MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (173/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 19
July 2007
139 members of the
Armed Forces are to be honoured on Thursday 19 July for their
gallantry and service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other operations
around the world.
The honours for the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007
include a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, twelve Military Crosses,
two Distinguished Flying Crosses and a George Medal for bravery in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant General David Richards is awarded a Knighthood for his
role as Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, which saw him take
command of ISAF forces in Afghanistan from May 2006 until February 2007.
Brigadier (now Major General) Jeremy Thomas Royal Marines
receives a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his command of 3
Commando Brigade in southern Afghanistan and Lieutenant Colonel
Matthew Holmes Royal Marines also receives a DSO for his
leadership on the same operational tour.
Eight military personnel receive Military Crosses for their work
in Iraq and Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Sandiford is awarded an
Officer of The Order of the British Empire for leadership of 1st
Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment during a difficult tour of Iraq.
Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne said today:
"Our Armed Forces serving on operations around the world put
their lives on the line for our country every day, and I am very
pleased to join in congratulating those honoured today and to
thank them for their invaluable service.
"That so many of them have displayed such courage is
inspirational. These servicemen and women are real heroes and a
credit to our nation. They not only put their lives at risk for
the sake of their fellow countrymen and women, but we also
recognise the invaluable support and commitment of their families."
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup,
today said:
"I want to pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of the
service personnel we honour today. All have distinguished
themselves, some in the face of great danger; and some have
undoubtedly saved the lives of comrades. Every one of them has
displayed the utmost courage and professionalism in difficult
circumstances and has earned the nation's gratitude and respect."
Lieutenant General David Richards is made a Knight Commander of
The Order of The Bath for his role as the Commander Allied Rapid
Reaction Corps in Afghanistan. He planned and oversaw the
International Security Assistance Force expansion to 34,000 troops
from thirty-six nations. With his personal drive and outstanding
leadership he enhanced stability and Government control within
Afghanistan and raised the United Kingdom's standing in the
region and within NATO.
On hearing news of his Knighthood, Gen Richards said: "I am
humbled by this award - it is very special - and am acutely
conscious that it reflects the outstanding work of the soldiers,
sailors, marines and airmen I was privileged to command."
Lieutenant Frank Kelly of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval
Nursing Service was employed as the nursing officer in a field
hospital in Afghanistan. He ensured that the highest possible
standards of nursing and clinical care were delivered to his
patients, many of whom were in desperate need. He led his staff
from the front at all times, never daunted by the number of
casualties or the severity of their injuries. He is awarded the
Associate Royal Red Cross.
Flight Lieutenant C F Doyle of the Princess Mary's Royal Air
Force Nursing Service is awarded the Associate Royal Red Cross.
Flight Lieutenant Doyle deployed to Iraq as the senior Mental
Health Nurse. For four extremely difficult and exceptionally
hazardous months, Doyle delivered care to the Multi National
Division. He allayed their fears and helped them cope with the
considerable stresses of this particular operation. He deployed on
patrol with the soldiers and side-by-side with them he was able to
reinforce their ability to cope with their own anxieties. He
demonstrated remarkable energy and courage. He gave countless
briefings to commanders and their soldiers thereby enabling them
to rationalise the dangers and to confront their uncertainties.
Flt Lt Doyle said:
"I graciously accept this award as it is representative of
all the clinical work conducted by the Princess Mary's Royal
Air Force Nursing Service and by all members of the RAF Mental
Health Teams both on Operations and in peacetime locations.
Deployed personnel across the spectrum of the 3 Services
demonstrate unrelenting courage and spirit whilst on operations
and I am proud to serve with them and be involved in maintaining
their well-being."
Royal Marine Corporal John Thomas Thompson is awarded the
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for exceptional bravery and
leadership, particularly under fire, during his recent tour of
Afghanistan. He was at the forefront of over 30 fierce fire-fights
with the Taliban and on numerous occasions his vehicle was hit by
small arms fire and shrapnel, including rocket-propelled grenades.
He constantly put himself in harm's way as he sought to fight
the enemy. His indomitable spirit was truly inspirational to the
remainder of his company and he was invariably the last to
disengage from a fire-fight.
Marine Ian Danby is awarded the Military Cross. On 17 January
2007, a patrol from Danby's company in Afghanistan was
transiting north of a forward operating base. With no notice three
men fired rocket-propelled grenades into the patrol approximately
thirty metres away. Just as the grenades exploded, the lead Land
Rover containing Danby and a Pinzgauer vehicle extracted
themselves from the killing area and headed into fire support
position. Danby provided accurate and sustained fire support,
engaging a large number of enemy from thirty to five hundred
metres away, allowing the remainder of the patrol to move.
Danby's selfless and tireless efforts at the expense of his
own safety enabled the commander on the ground to extract the patrol.
Lance Bombardier Richard David Jennings is also awarded the
Military Cross for his actions in Afghanistan. On 3 March 2007,
following a rocket-propelled grenade attack, Jennings, without
hesitation and with total disregard for his own safety, proceeded
to lay down suppressing fire with his rifle. Though shaken, he
held his nerve and showing courage and coolness of a very high
order, continued to control and de-conflict air aviation and
artillery with his colleagues. Subject to an enduring and
significant enemy threat, Lance Bombardier Jennings demonstrated
time and again a humbling resolve and fortitude. Through his
selflessness, gallantry and coolness in the face of great danger,
he undoubtedly saved lives and constrained the actions of the enemy.
Major Jeremy Lamb from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is also
awarded the Military Cross. The evening prior to a planned flight
home a short-notice operation was called to conduct detention and
search tasks on two target houses. Lamb was called in to be
briefed as his company was nominated to conduct the operation.
With less than one hour to plan, he left to head towards the two
targets with his company of fourteen Warriors and approximately
one hundred soldiers. His lead vehicles were ambushed from both
sides by thirty to fifty enemies. An improvised explosive device
initiated the ambush and was followed by six to twelve rocket
propelled grenades and numerous small arms rounds. Enemy fighting
never relented but he reached both objectives, successfully
securing bomb making equipment. He also personally undertook to
secure a couple of Land Rovers, stranded in the heat of battle, by
placing himself in the direct line of enemy fire in an exposed
position above the turret of the Warrior. The intensity of the
fighting resulted in nearly all the vehicles being hit by enemy
fire; one Warrior had six rocket-propelled grenade hits and over
one hundred from small arms fire. His force encountered intense
enemy fire for about two and a half hours and fired over three
thousand five hundred rounds of ammunition. A significant number
of enemy were beaten and subsequent reporting indicated that
several key enemy commanders had been targeted that night. Due to
Lamb's skill, courage and a little luck, none of his force
were killed or injured despite the ferocity of the fighting.
Private Jokini Sivo from 3 Rifles is awarded the Military Cross
for service in Iraq. During a joint security operation lasting for
three hours Sivo and his team were ordered to occupy an isolated
and very prominent single storey check point building and engage
gunmen. This made them an easy target for enemy marksmen. In this
exposed position he spotted a rocket-propelled grenade team, with
gunmen in support, engaging a Warrior vehicle. He immediately
engaged the firers. Sivo led his colleagues with distinction and
complete disregard for his own safety in spite of being wounded.
His conspicuous gallantry and leadership was beyond the call of duty.
Notes to Editors
1. The full list of honours is attached. Photographs and further
information from the media facility at 3 Cdo Bde on Wednesday 18
July are available on the Defence News Imagery database at http://www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk.
Details are also available on the MoD website at http://www.mod.uk.
2. Awards to members of the Armed Forces are published on 19 July
2007 in the London Gazette. The ranks and other personal details
shown are those current at the time the awards were recommended.