After more than six months under fire in the heart of the Iraq conflict, Lance Corporal Chris Hutchinson could be forgiven for wanting to take it easy.

The brave 25-year-old has seen his best friend shot and other close pals in 4 Rifles killed in bloody conflicts around Basra.

For the last two days he has been settling back into life on Oxford's Blackbird Leys estate, with his mother, brothers and sisters, and his wife and three children.

But although he admits it is nice to relax, he is already preparing himself for another warzone - to fulfil a lifelong ambition of serving on the front line with his father David.

The elder Mr Hutchinson is a Territorial Army Corporal in 7 Rifles, currently based in Afghanistan.

Rather than work from his base at Bulford, Wiltshire, until his next tour in 2009, Chris has volunteered to join his dad from January until April. He is waiting for his superiors to approve the move.

He said: "I've been told that I'm mad a couple of times but it's something I have always wanted to do. I'm proud of my dad, and want to be close to him to make sure he comes home safe.

"My mum has not really talked to me about it. I know she doesn't want me to go because it means both of us will be away in the same place.

"But at least that way he can watch over me and I can watch over him."

The former Peers School pupil grew up fascinated by his Falklands veteran father's career.

The army-mad youngster signed up to 4 Rifles in 2000, and spent 18 months in Northern Ireland before coming under fire in Iraq for the first time in May.

Since then he has seen four good friends killed, his best friend shot in the arm and another pal left in a coma.

He said his battalion had been targeted by rocket-propelled grenades and mortars.

He said: "There are times when you're really scared but it's just a case of holding your head up, keeping going and pushing through it.

"Everyone that serves in Iraq goes out a boy but comes back a man."

Chris will spend Christmas with his family before flying out to Afghanistan if top brass approve a temporary tour with 7 Rifles.

Mum Dawn, 49, said: "I had a few tears when he told me he had landed at Brize Norton. It is just a relief - it's as if someone has taken a great lump away just to know he is safe and sound."

Chris's wife Emma, 24, said: "I was over the moon when he got back. If he wants to fight with his dad I will stick by him 100 per cent in what he wants to do."