“He was so proud to become a member of the British armed forces. That was all he ever wanted to do,” Tym, who has two other sons, said.
“He wanted to go out to Afghanistan to make what he believed was a difference. He was a great kid, he was great fun. He was 19, he had his whole life ahead of him. He knew he was doing something that was right and unfortunately he came home in a coffin.”
She added, of Trump’s previous comments: “They trip you up along the way. My mental health isn’t great. My boys’ mental health isn’t great and this is just another kick in the stomach when you’re already down.”
The UK was among several allies to join the US in Afghanistan after Nato’s collective security clause was invoked for the first and only time in its history following the 9/11 attacks. During the conflict, 457 British service personnel were killed.
Article 5 of Nato states that an attack on one member is considered an attack against all.
Sir Keir Starmer and Prince Harry were amongst those who condemned Trump’s comments.
The latter said: “Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost.
“Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace.”