Getting in harm's way to save lives

Ben Pryor kept his head under enemy fire in Afghanistan and was rewarded with a New Zealand Gallantry Medal. Photo/Mark Mitchell

Having the cockpit of his Chinook hit several times by enemy fire in Afghanistan didn't stop Ben Pryor landing his crew in an effort to evacuate casualties.

"Every time you flew over the wire you knew there was the potential you were going to get shot at,"' Squadron Leader Pryor said.

"While you can prepare yourself, you very much have to rely on instinct and training, and to try and keep aware of what's happening.

"You had to accept you were having to put yourself in harm's way."

The father of three, who has spent 18 years with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, had four years on secondment with the Royal Air Force in Afghanistan, flying into danger zones to evacuate the injured. His calmness and bravery under fire in 2012 in Helmand province earned him a New Zealand Gallantry Medal, with which he was presented at Government House last year.

His time with the RAF was spent gaining experience with twin-engine helicopters to bring home to New Zealand.

Arriving back in 2012, he is now based at Ohakea working with the new NH90 helicopters.

He said it was incredibly humbling to be recognised last year with the gallantry medal but felt he was receiving it on behalf of the 12-person crew he led. He said that, while he was in charge, they were also risking their lives. Ben Pryor is a nominee in the bravery and heroism category of the Pride of New Zealand awards.