Brave servicemen honoured for their work
4 October 2013 |
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A soldier who single-handedly saved Afghan and Danish soldiers from a complex Improvised Explosive Device (IED) trap is among those recognised for bravery on operations today.
Warrant Officer (WO) Andreas Peat, a High Threat Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator, took control of the situation after a Danish soldier triggered a device on a compound roof while on an operation in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan.
WO Peat, 39, from Edinburgh, cleared a route through to the casualty while urging the other Afghan and Danish soldiers to remain still to guard against any further devices.
When WO Peat reached the casualty he realised that there was a further wire underneath it. Tracing it to another IED nearby he disarmed the device manually before clearing a safe extraction route, shielding the stretcher bearers from the main charge with his own body as they carried the soldier off the roof.
For his calm actions in the face of this threat it was announced at the Tower of London today that WO Peat will be awarded the George Medal.
WO Peat’s story is just one example of the many tales of courage which were shared today as scores of other personnel from all three services were honoured at the event.
It is one of 117 awards for gallantry and meritorious service included in the Operational Awards List 41 which covers the period between September 2012 and April 2013. Many of those recognised served with 4 Brigade which deployed to Afghanistan in the Autumn of 2012.
Flight Lieutenant Christopher Gent, 31 from Swanage, Dorset, was an aircraft commander in the UK Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) in Camp Bastion. On 20 December 2012, despite heavy fog grounding all Task Force Helmand activity due to low visibility, Flt Lt Gent’s crew was dispatched to rescue an Afghan soldier who had been shot in the head to the east of Camp Bastion.
Taking off just 14 minutes after the emergency call and flying in visibility as low as 30 metres, Flt Lt Gent skilfully positioned his Chinook to land near the casualty.
The citation for Gent’s Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air describes how ‘through his extremely cool leadership and expert flying in abysmal weather, they returned safely to Camp Bastion.’
Another stirring tale of bravery is that of Marine Craig Buchanan, 26 from Somerset West, South Africa, who has been awarded the Military Cross. Marine Buchanan, who now lives in Exeter, was part of an eight man team tasked to patrol to an Afghan police station to conduct low-level training in October 2012.
En route the patrol was engaged by a member of the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) wearing civilian clothing, who fired prolonged and accurate bursts of automatic fire, fatally wounding two members of the patrol and seriously wounding a Marine next to Buchanan.
Unable to return fire for fear of hitting his colleagues, Buchanan moved his body between the gunman and the rest of the patrol. When he was able to engage Buchanan neutralized the gunman before administering first-aid until the MERT arrived.
Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond said: “While the role of our forces in Afghanistan is changing with the Afghan forces assuming the lead for security operations across the country, the courage and bravery of British Forces deployed remains constant and undiminished.
Those honoured today have displayed exceptional dedication and commitment to their country, their comrades and the mission.
As we enter the final phases of combat operations in Afghanistan, British Forces deserve our recognition and gratitude for their role in helping to keep us safe in the UK.”
During Herrick 17 4 Brigade continued to support the development of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) into a force capable of taking control of their own security.
An increasing number of operations were planned and implemented independently by the Afghans with ISAF providing a ‘protective wrap.’
Interviews: Brig Bob Bruce Task Force Comd, Herrick 17
LCpl Tuljung Gurung MC 1 RGR
Mne Craig Buchanan MC 40 Cdo Royal Marines
Pte Ryan Houston MiD
1 SCOTS LCpl Rachel Hughes MiD
RAMC Rfn Ben Taylor QGM
Mercian Regiment Cpl Olly Bainbridge MC RDG
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Article source: http://www.bfbs.com/news/brave-servicemen-honoured-their-work-64668.html