A SOLDIER'S parents' wish has been granted after the hero who saved their son's life was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).

Private Stuart Taylor, 21, of Sutherland Avenue, Biggin Hill, is one of 30 soldiers who have troop carrier driver Private Johnson Beharry's courage to thank for their lives.

This week Pte Beharry, 25, became the first British soldier for more than 20 years to receive the coveted honour after saving comrades' lives twice in six weeks while under intense enemy fire.

He and Pte Taylor are with the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment 8 Platoon, C Company, which made headlines after seeing more action in Iraq than any British unit since the Korean War.

In five months of action last year, the "Tigers" faced around 800 attacks while carrying out peacekeeping duties north of Basra.

On May 1 last year, Pte Taylor was driving a Warrior troop carrier, third in line behind Pte Beharry when the platoon was ambushed.

Afterwards, the former Charles Darwin School pupil told News Shopper about the day he was sure he would die.

He said: "As we approached the road, it all looked very strange. It's normally thriving with market stalls and everyday life but there wasn't a person to be seen.

"Suddenly we were under heavy small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade attacks (RPGs).

"There was a big blockade in the road stopping Pte Beharry from moving.

"He stopped to look for a way round but, before he knew it, the Warrior was hit by three missiles, leaving most of the men inside unconscious and the Warrior on fire.

"At the same time, they dropped two cranes behind the last Warrior, so we couldn't reverse."

As Pte Beharry desperately tried to move his Warrior, the troop carriers were pummelled by RPGs and anti-aircraft fire.

Pte Taylor said: "All the Warriors were hit.

"After five minutes of being stationary, which felt like a lifetime, Pte Beharry got his Warrior moving.

"He was badly shocked but managed to lead us all to safety."

In July, Pte Taylor's parents Steve, 51, and Isobel, 49, used News Shopper's pages to call for Pte Beharry to be awarded the VC.

And this week Mrs Taylor said: "We're really pleased he's got it. There's no doubt he deserved it.

"We're very grateful to him we still have a son and, in a funny way, I feel proud of him. I feel like I know him myself.

"All the soldiers involved are extremely proud of him.

"They had to rely on him and he saved all their lives.

"We should be proud of all the men for what they did out there.

"We didn't hear much about it over here but it was really bad."