News Release issued by
the COI News Distribution Service on 10 September 2009
A soldier who
fought through intense danger and perilous circumstances to
recover the body of a comrade killed in an explosion in
Afghanistan is among a number of gallant service personnel
recognised in the latest Operational Awards List.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Benjamin Kelly’s Military Cross is
announced today (Friday) with the official announcement of the
awards. WO Kelly ordered his crew to remain in their vehicle and
spent 30 minutes, alone, recovering Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary
O’Donnell, who had just been killed while attempting to defuse an
improvised explosive device.
WO2 O’Donnell received a posthumous bar to his George Medal
earlier this year for his actions in Afghanistan. Now WO2 Kelly is
recognised for his exceptional bravery demonstrated under the most
demanding mental and physical pressures.
But his is just one of more than 100 awards for gallantry and
meritorious service announced today, covering the period October
2008 to March 2009. Many of those recognised served with the 3
Commando Brigade Task Force that deployed to Afghanistan in autumn
2008, but awards also go to others involved in operations in Iraq,
elsewhere overseas and in the UK. Award recipients are primarily
from the Royal Navy and Army.
Among the highest level awards announced for actions in
Afghanistan are Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses for Royal Marines
Acting Corporal Bradley Malone and Marine Steven Nethery. Acting
Corporal Malone showed complete disregard for his own safety by
leaving cover and advancing across open ground to rescue his troop
sergeant who had become isolated in a dangerous area. His fighting
prowess turned the tide of a battle and potentially saved several
men from a deadly ambush.
Meanwhile Mne Nethery, as a general purpose machine gunner, took
every opportunity to go above and beyond the call of duty. He ran,
unarmed, under concentrated fire, to retrieve a wounded colleague,
and then braved the open ground a second time to prevent vital
equipment falling into enemy hands.
Another notable award goes to Commander Task Force Helmand on Op
Herrick 9, Brigadier Gordon Messenger DSO OBE, who has been
decorated with a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order. This is
the first Bar to a DSO awarded to a member of the Naval Service
since 1957, and across all three Services since 1996.
Operational Awards List 33 also includes recognition of
meritorious service during the UK’s now completed combat mission
in Iraq. Leading these awards is former General Officer Commanding
in Basrah, Major General Andy Salmon, who is appointed a Companion
of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George.
At an event on Thursday the award recipients were congratulated
by senior representatives of their Services: From the Royal Navy,
the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey; and from the
Army, General Officer Commanding London District Major General
Bill Cubitt.
Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said:
“The stories of gallantry and heroism behind these honours and
awards are nothing short of astounding. Reading through the
citations serves as a reminder, were it needed, that the UK really
does have the bravest, most professional military in the world.
The servicemen and women recognised today are not just the pride
of the British Armed Forces, they are the pride of Britain.”
---o0o---
A SELECTION OF AWARDS ANNOUNCED
AFGHANISTAN
BAR TO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Brigadier Gordon Kenneth MESSENGER DSO OBE Royal Marines
Messenger is awarded for the outstanding and inspirational
command of a multi national force of 8,000 troops, and for his
enormous courage and leadership, often at the front end of the
operational environment.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Lieutenant Colonel James MORRIS Royal Marines
In the most austere environment and facing constant danger,
Morris led, from the front, his Commando group of 1,000 men spread
out over 40km. Frequently out on patrol, sharing and understanding
the hardship faced by his troops, he tirelessly championed their
welfare and wellbeing, whilst ensuring that they made a
significant contribution to the wider campaign.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph CAVANAGH The Rifles
Cavanagh was utterly tireless as commanding officer of the OMLT
(Operational Mentor and Liaison Team) mentoring group. He
repeatedly entered remote, insecure and dangerous areas; judging
his manner and timing perfectly to deliver the necessary succour
and support to his people.
ROYAL RED CROSS
Lieutenant Commander Alison Jayne HOFMAN ARRC Queen Alexandra’s
Royal Navy Nursing Service
Hofman is awarded for her consistently high standards of nursing
and military achievement which raised the profile of UK medicine
and the Royal Naval Medical Services to all engaged in the mission
and to a wide national audience.
CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY CROSS
Acting Corporal Bradley MALONE Royal Marines
Displaying a complete disregard for his own safety, Malone left
cover to advance across open ground in order to collect his Troop
Sergeant who had become isolated in the killing area. Malone’s
fighting prowess and gallantry turned the tide of the battle and
led directly to the successful extraction of 10 Troop from a
deadly ambush.
Marine Steven NETHERY Royal Marines
As a general purpose machine gunner, Nethery took every
opportunity to go above and beyond the call of duty. He ran,
unarmed, under concentrated fire to retrieve a wounded colleague,
after doing so he braved the open ground a second time to prevent
vital equipment falling into enemy hands. He then took it upon
himself to carry the casualty over a stretch of 250m to the
evacuation party. His repeated bravery undoubtedly saved lives.
MILITARY CROSS
Marine Samuel ALEXANDER Royal Marines
Alexander pushed beyond his wounded Commander and, despite being
completely exposed to heavy and accurate enemy fire, remained in
position, engaging multiple firing points and allowing the Fire
Team to tend to a wounded man. Having exhausted his General
Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) ammunition, Alexander continued to push
forward and engage the enemy at close range with his pistol.
Acting Corporal John BALLANCE Royal Marines
Despite a heavy weight of enemy fire, Ballance and a comrade
relentlessly cleared a route towards stricken casualties. With
complete disregard for his own safety, Ballance repeatedly ran
from cover into withering fire to manage the evacuation of a
casualty and continue the battle.
Major Richard CANTRILL Royal Marines
Leading a Commando assault on the town of Kasnishin, Cantrill
orchestrated an exemplary scheme of manoeuvre that took the
initiative away from the enemy. He then led Lima Company in an
assault on a known Taliban stronghold, after three days of
continual and robust contact, during which the Company fought a
tenacious and intelligent battle, the foe were neutered.
Sergeant Noel Gerard CONNOLLY Royal Marines
Connolly’s quick thinking and bravery ensured that a detonation
attempt by a suicide bomber was foiled. He carried out a
life-saving act of gallantry and also proved to be an outstanding
Troop Sergeant during all phases of war, particularly under
intense enemy fire.
Sergeant Andrew LEAVER Royal Marines
Leaver’s considerable presence of mind and rapid response to an
extremely dangerous situation not only ensured the timely
evacuation of a casualty but prevented his colleagues from being
over run by the enemy or killed in the cross fire of an ambush.
Able Seaman Class 1 Kate Louise NESBITT Royal Navy
Nesbitt’s actions throughout a series of offensive operations
were exemplary; under fire and under pressure her commitment and
courage were inspirational and made the difference between life
and death. She performed in the highest traditions of her service.
Lieutenant James Philip ADAMSON The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Adamson’s supreme physical courage, combined with the calm
leadership he continued to display after a very close encounter
with the Taleban, were of the very highest order. His actions also
neutralised an enemy flanking attack which could have resulted in
casualties for his platoon.
Gunner Grant Michael GUY Royal Regiment of Artillery
Guy is awarded for his extreme bravery and utter selflessness. In
spite of his junior rank he helped the company prevail by taking
charge at critical moments of a desperate situation. Guy
repeatedly placed himself in extreme danger in order to extract a
comrade from the killing area.
Acting Corporal Sean Michael KEENAN The Rifles
Keenan, despite receiving multiple shrapnel wounds, continued
treating the wounded, in the full knowledge that his life was
threatened by enemy fire. He showed immense and inspiring coolness
of mind and selfless determination.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Benjamin Llewellyn KELLY The Princess of
Wales’s Royal Regiment
Despite the intense pressure and the most traumatic
circumstances, and in an area known to contain a significant IED
threat, Kelly’s selfless actions and exceptional bravery enabled
the recovery of a body and minimized the risk to all remaining
ISAF forces.
Acting Serjeant Mark John POWIS The Rifles
As second in command of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team
(OMLT); with great presence of mind, inspirational courage and
remarkable powers of command Powis undoubtedly saved his
commander's life, and ensured the safety of his OMLT team
as well as that of the Afghan National Army.
Lance Corporal Gajendra RAI The Royal Gurkha Rifles
The presence of mind, leadership and exceptional courage
demonstrated by Gajendra during this prolonged and extremely
dangerous extraction of a seriously wounded Rifleman; saved the
life of a second; and allowed his Platoon to focus on regaining
the initiative having been caught in a well set, perfectly
executed and lethal ambush.
Sergeant Torben SORENSEN The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment
After being separated by the rest of B Company Group, Sorensen
and a colleague assaulted a compound alone to clear it. Sorenson
incurred a 12 inch shrapnel wound but continued to move through
the compound until he was sure all enemy had fled before allowing
himself to be treated by the team medic.
Lance Corporal Colin James SPOONER The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment
Spooner’s decisive action, exemplary leadership and courage as
Section Commander with B Company Group contributed enormously to
the successful outcome of a difficult situation. His outstanding
contribution took place despite extraordinarily dangerous
circumstances and the pain that resulted from the extensive
shrapnel wounds he had incurred.
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
Lieutenant Commander Gavin Ian SIMMONITE Royal Navy
Simmonite’s aircraft was so severely damaged by enemy fire that
under normal circumstances it should have been landed immediately.
Through his exceptional airmanship and handling skills he was able
to nurse the aircraft back to a friendly location and in doing so
saved both the aircraft and his crew.
QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL
Warrant Officer Class 2 Colin Robert George GRANT Royal Logistic Corps
Throughout Operation Herrick Grant regularly operated under the
most intense pressure, his selfless actions saved numerous lives.
He took pride in reducing the IED threat posed and readily placed
himself in harms way to do so.
Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 John Gareth LESTER Royal Logistic
Corps
Lester’s capacity to operate under the most intense pressure has
allowed him to function beyond the level normally expected of an
Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Officer. His leadership was
one of the factors leading to the operations success and his
actions were key in galvanising a coordinated response to an IED strike.
Staff Sergeant Anthony SPAMER Corps of Royal Engineers
Spamer displayed complete composure, outstanding courage and
strong leadership under extremely dangerous conditions. His
actions enabled the safe and timely extraction of casualties
saving their lives and ensuring the safety of others in the process.
IRAQ
COMPANION OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF ST MICHAEL AND ST GEORGE
Major General Andrew SALMON OBE Royal Marines
The change in Basra during General Salmon’s deployment was
dramatic. Even the most hardened and blinkered commentators were
impressed with the progress they saw. General Salmon’s role in
this is widely recognised throughout Basra as being pivotal.
NON-COMBATANT AWARDS
AIR FORCE CROSS
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Sidney MURRAY Royal Navy
Murray demonstrated outstanding leadership and selfless courage.
Allied with his exceptional flying skills, his contribution as
Pilot and Aircraft Commander of a Search and Rescue (SAR)
helicopter was invaluable in the success of their missions.
QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL
Acting Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman David Paul RIGG Royal Navy
Despite the considerable risk to himself, Rigg finely balanced
the need to provide emergency medical care with the pressing
requirement for evacuation of a casualty in an attempt to save a
life. He performed in the finest traditions of the service.
A package of video and stills illustrating operations on the
ground during Operation HERRICK 9 will be available for download
from the Defence News Imagery web server from Thursday morning.
The broadcast quality material will be available for download from
the ‘latest packages’ section of www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk.
Media outlets without a personal login can use the username:
GuestUser and the Password: GoldenMedal. For technical assistance
with DNI, please contact the MOD Press Office Bureau on 0207 218
6997
On Thursday interviews with selected award recipients will be
added to this package – all of the material will be issued under
embargo until 0001 Friday 11 September.
For more information contact Ben Wilkinson (07768 316281) at the
media facility on 10 Sep 09, David Jackson in the Ministry of
Defence Press Office on 0207 218 9006/4947.
Alternatively call the MOD Duty Press Office line on 0207 218
7907 (24 hours).
Contacts:
Ministry of Defence
NDS.MOD@coi.gsi.gov.uk