Most Posthumous Gallantry Awards Since WW2

[Santerme]

The Ministry of Defence announced 146 awards for valour and distinguished service, mainly in AFG on Friday.

It included 2 George Crosses and two George Medals, a host of Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses and a number of Military Crosses.

The citations for these awards make both grim and breathtaking reading.

It is not my purpose here to pass comment on the rights or wrongs of the conflict, hence locating the thread in the Lounge.

I pay tribute to those who daily lives have been, are and will continue to be exposed minute to minute to imminent peril.

A small sample of the people who stand firm on the front line and belie the old saying. 'they don't make them like that anymore'. in my experience we always have.

Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes and the late Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, both from the Royal Logistic Corps, were deployed to Helmand province as part of 19 Light Brigade, which was deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 10 between March and November 2009.

The brigade's deployment saw noticeable UK progress in Helmand, largely as a result of Operation PANCHAI PALANG (PANTHER'S CLAW), a counter-insurgency operation which saw an area the size of the Isle of Wight seized from insurgent control, enabling security and governance to develop.

The insurgency however was far more intense and lethal than on any previous HERRICK operation and particularly in their use of IEDs.

As High Threat Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Operators, Staff Sergeant Hughes and Staff Sergeant Schmid were at the forefront of trying to neutralise this lethal threat.

SSgt Hughes's actions are described in his citation as 'the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan'.

A particular incident on 16 August 2009 is referred to when he was tasked to provide close support to the 2nd Battalion The Rifles Battle Group during an operation to clear a route south west of Sangin.

In preparation for the operation, some soldiers deployed early to secure an emergency helicopter landing site and isolate compounds to the south of the route as part of the inner cordon. During these moves a soldier was very seriously injured by an IED and as he was being recovered another IED exploded, killing two personnel outright and resulting in four more very serious casualties, one of whom later died from his wounds.

The area was effectively an IED minefield, overwatched by the enemy, and the section were stranded within it.

SSgt Hughes and his team were called in to extract the casualties and recover the bodies.

Without specialist protective clothing in order to save time, SSgt Hughes set about clearing a path to the injured, providing constant reassurance that help was on its way.

On reaching the first badly injured soldier he discovered a further IED within one metre of the casualty that, given their proximity, constituted a grave and immediate threat to the lives of all the casualties.

SSgt Hughes calmly carried out a manual neutralisation of the device; any error would have proved instantly fatal. This was a 'Category A' action only conducted in one of two circumstances: a hostage scenario where explosives have been strapped to an innocent individual; and a mass casualty event where not taking action is certain to result in further casualties. Both place the emphasis on saving other people's lives even, if necessary, at the expense of the operator. His citation states: 'It was an extraordinary act'.

With shots keeping the enemy at bay, SSgt Hughes coolly turned his attention to reaching the remaining casualties and retrieving the dead. Clearing a path forward he discovered two further IEDs and, twice more, carried out manual neutralisation, enabling all the casualties to be extracted and the bodies recovered.

After this the Royal Engineers Search Team detected a further four IEDs in the immediate area and, stoically, like he had on over 80 other occasions in the previous five months, SSgt Hughes set about disposing of them too. His citation states:

"Dealing with any form of IED is dangerous; to deal with seven IEDs linked in a single circuit, in a mass casualty scenario, using manual neutralisation techniques once, never mind three times, is the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan.

"That he did it without the security of specialist protective clothing serves even more to demonstrate his outstanding gallantry. Hughes is unequivocally deserving of the highest level of public recognition."

SSgt Schmid's citation describes how he personally dealt with 70 confirmed improvised explosive devices.

He served in Helmand from June 2009 until his death in action on 31 October 2009.

His disposal of IEDs involved him typically having to deploy on foot, thereby precluding the option of specialist protective equipment and severely limiting the use of remote-controlled vehicles.

He spent long periods of time in close proximity to IEDs and in the gravest personal danger. Before his death in action he responded to 42 IED tasks, personally dealing with 70 confirmed IEDs.

Amongst these incidents was an 11-hour clearance which took place when an infantry company based in Wishtan province was isolated by a substantial minefield, and the infamous 'Pharmacy Road', the only resupply route, was blocked by a medium-wheeled tractor and another vehicle, both blown up by very large IEDs.

Intelligence, unenviable first-hand experience and numerous unexplained explosions indicated that the area of the stricken vehicles was laced with IEDs.

At 0800hrs on 9 August 2009, as temperatures soared past 45 degrees Celsius, SSgt Schmid started work. Within only a hundred metres he found and cleared an IED and once, within 100 metres of the vehicles, he deployed a remote-controlled vehicle that struck an IED and was destroyed.

SSgt Schmid then moved forward and, well inside the most lethal arc of any device, manually placed explosive charges, clearing a route to within five metres of the vehicles.

His team then moved to clear a compound adjacent to the stricken vehicles to drag them off the road. When a second IED was found, SSgt Schmid made another manual approach and rapidly got rid of it.

A new approach to the vehicles from the compound was explosively created for the hulks to be dragged clear. SSgt Schmid painstakingly cleared up to both vehicles and his first trip took an hour.

He was relying on his eyesight and his understanding of enemy tactics alone. Despite the threat, SSgt Schmid again decided against explosive clearance; time was critical so he placed heavy and cumbersome chains onto the stricken vehicles, the riskiest of enterprises given the very high likelihood of booby traps, and the vehicles were finally dragged clear.

As the light started to fade, SSgt Schmid then personally led a high risk clearance of the road where the vehicles had been, manually disposing of two further IEDs.

The clearance had lasted 11 hours. It was physically, mentally and emotionally draining, but the road was open and the company resupplied. The resounding success of this battle group operation was entirely due to the heroic, selfless acts of SSgt Schmid.

On another occasion, on 8 October 2009, SSgt Schmid was tasked in Sangin district centre to deal with an artillery shell. On arrival he immediately realised that the many unsuspecting civilians around him in the bustling bazaar were in peril.

Time was not on his side. He quickly assessed that the shell was in fact part of a live radio-controlled IED intended to cause maximum casualties in a well populated area. The nature of the device also meant it was almost certainly overwatched by the bomber controlling it.

Without any consideration for his own safety, SSgt Schmid immediately decided to neutralise the IED manually. To do this he knew he was employing a render safe procedure that should only ever be employed in the gravest of circumstances and which is conducted at the highest personal risk to the operator.

In an instant, SSgt Schmid made the most courageous decision possible, consciously placing his own life on the line in order to save the lives of countless Afghan civilians and demonstrating bravery of the highest order and well beyond the call of duty.

SSgt Schmid was killed during an operation near Forward Operating Base Jackson. Having dealt with three IEDs already that day, he and his team were transiting to another compound when a searcher discovered a command wire running down the alleyway they were in.

SSgt Schmid and his team were trapped in the alleyway with no safe route forward or back as they did not know in which direction the IED was situated. Knowing that his team was in potential danger, he immediately took action to reduce the hazard.

SSgt Schmid eventually traced the wire to a complex command wire IED in that it incorporated three linked, buried main charges. He was killed whilst dealing with the device.

His citation states:

"Schmid's actions on that fateful day, when trapped in an alleyway with no safe means of escape, probably saved the lives of his team.

"These occasions are representative of the complexity and danger that Schmid had faced daily throughout his four-month tour.

"His selfless gallantry, his devotion to duty, and his indefatigable courage, displayed time and time again, saved countless military and civilian lives and is worthy of the highest recognition."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Major Giles Richard HARRIS, MBE, WELSH GUARDS, Company Commander, Nad E Ali, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, April - September 2009

Major Harris was a Company Commander in Helmand between April and September 2009. Major Harris's fearless approach and determination to close with the enemy would in itself be worthy of recognition, but he also captured a Taliban stronghold, opened a school there and changed the dynamics of an entire area for the better through his personal leadership, which makes him quite extraordinary. This amazingly courageous officer put his life at risk time and again to achieve his mission and inspire his men. For his service, Major Harris is awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Acting Colonel Robert John THOMSON, MBE, The Rifles, Commanding Officer Battle Group North, Helmand Province, April - October 2009

As the Commanding Officer of 2 Rifles in Helmand between April and October 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Thomson led the fight in Sangin. Through brilliant leadership, he ensured that all members of his Battle Group remained focused and ultimately succeeded against a resurgent and agile insurgency. His resilience and determination, under quite unbelievable pressure, marked him out. For his service, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson is awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Associate Royal Red Cross Medal (ARRC)

Captain Gail Lesley WHITTLE, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, Nursing Officer, Camp Bastion, April - October 2009

Between April and October 2009, Captain Whittle provided critical continuity during an exceptionally busy tour. Captain Whittle was the key clinical success factor for emergency platelet and blood donation during the time of both 202 Field Hospital and the Danish Hospital Squadron. She used her leadership, tact and diplomacy to ensure that all nationalities worked collaboratively while encouraging the highest nursing standards within a UK governance framework. For her service, Captain Whittle is appointed as an Associate of The Royal Red Cross.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)

Sergeant Alan Gordon DENNIS, The Mercian Regiment, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, Team Second in Command, Helmand Province, April 2009

Sergeant Dennis was second in command of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) operating from Patrol Base (PB) Jaker, near Nawa. His team was deployed to conduct a joint patrol with Warriors of the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) and whilst patrolling the Helmand River Valley his patrol was ambushed. His example and initiative brought the ANA into the battle which saved the patrol from defeat. He was calm and collected under intense fire and displayed cool courage.

Gunner Steven William GADSBY, The Royal Regiment of Artillery, Fire Support Team Signaller, Helmand Province, May 2009

In May 2009, Gunner Gadsby was serving as a signaller with a Fire Support Team based in Check Point Haji Alem in the Nad-e-Ali area of Helmand. He was part of a routine foot patrol when it came under attack and sustained two casualties. His decision to collect and carry them individually across an Infantry Foot Bridge in view of the enemy, rather than to cross the canal in cover, gave the two casualties the very best chance of survival by getting them to medical aid as quickly as possible. For his actions that day Gunner Gadsby is awarded The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Sergeant Marc Kevin GILES, The Mercian Regiment, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, Team Second in Command, Helmand Province, June 2009

In June 2009, Sergeant Giles was on a joint patrol with Warriors of the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Basharan to the north of Lashkar Gar when they were ambushed by the Taliban. His Commander was trapped in the killing zone and Sergeant Giles took command. Within minutes, an ANA Warrior forward with the OMLT commander was seriously wounded. Sergeant Giles dashed across open ground grabbed the casualty, threw him over his shoulders and ran with him back across the killing zone and to the emergency rendezvous. As a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) drew close to the fight, Sergeant Giles went to guide them with 2 Warriors but was almost immediately blown off his feet and thrown violently against a compound wall. Composed, calm and fully aware of the danger the entire patrol faced, he ordered the QRF to halt, coordinated the patrol's defence and, still recovering from the effects of the bomb blast, and under sporadic small arms fire, personally conducted a clearance to mark a safe route to marry up the patrol with the QRF. Sergeant Giles's actions were selfless and courageous and in recognition he is awarded The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Serjeant Jaime MONCHO, The Rifles, Platoon Serjeant, Helmand Province, July 2009

Serjeant Moncho was with the rear section of a platoon's patrol when, there was an ear-shattering blast which was immediately followed up by accurate small-arms fire. Ignoring the incoming fire, Moncho raced forward to the site of the explosion to find that his lead section had been ripped apart by the explosion. Moncho immediately gripped the situation, barking short sharp orders at his team. He then turned his attention to the casualties, personally leading the triage, and delegating troops to treat the casualties. Once he saw that the evacuation was underway, Moncho gathered the remnants of his platoon together and established a fire-base from which he could protect those returning to base. His supreme courage in the face of the most testing of circumstances was exemplary and his personal actions steadied all those around him.

Lance Bombardier Gary PROUT, The Royal Regiment of Artillery, Fire Support Team, Helmand Province, March 2009

In March 2009, Lance Bombardier Prout was deployed with a patrol to probe the Taliban's forward defences as part of a Fire Support Team (FST). It was the most dangerous terrain within the Company's Area of Operations and every patrol would came under effective and sustained insurgent attack. For the duration of this event Lance Bombardier Prout consciously risked his life, on three separate occasions, and it was a miracle he was not killed. He displayed the most incredible courage which goes beyond that normally expected of a NCO in the face of the enemy and surpassed the actions of any other soldier on that day. For his outstanding courage in attempting to save a mortally wounded colleague, who tragically later died, Lance Bombardier Prout is awarded The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Lance Corporal Kyle Patrick SMITH, The Mercian Regiment, Section Second in Command, Helmand Province, July 2009

In July 2009, Lance Corporal Smith's platoon was ambushed by insurgents from a well sited and strong position. The ambush was initiated by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) strike, as a consequence of which, several soldiers in Smith's section became casualties. Lance Corporal Smith moved to the nearest casualty, administered first aid and dragged him into cover. In the process of doing so he knowingly and with great courage had to expose himself to heavy insurgent fire over 100 or so metres of open ground. Having reached the safety of cover and ensured that the casualty was secure he immediately returned to extract a further casualty, once again placing himself in the line of fire, pausing only to return fire at insurgent positions. He successfully dragged his comrade to safety. Without the selfless, brave and timely actions of this young NCO, two of the casualties from the initial engagement would have remained exposed to the enemy and undoubtedly suffered further injury. For his conduct that day, Lance Corporal Smith is awarded The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Military Cross (MC)

Warrant Officer Class 2 Mathew Robert TOMLINSON, CGC, Royal Marines, Group Sergeant Major, Basharan, Nr Lashkar Gar, Helmand Province, May 2009

In May of last year, as Sergeant Major of the Armoured Support Group, Warrant Officer 2 Tomlinson had deployed forward to visit a troop operating within the area of operations. He was the vehicle controller of the second vehicle in a packet of five Viling. The lead Viking struck a substantial explosive device that blew the front and rear cab 20 metres apart, followed immediately by heavy, and accurate small arms fire, as well as rocket propelled grenade fire. Tomlinson dismounted and moved forward to the casualties arriving at the burning front cab he began to search for casualties, despite ammunition exploding in the fire he found the driver on the ground and assisted by another Viking Operator, administered life saving first aid close to the burning cab with continuous enemy fire impacting around them. His calm, confident leadership reassured and stabilised several chaotic situations. He was directly responsible for saving the life of the driver and organising an ordered extraction that day. For his conduct, Warrant Officer 2 Tomlinson is awarded the Military Cross.

Corporal Craig ADKIN, The Mercian Regiment, Company Medic, Babaji, Helmand Province, July 2009

In July 2009 Corporal Adkin was on patrol with his Company in Babajii. Following a Rocket Propelled Grenade strike, Corporal Adkin, the company medic, immediately pushed forward to locate the casualties and exposed himself to great danger. Having assessed the situation, he decided to run across 100 metres of open ground under fire in order to reach and treat the casualties. Knowing that further casualties remained in the killing area, he again crossed the open ground which was still under heavy fire, in order to provide first aid and triage to the other casualties. Subsequently, all casualties were safely extracted and the insurgent position destroyed. His selfless and courageous actions have undoubtedly saved lives during the tour and he has placed himself in the most dangerous areas throughout. For his actions that day, Corporal Adkin is awarded the Military Cross.

Captain Edward Robert BROWN, The Mercian Regiment, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT), Team Commander, Jaker, Helmand Province, March - July 2009

Captain Brown commanded an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) at Patrol Base (PB) Jaker in Nawa, an isolated location no more than 500 metres away in all directions from the enemy's forward line. The only manoeuvre force was Brown's OMLT and a platoon of Warriors from the Afghan National Army (ANA). Brown's bravery and commitment were sustained for months, he took the fight to the enemy at every opportunity and his leadership inspired the OMLT and ANA.

Major Jo BUTTERFILL, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Company Commander, FOB Nolay, Helmand Province, April - October 2009

During his tour in Helmand between April and October 2009 Major Butterfill's company endured 12 lED strikes but crucially found a staggering 63 devices. Major Butterfill's operations have been characterised by a robust offensive spirit. Taking the fight to the enemy his personal example to his Fusiliers was inspirational. His courageous actions, reflected his position as an inspirational leader of men under the most testing of combat situations. For his actions in Helmand, Major Butterfill is awarded the Military Cross.

Corporal Steven Graham CHILDS, The Rifles, Acting Platoon Serjeant, Helmand Province, June 2009

Corporal Childs found himself as Acting Platoon Serjeant following an explosion which killed one of his Riflemen and blew out the ear drums of his Platoon Serjeant. Ten days later he was to find himself as Platoon Commander when his was mortally wounded by an lED concealed in a compound roof. Childs steadied the Platoon and personally led them back into the security of the Forward Operating Base. For a seasoned Platoon Serjeant these actions would have been extraordinary. For a Corporal they were exemplary - his leadership, exceptional determination, decisiveness and compassion were way above and beyond that which would reasonably be expected of a Junior Non Commissioned Officer of his experience.

Corporal Richard CLARK, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Aviation Assault Company Section Commander, Southern Afghanistan, July - October 2009

Corporal Clark served as a Section Commander in Afghanistan between July and October 2009. On one occasion, Corporal Clark led his section in an attack on an enemy machine-gun nest. Corporal Clark sized up the situation and, one after the other, fired two 66 mm rockets at the enemy. Corporal Clark's speed of thought alerted him to the need to act quickly and decisively before the enemy infiltrated any closer. Displaying exemplary courage, leadership and initiative, he left the relative safety of the compound and led his section across open ground to clear the enemy from the position. In this incident and others Corporal Clark's instinctive courage in the face of the enemy and leadership have ensured the success of the mission. For his service, Corporal Clark is awarded the Military Cross.

Major Neil Darren GRANT, The Mercian Regiment, Officer Commanding Brigade Reconnaissance Force, Helmand Province, March - October 2009

As a junior Major, Grant has trained and led the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) through some of the most dangerous and bold operations on Op HERRICK 10. He has conducted operations deep within insurgent-controlled areas and has been at the forefront of deliberate operations - most notably during Op PANCHAI PALANG. The BRF has had a massively disproportionate effect to its relative small size - in defeating elements of the insurgency. Grant's leadership under fire and persistent courage has been exemplary.

Lieutenant Tresham Dames Rowley GREGG, The Light Dragoons, Troop Leader, Helmand Province, July 2009

In July 2009, Lieutenant Gregg led a mixed troop of reconnaissance vehicles and dismounted soldiers attached to a rifle company during Operation PANCHAI PALANG. Lieutenant Gregg insisted on leading from the front; resolute and firm in his determination to take the fight to the enemy at all costs. His courage, forthright leadership and determination to complete the mission in the face of heavy casualties were pivotal to the success of the operation. His bravery, leadership and the outstanding personal example he set have all been exemplary. For his service Lieutenant Gregg is awarded the Military Cross.

Major Karl Christian HICKMAN, The Rifles, Company Commander, Helmand Province, April - October 2009

Major Hickman has personally led his Riflemen out time after time; his men have never once shirked their responsibility and met the challenge head-on inflicting significant damage on the enemy whenever the opportunity presented itself. His leadership and personal courage has been exemplary throughout a harrowing six months; his men clearly derived strength from his gallantry under attack from both lEDs and the small arms fire which often accompanied the blast.

Lieutenant William James Archie HIGNETT, The Rifles, Platoon Commander, Sangin, Helmand Province, April - October 2009

Hignett's Platoon discovered over 44 lEDs in its three months in Wishtan and yet hardly suffered a casualty - testimony to Hignett's professional leadership, thorough preparation and his superb grasp of the enemy's tactics and techniques. For six gruelling months his actions have been characterised by distinction and a startling gallantry against a ruthless enemy. His inspiring leadership has been extraordinary and he has never waivered.

Private Alexander Robert KENNEDY, The Mercian Regiment, Rifleman, Helmand Province, June 2009

Private Kennedy was involved in his company's deliberate operation to clear an area of Garmsir. His multiple suddenly came under ferocious small arms fire, a fellow soldier, was caught in the first burst and dropped to the floor shot through the legs. Kennedy immediately crawled to the injured man and administered first aid. Taking control of the rest of the section, he directed their fire and ensured that they were engaging the enemy positions. This suppressed the enemy, allowed the casualty to be extracted and the rest of the multiple to move into cover. This is all the more impressive from a private soldier with six months experience in the Army. Kennedy acted with a level of leadership and situational awareness far above that expected of a private soldier, demonstrating selfless bravery and a cool head under fire.

Corporal Paul Edward MATHER, Army Air Corps, Company Forward Air Controller, Helmand Province, June 2009

Corporal Mather was a member of a joint ISAF/ANA patrol when a number of IEDs were discovered. The platoon went to ground but very shortly afterwards but they came under attack from grenades, that caused several fragmentation casualties, including Corporal Mather, who was the most seriously wounded. Realising that the situation was desperate and despite heavy bleeding and considerable pain, Corporal Mather crawled into cover and immediately began to request air support. He refused to relinquish his radio until he was placed aboard the helicopter. Badly wounded, he showed complete disregard for his own safety and well-being. He focused solely on delivering the accurate fire support needed to extract his comrades from danger, acts of the utmost professionalism and selflessness, in close contact with the enemy. For his actions, Corporal Mather is awarded the Military Cross.

Lieutenant Alexander John PHILLIPS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Rifle Platoon Commander, Helmand Province, April - August 2009

Lieutenant Phillips has conducted nine aviation assaults since arrival in theatre. Throughout, Phillips' leadership has been exemplary. For example, his company conducted an aviation assault into the area of Yakchal to disrupt an insurgent grouping. With the break-in Platoon fixed dealing with an Improvised Explosive Device (lED), Phillips without any prompting, instinctively led one of his sections under fire to launch an assault on the compound. He gave the order to fix bayonets and led the assault through the gate, the aggressiveness and speed of Phillips' counterattack forced the insurgents to flee. He led his men fearlessly and with conviction in the face of a very real danger and he led, as ever, from the front.

Corporal Christopher Sean REYNOLDS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Sniper Commander, Babaji District, Helmand Province, April - September 2009

Corporal Reynolds has repeatedly demonstrated extreme bravery and outstanding technical ability as a Sniper Commander during offensive operations in Southern Afghanistan. On one occasion, Reynolds exposed himself in order to personally observe the insurgent firing point, realising the imminent danger that the enemy posed, Reynolds engaged with his sniper rifle until he ran out of ammunition, he then grabbed an SA8O, stood up in the face of considerable enemy fire and continued to suppress the enemy. He then picked up a Light Machine Gun and again, fully exposed to the enemy fire, engaged from the rooftop. Throughout the tour, Reynolds has shown extraordinary bravery, whilst understanding the risks to which he was exposed.

Corporal Craig Richard SHARP, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Section Commander, Helmand Province, August 2009

Corporal Sharp was the lead section commander, responsible for providing flank protection for the lED disposal team who were clearing a route for the Jackal reconnaissance vehicles. As Sharp's team began climbing over compound walls into the main street of the village, the enemy opened fire with machine guns and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). The nature of the terrain was such that the rest of the BRF were unable to provide much fire support, which resulted in Sharp having to lead his section through what became a desperate 12 hour struggle for the village. Sharp, cajoling and encouraging his section, personally moving back and forth to carry out ammunition re-supplies and water replenishments. He called for a mortar mission less than 80 metres from his position, successfully destroying several of the enemy.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Simon Nicholas THOMPSON, The Rifles, Company Serjeant Major, Upper Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, April - October 2009

Warrant Officer Class Two Thompson's personal courage has been an inspiration to every man in his Company every single day of a long and gruelling six months. Thompson has been a leader of utter selflessness and an extraordinary example in the highest traditions of the British Army. His actions as Serjeant Major of a Company which has endured such terrible casualties and been in the forefront of the most challenging of operations for a relentless six months, has been inspirational.

Lance Sergeant Matthew Philip TURRALL, The Irish Guards, Team Commander within the Laskah Gah Operations Company, Lashkar Gah Helmand Province, May 2009

Lance Sergeant Turrall is a Section Commander within IX Company, which was responsible for an area around Lashkar Gah. Turrall's Section was at the forefront of activities, facing life threatening danger over a prolonged period, tasked to guard a new Patrol Base. The insurgents launched a major attack against it and a civilian car had been caught up in what was by now a very fierce and intense fire fight between the ISAF soldiers in the Patrol Base and the insurgents to the North. Within the car were a father and his three children, and showing outstanding initiative, Turrall ran out, in full view of the enemy and with no thought for himself, he shepherded them to safety. His act that day was a physical embodiment of our mission to improve the lives of the Afghan people.

George Medal (GM)

Rifleman Paul Raymond JACOBS, The Rifles, Rifleman, Upper Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Whilst on patrol with his Vallon mine detector, Rifleman Jacobs was leading his patrol up one of the most heavily IEDd stretches of road in the whole of Afghanistan. An alleyway had been isolated to deny the enemy the opportunity to attack by command wire and a member of his Company was clearing south down the alley-way when there was an enormous explosion resulting in the soldier being fatally wounded. Rifleman Jacobs, all alone less a single cover man, immediately set about clearing up to and around the body. As he did so, he confirmed that a secondary device was lying on the surface. As he moved back up the alleyway towards his cover man who had now come forward, another device suddenly exploded, killing his comrade. Rifleman Jacobs was seriously wounded, suffering severe fragmentation damage to his eyes but bleeding heavily from multiple wounds, he had the presence of mind and experience to drag himself back onto the safe route he had just cleared and into a position where his extraction would be safer to others. His sheer personal courage and startling determination, unswerving courage, selflessness, devotion to duty and dedication to his comrades was faultless. For his action Rifleman Jacobs is awarded The George Medal.

Captain Daniel Marc SHEPHERD (Killed in action), The Royal Logistic Corps, High Threat IEDD Operator, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, June 2009

In June 2009 Captain Shepherd and his team were deployed to provide close support to the Regional Battle Group (South) in Helmand. Following an aviation assault with A Company his Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Team were tasked to conduct an Improvised Explosive Device (lED) clearance of a known drugs bazaar and insurgent high threat area. Captain Shepherd led his team through a continuous explosive ordnance disposal operation in which he personally, and at huge self-risk, rendered safe, exploited and disposed of 13 separate lEDs. Operating without the benefit of a remote controlled vehicle, a protective EOD suit or specialist Electronic Counter Measure equipment, Captain Shepherd relied on his technical expertise and completed over 20 manual approaches and countless fingertip searches to deal with 13 victim operated devices in 36 hours of unbroken activity. During this time he was under sporadic enemy fire and used only manual clearance means. He was an inspiration to his team; his personal actions directly and demonstrably saved the lives of innumerable Afghans, Coalition and British forces before he made the ultimate sacrifice. For his actions that day, Captain Shepherd is posthumously awarded the George Medal.

[Marmora Man]

A salute to the heroes from one of the "Senior Service".

More importantly this level of gallantry awards underlines the nature of the conflict that soldiers, sailors and airmen are experiencing currently in the service of our country. Please note the following three charities - all of which are doing great work to help servicemen and their families cope with the inevitable stresses and pain that arise now and will be doing so long into the future.

Combat Stress

Royal British Legion

SSAFA

[Brendan]

These guys really do deserve respect and support for this operation. Aside from the inhospitable terrain the causalities and fighting the sheer drawn out length of the conflict must grind them down. It?s been going on for 8 years now with some going back for multiple tours.

[giggirl]

You're right Santerme; it is both grim and breathtaking reading. I was very moved reading about these acts of bravery and I feel very humbled that there are such people in the world.

My father was an ordinary man. I could barely be in the same room with him, let alone hold a conversation. I didn't know him and I don't think I cried when he died. He was joyless and angry and bowed-down by the day-to-dayness of just earning a living and getting by. He had lied about his age and run away to fight for his country when he was just a boy. He was captured and spent the war in a PoW camp. Just 16. He never spoke of it. Such acts of bravery were commonplace at the time but even so. However conflicted I feel about my father, his bravery never ceases to touch my heart.

[SteveT]

When you read about what goes on in the House of Politics it makes you wonder what and whom they are fighting for?

Having just watched Dispatches and all the shenanigans of the lobbying especially for procurement, with flights out to the US as they are pushing their weapons, it would make me wonder if I were in khaki, has the best been bought to protect me or has the wrong lobbyist got there and are now saddled with the least appropriate ordinance?

[weldun84]

Ladies and Gentleman,

I am Corporal Richard Clark and i hope you take the time to read this.

At the risk of sounding out of order i read your replies with great interest and thought i would take the opportunity in informing you of an impending charity event being organised by my Battalion 3 Scots the Black Watch. A team will cycle the country in the name of BLESMA another very worthwhile charity who from a long time ago have provided much needed care for our injured soldiers, if you can and of course want to donate then please go to justgiving.com and search for Matt Munro, he is oc the cycle. Please leave your messages of support as this will go some way of ensuring the team know what the general public think and feel.

Thanks in advance for any contribution