our British troops because I feel sorry for them.

"None of us like war but we've all got to rally around behind them."

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