25 Jul 08
136 members of the Armed Forces and one MOD Civilian have been honoured today, Friday, 25 July 2008 for their gallantry and service in Afghanistan, Iraq and on other operations around the world.
Commander Field Army, Lieutenant General Graeme Lamb (4th from left) congratulates MC Winners (from left) Lance Corporal Mohan Tangnami, Lance Corporal Agnish Thapa, both The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Major Douglas Reid, Royal Army Medical Corps, Major Paul Pitchfork and Rifleman Bhim Gurung both The Royal Gurkha Rifles
[Picture: Cpl G Moreno]
The honours for the period 31 October 2007 to 31 March 2008 include a George Cross awarded for the highest level of gallantry, 19 Military Crosses and four Distinguished Service Orders.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said:
"I am immensely proud of the courage, dedication and skill that the individuals being honoured today have shown in a wide variety of demanding circumstances.
"Their bravery and professionalism are in the highest tradition of the British military, and bring enormous credit to themselves, their individual Services and the nation as a whole."
Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne said:
"I am enormously grateful for the contribution made by all members of our Armed Forces, and the civilians who support them, in operational theatres around the world.
"They carry out their demanding and often dangerous duties - bringing peace and stability to some of the most dangerous places in the world - with skill, courage and professionalism.
Commander 1 Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier James Bashall, right, receives a CBE for his inspirational leadership, pictured with Brigadier Akeel, Commander 1 Brigade, 10 Division, Iraqi Army
[Picture: Cpl Dan Harmer RLC]
"Today it gives me particular pleasure to offer my personal congratulations to the men and women who have been recognised publicly for their exceptionally brave and meritorious service on operations.
"I am very conscious that behind each of these awards lie acts of extraordinary dedication and courage and I am delighted that they have been recognised in this way."
See Related News >>> for the full list.
Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, of the Royal Marine Reserves, receives the George Cross for an act of extreme self sacrifice whilst on an operation in Helmand in March this year. His selfless decision to throw himself on a grenade saved the life of at least two members of his patrol and allowed for enemy forces to be interdicted later that night.
Alongside the Victoria Cross, the George Cross is the nation's highest bravery honour and is awarded for 'acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.'
Brigadier Andrew Mackay, Late The King's Own Scottish Borderers, receives a CBE for his command of 52 Brigade in southern Afghanistan as does his deputy commander Colonel Stuart Skeates MBE, Late Royal Regiment of Artillery, for his immeasurable contribution to the counter insurgency campaign in Helmand.
Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell of the Royal Marines receives a Distinguished Service Order for his leadership on the same operational tour.
Brigadier Andrew Mackay, Late The King's Own Scottish Borderers, receives a CBE for his command of 52 Brigade in southern Afghanistan
[Picture: Mark Owens]
Brigadier James Bashall, Late the Parachute Regiment, who commanded 1st Mechanised Brigade in Iraq last year, receives a CBE for his inspirational leadership. His period of command was a seminal phase for UK forces in Iraq as we moved from one of the most violent phases of the campaign to a complex period of reconciliation.
A DSO is awarded to Colonel Patrick Sanders OBE, Late The Rifles, who commanded 4th Battalion The Rifles in Iraq throughout Op Telic 10; he exemplified tough and decisive yet compassionate leadership which kept his battle group going through very difficult times.
Col Sanders commanded and planned operations in the most dangerous and complex situations taking the fight to insurgents on the streets of Basra. Displaying grip and tactical vision; he led from the front, often under fire; his operational leadership was exemplary.
There is a Royal Red Cross for Major Janet Pilgrim, of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, in recognition of her work in the hospital in Iraq during Telic 10. Maj Pilgrim led the hospital's team preparing bodies for repatriation; she personally provided continuity and support for her team and despite having others to call on she chose to convey any bad news herself.
Also after a direct hit on the hospital from a 122 mm rocket Maj Pilgrim took swift and effective action restoring gaps in capability averting a potential disaster.
Captain Paul Britton, Royal Regiment of Artillery - awarded a Military Cross, and Lieutenant General Graeme Lamb
[Picture: Cpl G Moreno]
Sergeant Gary King, of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, will receive the Associate Royal Red Cross for his actions in calmly stabilising casualties whilst under fire and in delivering specialist training to the Iraqi police.
Warrant Officer Stephen Strange RN as the senior diver for the search of the capsized oil rig support vessel, Bourbon Dolphin, showed exceptional leadership and bravery and is honoured with a Queens Gallantry Medal.
Nineteen Military Crosses have been awarded to service personnel for exceptional acts of bravery on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Examples include:
Captain Paul Brittion, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, who refused morphine when injured so he could remain in command of his fire support team during a fire fight against the Taliban.
Major Jason Little, of The Yorkshire Regiment, who by the strength of his leadership and with huge personal courage coordinated Afghan and international forces in the newly retaken town of Delaram, and subsequently planned and led, as a mentor, a successful Afghan National Army operation to retake Golestan.
Lance Corporal Mohansingh Tangnami, of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, who volunteered to lead a small team into an area of heavy fire to recover a machine gun left by an earlier casualty and so deny it to the enemy.
And many thanks for the great pics from the FR ladies.
Incredible bravery is the norm for Gurkhas. As for the other UK troops mentioned here, I don’t want to hear any more about Brits being weenies. It’s their government, not the people.
None of whom are mentioned by name. I think they are required to remain incognito until retirement.