OPERATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS

24 Mar 2006 04:00 AM

An Army bomb disposal expert has been awarded the George Cross for his heroic actions in Iraq last year. Captain Peter Norton from the Royal Logistic Corps is only the twenty-second member of the Armed Forces to receive the award since 1945.

70 UK Servicemen and women are to be honoured in this list for their role in operations around the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, and the former Yugoslavia.

Defence Secretary, John Reid, said:

"These individuals have shown outstanding courage, bravery and tenacity in the face of the enemy or in particularly dangerous circumstances. They have shown exceptional commitment to their Country and their heroic actions fill me with a great sense of humility and pride. They are an example to us all and we should all be proud of them and their achievements."

Captain (Capt) Peter Norton - an Ammunition Technical Officer - receives the George Cross for an act of 'the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger' in the Al Bayaa district near Baghdad, Iraq.

On 24 July 2005, Capt Norton led a team from the Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell to the scene of a command initiated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on a 3 vehicle US patrol. On arrival, he quickly took charge and ensured the safety of the coalition forces present. When he found out that a possible command wire had been spotted in the vicinity, Capt Norton instructed his team and US forces to stay with their vehicles and he went forward to check the area himself.

Following an explosion in which Capt Norton sustained very serious injuries to his legs, arms and lower abdomen, he remained lucid and most concerned about the safety of his team. He deduced that he had stepped on a victim operated IED and there were likely to be further devices present. Before allowing his team to render first aid, he instructed them on which areas were safe and where they could move. The following day, a further device was found less than 10 metres away, which proved that Capt Norton's "prescience and clear orders in the most difficult circumstances undoubtedly prevented further serious injury or loss of life."

Capt Norton "consistently behaved in an exemplary fashion" when deployed to numerous other incidents during his time in Iraq "and his professionalism has been of the highest order." His citation reads: "Captain Norton's outstanding bravery at the incident in Al Bayaa and throughout his tour fully justifies formal recognition."

Colour Sergeant (CSgt) Matthew Tomlinson receives the next highest award in this list, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CSgt Tomlinson was commanding a US Marine Corps assault force on the Euphrates River near Fallujah in November 2004 when they came under fire from a numerically superior and well-defended enemy position. His decision to turn his lead craft towards the attack created an element of surprise, which unhinged the enemy. He was first on the river bank and he engaged in close quarter battle, enabling his men to encircle the enemy. When it became clear the insurgents were reinforcing themselves, CSgt Tomlinson called for fire support on the enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade position and he planned and led a decisive assault on the key enemy position. On realising his force was running low on ammunition, CSgt Tomlinson executed a safe withdrawal to the river bank where he personally provided cover fire to ensure his men safely boarded the boats. He also marked his position so that air support could counter strike at the enemy force. The citation reads: "Colour Sergeant Tomlinson's sure, aggressive and decisive actions throughout saved the lives of many in his US Marine Corps patrol. He displayed courage, determination, and remarkable presence of mind throughout and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Marines."

The Military Cross is awarded to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) James Woodham of the Royal Anglian Regiment and Captain Simon Bratcher, The Royal Logistic Corps.

Lt Col Woodham, who was a Major at the time of the incident, was in charge of negotiations when two British soldiers were illegally arrested in Basra after a shooting incident and held at Jameat police station in September 2005. He maintained a constant, invaluable flow of information to Brigade and displayed the highest levels of leadership and composure in an extremely tense situation. His citation reads: "There is no doubt that the actions of Major Woodham helped to ensure the safety of the Negotiation Team and create the conditions for the subsequent rescue of the two detained soldiers."

In June 2005, Capt Bratcher - a young and only recently qualified Ammunition Technical Officer - discovered a highly sophisticated and complex victim operation IED whilst on duty in Maysan, Iraq. He correctly identified that the only viable option was a manual approach to the device, which he took on himself. His citation reads: "With exceptional calmness and selfless bravery, he rendered safe the device, removing each component needed for forensic exploitation, which has since led to the arrest of suspected terrorist perpetrators and moved the counter measure process on significantly."

Capt Norton's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Seddon, has been awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery. An Ammunition Technical Officer with over 14 years' experience, Lt Col Seddon was tasked to conduct a post blast analysis following a serious IED attack on a US Army patrol in the Al Bayaa district, near Baghdad, in July 2005. Upon arrival, Lt Col Seddon directed US troops to move to a safe distance and he discovered another buried IED, which he personally rendered safe. His citation reads: "At the time of the incident Lieutenant Colonel Seddon had been in Iraq for less than a month and yet faced with a dangerous and traumatic situation exhibited the highest standards of professionalism."

Other honours and awards reflect the full range of ranks and expertise of the Armed Forces.

Notes to Editors

1. Awards to members of the Armed Forces are published on 24 March 2006 in the London Gazette. The ranks and other personal details shown are those current at the time the awards were recommended.

The full citation of Captain Peter Norton is attached to this press release.

2. A full list of awards will be found at www.mod.uk.

OPERATIONAL AWARDS LIST NO 26

Honours and Awards to members of the Armed Forces for services on operations in Iraq, Northern Ireland, former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and other miscellaneous operations for the period 1st April 2005 to 30th September 2005. Additionally there are two awards in recognition of non-combatant gallantry.

IRAQ

GC

Captain Peter Allen NORTON (557344)
The Royal Logistic Corps
Whilst investigating whether a possible command wire had been spotted in the vicinity of an explosion site, Captain Norton was hit by a second explosion and sustained horrific injuries. Before allowing first aid to be administered to him he instructed his team on which areas were safe and where they could move. His prescience and clear orders in appalling circumstances prevented further loss of life.

OBE

Major Francis Ralph MORTON (531952)
The King's Own Scottish Borderers
Commander Joint Support Unit Basrah, charged with providing essential J1/J4 administrative, logistics and engineering support to the Divisional HQ.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony John WAKEMAN MBE (521539)
Corps of Royal Engineers
As CO 63 Works Group RE, he supported operations, involving both forward and rear-based activity.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Paul WILLIAMS MBE (518666)
The Staffordshire Regiment
Demonstrated exemplary level of leadership and resolve during his command of Task Force Maysan.

MBE

21167607 Warrant Officer Class 2 Tulbahadur ALE
The Queen's Gurkha Engineers
WO2 Ale was the Engineer Resources WO for 70 Gurkha Field Support Squadron, providing the Divisional Engineer Group and other dependent units with all materiel required to support the Force's construction and protection effort.

Lieutenant Colonel James Francis Pardoe SWIFT (533656)
The Royal Regiment of Wales
He commanded his Company during the course of 2 operational tours in Iraq when they were involved in dozens of contacts and suffered 6 casualties.

CGC

Colour Sergeant Matthew Robert TOMLINSON
Royal Marines P049020H
Whilst commanding a 16 strong US Marine Corps assault force he engaged a numerically superior enemy. His aggressive action created an element of surprise, unhinged the enemy and enabled a foothold to be established which allowed his patrol to repel a withering attack.

MC

Captain Simon Daniel BRATCHER (552318)
The Royal Logistic Corps
A young and recently qualified officer he rendered safe highly sophisticated explosives without the use of a 'Wheelbarrow' robot. He displayed exceptional calmness and selfless bravery as he rendered the device safe.

Lieutenant Colonel James Medley WOODHAM (524400)
The Royal Anglian Regiment
Lt Col Woodham was in charge of negotiations when two British soldiers were illegally arrested in Basra after a shooting incident. His courageous leadership and control during very tense negotiations ensured the safety of the negotiating team and created the conditions for the rescue of the two detained soldiers.

DFC

Squadron Leader Shane William ANDERSON (8701025A)
Royal Air Force
Displayed superb captaincy and exceptional flying skills whilst flying in support of Operations.

MiD

24754400 Corporal Frazer Wilfred BAKAS
The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment Territorial Army In command of 4-man team scrambled to assist in the recovery of baseline casualties whilst being targeted by a rioting crowd.

Lieutenant Benedict Charles David Neville BISHOP (555081) The King's Royal Hussars
On 29th May 2005, his routine patrol was ambushed. Despite his injuries he maintained a cool exemplary manner and was able to send an initial report to alert the remainder of the patrol and see to the other casualties.

25024065 Sergeant John Robert Henry FORD
Scots Guards
Sgt Ford stopped 3 vehicles being tracked, arrested 8 occupants and seized 2 weapons. He also led an assault on 2 houses in separate towns.

Major Andrew Nicholas HADFIELD (530085)
The Staffordshire Regiment
Displayed leadership and constraint whilst involved in the rescue of 2 British soldiers from the Al Jameat Police Station on 19th September 2005.

25039762 Sergeant George Wayne LONG
The Staffordshire Regiment
During the incident involving the rescue of 2 British soldiers from the Al Jameat Police Station, Long used his Warrior to advance on a rioting mob enabling injured soldiers to receive vital first aid.

QCB

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Harrison SEDDON (518954)
The Royal Logistic Corps
After an explosion, which killed 4 US soldiers, Seddon had to conduct a thorough blast analysis and managed to confirm the presence of other IEDs, which he was able to clear.

QCVS

Corporal Stephen Michael HEAD
Royal Marines P053258F
Cpl Head was a Broadsword operator/aircrewman who showed exemplary judgement and skill during a multifaceted operation.

Commodore Anthony John RIX ADC
Commanded Combined Maritime Task Force 150 on two separate occasions greatly enhancing the effectiveness and output of the coalition force.

Major Michael John TANNER
Royal Marines
Tanner served an exemplary period as key staff officer on MND(SE) operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Ross Anthony ANDERSON (519569)
The Queen's Lancashire Regiment Territorial Army
SO1 responsible for security and sector reform of the Iraqi army.

25148633 Lance Corporal Mark Richard BALDWIN
The King's Royal Hussars
As patrol team medic looked after casualties after a landrover had been ambushed.

Lieutenant Mallory Deborah Mennely BARNES (556946)
The Royal Logistic Corps Territorial Army
A TA officer serving with 168 Pioneer Regiment she ran training for the local health and emergency services and was responsible for coordinating water, power and health projects.

24828387 Warrant Officer Class 2 Garry BARTHOLOMEW
The Light Dragoons
He set up and devised a training regime for the Al Muthanna Police Academy.

Q1053098 Private Charlotte BULLESS
Royal Army Medical Corps
As a patrol medic on a Company patrol, she treated the wounded after a Land Rover was ambushed.

24848248 Sergeant Richard James CONWAY
The Staffordshire Regiment
After a sophisticated device had been exploded, his multiple was first on the scene. He secured the incident site and prioritised casualties.

Major Charles Marcus Ross ELMHIRST (537657)
Scots Guards
As a company commander, his company was involved in several operations, which he led with courage, initiative and leadership.

Major Adrian Laurence HARVEY (540042)
The Staffordshire Regiment
He commanded B Company, The STAFFORDS and had an outstanding tour playing a significant role in the detention of insurgents.

Major Nicholas Walter HUNTER (532232)
The King's Royal Hussars
He displayed great leadership during an encounter with Iranian Border Guards and after an ambush when one of his men was killed and several wounded.

Colonel Ian William MACKENZIE (503868)
Late Royal Corps of Signals
Mackenzie was employed as Chief J7 Security Sector Reform Branch, HQ MND(SE), a role, which was fundamental to the success of the UK's strategy in Iraq.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew John PARK (525883)
Intelligence Corps
Park was employed as SO2 G2 HQ 4 Armd Bde and subsequently HQ 12 Mech Bde in Iraq.
He drove the development of actionable intelligence target packs which enabled Multinational Forces to mount successful search and arrest operations.

Captain Richard William McCombie SCROPE (545317)
The Light Dragoons
Scrope was the LD Battlegroup Ops Officer responsible for coordinating and de-conflicting the activities of two Battlegroups.

24767846 Warrant Officer Class 2 John Michael SHEARD
Coldstream Guards
Sheard demonstrated considerable bravery and fortitude during the Al Jameat incident on 19th September whilst facing a highly dangerous, co-ordinated and effective mob of over 200 Iraqis.

Major Rabia SIDDIQUE (556235)
Adjutant General's Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
As Legal Adviser to HQ 12 Mech Bde, she is commended for her support to units and their soldiers in ensuring that they fully understood their legal powers.

Colonel Bryan Shaun Charles WATTERS OBE (495597)
Late The Cheshire Regiment
Brig Watters had a remarkable tour in the Coalition Police Advisory Training Team, a job to which he brought significant knowledge. His leadership uplifted Iraqis and coalition staff.

25118307 Lance Corporal Nicholas Marshall WRIGHT
Royal Army Medical Corps
As a rifle company medical assistant, Wright conducted himself in an exemplary fashion during two fatal attacks.

Captain Andrew Paul YOUNG (545013)
Royal Regiment of Artillery
Young was the Provincial Joint Operations Centre, Liaison Officer and made a remarkable impact within the Centre, contributing to the enhanced engagement of the Iraqi Security Forces within the actual security situation in Basra.

K8311029 Corporal Rachel Samantha DUNN
Royal Air Force
Dunn was part of an Incident Response Medical Team when they were tasked to assist British casualties on the ground. She treated casualties whilst in close proximity to a rioting, hostile crowd.

NORTHERN IRELAND - Details of NI citations are not released.

CBE

Brigadier James Henry GORDON MBE (504457)
Late The Royal Green Jackets

OBE

Colonel Jonathan Michael Edward HAZEL (523124)
Late Intelligence Corps

MBE

Captain Nicholas Keith SOLOMON (551703)
The Parachute Regiment

QGM

Lieutenant Colonel Martin GLINIECKI (522378)
The Royal Logistic Corps

QCB

25167909 Private Peter John BARNES
The Cheshire Regiment

Captain Scott HEMPSEY (555175)
The Cheshire Regiment

24888665 Corporal Dean RILEY
The Cheshire Regiment

25071368 Corporal Gary Peter STRATTON
The Cheshire Regiment

QCVS

Brigadier Richard Lawson BARRONS CBE (504825)
Late Royal Regiment of Artillery

Captain James Arthur GEDNEY MBE BEM (555666)
The Parachute Regiment

Major Bruce Alasdair GRAY (550195)
Adjutant General's Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)

Captain David McKnight HARVEY (559484)
The King's Own Scottish Borderers

24829253 Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul John HOWL
Royal Corps of Signals

Major Benjamin James HUGHES (537523)
Corps of Royal Engineers

24685690 Sergeant Nigel St John MULLINS
Intelligence Corps

Brigadier Roderick John Murray PORTER MBE (510368)
Late The Royal Welch Fusiliers

24885126 Warrant Officer Class 2 Christopher John REGAN
Intelligence Corps

Captain Philip Steven THOMPSON (561713)
The Royal Anglian Regiment

FORMER YUGOSLAVIA

CMG

Major General Arundell David LEAKEY CBE (491002)
Late Royal Tank Regiment
Maj Gen Leakey took command of the European Force in the Balkans. During 14 months he dedicated himself to ensuring the success of the European Force and was an exceptional ambassador for the UK.

QCVS

24716533 Colour Sergeant John Joseph Gerard McNAB
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
McNab delivered a consistently outstanding performance as Company Quartermaster Sergeant during a period in which his contribution was critical to supporting the delivery of significant operational success.

Captain David John POLLOCK (557536)
Royal Tank Regiment
Details of citation not for release.

Major Alan Roxby Farquarson ROAN (543601)
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Major Roan was employed as Commander Crime Action Team MNTF(NW). His task was to recommend how best to target organised crime in order to generate a sustained impact on the criminal networks within the Republica Srbska.

AFGHANISTAN

MBE

Captain (QGO) Daniel LAMA (558435)
The Royal Gurkha Rifles
As Officer in command of the Civil and Military Co-operation Team, Lama was in charge of numerous projects and is recommended for his outstanding achievements, which have benefited the population of Kabul.

QCVS

Lieutenant Colonel David Nicholas Max MILO (523915)
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Milo worked in the CJ-3 operations branch of HQ Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and contributed massively to the Security Sector agenda within the Coalition and the UN mission.

Captain Sarah Jane THOMPSON (553424)
Intelligence Corps
Capt Thompson was SO2 JS2 in the Provisional Reconstruction Team on ops in Northern Afghanistan and was instrumental in turning a barely effective intelligence cell into a fully functioning staff branch.

NATIONAL OPERATIONS

AFC

Captain John Michael William BUSHELL (548143)
Army Air Corps
On 28th Jan 2005, Capt Bushell was commanding a crew of four on a humanitarian aid delivery mission in Aceh Province post the tsunami. He had to fly in atrocious weather and the aircraft was mobbed by desperate people, which could have resulted in the crew being killed. By superb leadership and skill he managed to control the situation and save his aircraft.

QCVS

Sergeant Thomas PALMER QGM
Royal Marines P047880V
Citation not for press release.

Major Adrian Timothy GARSIDE (533624)
The Royal Logistic Corps
Maj Garside was deployed to the African Union Mission in Sudan and was responsible for driving through the establishment of workable structures and procedures for logistics support in a hostile environment.

25050423 Sergeant Robert MAXWELL
Royal Corps of Signals
Citation not for press release.

25043388 Corporal Jason Paul SUMMERFIELD
Royal Army Medical Corps
As a combat medical technician he looked after the casualties in Banda Aceh post the Tsunami. After a full 16-hour shift he volunteered to run a paediatric ward through the night, which another nation had refused to staff.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles David WOMBELL (521723)
The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Col Wombell was Planning Officer, Aceh Monitoring Mission Implementation Team and made a significant difference at the political strategic level to the EU and to the Presidency in Aceh.

NON-COMBATANT GALLANTRY

QCB

25027801 Corporal Jason Martyn HUGHES
Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
He bravely confronted an armed man at Arborfield on 26th January 2005:

24755673 Sergeant Edward Robert YOUNG
The Royal Logistic Corps
He bravely rescued people from a fire in Stanford In The Vale on 21st August 2005.

GEORGE CROSS CITATION - CAPTAIN P A NORTON RLC

Captain Norton was the second-in-command of the US Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell (CEXC) based in the outskirts of Baghdad. The unit has been in the forefront of counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) operations and is plays a vital role in the collection and analysis of weapons intelligence.

At 1917 hours on 24 July 2005, a 3 vehicle patrol from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Regiment of the Georgia National Guard was attacked by a massive command initiated IED in the Al Bayaa district near Baghdad. The ensuing explosion resulted in the complete destruction of a 'Humvee' patrol vehicle and the deaths of four US personnel. Due to the significance of the attack, a team from CEXC, commanded by Captain Norton, was tasked immediately to the scene. On arrival, Captain Norton was faced with a scene of carnage and the inevitable confusion which is present in the aftermath of such an incident. He quickly took charge and ensured the safety of all the coalition forces present. A short while later he was briefed that a possible command wire had been spotted in the vicinity of the explosion site. With a complete understanding of the potential hazard to himself and knowing that the insurgents had used secondary devices before in the particularly dangerous part of Iraq, Captain Norton instructed his team and the US forces present in the area to remain with their vehicle while he alone went forward to confirm whether a command wire IED was present.

A short while later, an explosion occurred and Captain Norton sustained a traumatic amputation of his left leg and suffered serious blast and fragmentation injuries to his right leg, arms and lower abdomen. When his team came forward to render first aid, he was conscious, lucid and most concerned regarding their safety. He had correctly deduced that he had stepped on a victim operated IED and there was a high probability that further devices were present. Before allowing them to render first aid, he instructed his team on which areas were safe and where they could move. Despite having sustained grievous injuries he remained in command and coolly directed the follow-up actions. It is typical of the man that he ignored his injuries and regarded the safety of his men a paramount as they administered life saving first aid to him. It is of note that a further device was found less than 10 metres away and rendered safe the following day. Captain Norton's prescience and clear orders in the most difficult circumstances undoubtedly prevented further serious injury or loss of life.

Captain Norton has deployed to numerous other incidents during his time in Iraq, 3 of which a warrant mention. On 30 April 2005 he was investigating the scene of a suicide vehicle borne IED when his team was attached by 2 rocket propelled grenades. Despite the attack he still managed to conduct the necessary post-blast analysis. On 9 May 2005, whilst exploiting a supposedly neutralised suicide vest IED, which was packet with a combination of high explosives and ball-bearings, Captain Norton discovered that the detonators were still connected. He immediately, and without thought for his own safety, made the device safe by hand. Furthermore on 23 June 2005, whilst investigating the scene of an IED, Captain Norton discovered, concealed in the roadside, a secondary claymore mine. His quick and instinctive thinking ensured the area was rapidly evacuated and allowed a US Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team to clear the device, thereby saving further loss of life. Captain Norton has come under fire and has been exposed to significant danger on a number of occasions. He has consistently behaved in an exemplary fashion and his professionalism has been of the highest order. Captain Norton's outstanding bravery at the incident in Al Bayaa and throughout his tour fully justifies formal recognition.