Post War British Gallantry Awards From 1945 To Present

Discussion in 'Postwar' started by Drew5233, Jul 10, 2009.

  1. rockape252

    rockape252 Senior Member

    Hi,

    Flt Lt Christopher Gordon awarded for 'courageous' Afghan rescue'

    See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-21916455

    "A RAF pilot has been awarded a medal for his "considerable courage" in the rescue of soldiers in Afghanistan.

    Flt Lt Christopher Gordon, 29, of Manchester, has won the Distinguished Flying Cross for helping 30 troops escape heavy fire in Helmand.

    His twin-rotored Chinook helicopter had only one engine in operation at the time of the rescue, last August.

    He had to quickly assess if he could take off, before having to fly low and use field plough marks to navigate.

    The rescue happened after 60 British and Afghan troops were dropped into an "insurgent safe haven" by two Chinook helicopters, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said."


    Bloody well done Sir.


    Regards, Mick D.
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    4jonboy likes this.
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  4. mapshooter

    mapshooter Senior Member

    Has the citation for the former CGS General Dannatt's MC been published? Earned in the 1970s, almost certainly NI, possibly with NITAT(NI) or a predecessor unit?
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26681055


    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26667333[​IMG]
    L/Cpl Moloney (right) says he owes his life to medic L/Cpl Masters (left)


    A soldier who was shot in the neck yet continued his duties during an ambush in Afghanistan has been recognised in the latest round of military honours.

    L/Cpl Simon Moloney, 23, from St Albans, was one of 117 service personnel receiving awards as part of the Operational Honours list.

    He resumed his lookout post after being shot by Taliban insurgents and helped to bring the firefight under control.

    His Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is one of the highest military honours.


    Scores of personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy have been recognised for their courage during the period from April to October 2013.


    L/Cpl Moloney, from the Household Cavalry Regiment, had landed by helicopter in an insurgent stronghold with his troop and Afghan forces when the incident happened, in July last year.

    As the troops began to search for targets they came under fire and realised they had been ambushed.

    L/Cpl Moloney was positioned on a roof with a machine-gunner, where he had to watch over the assault and identify enemy positions for his fellow soldiers, when he was shot.

    'Blood spurting'
    The "through-and-through" gunshot wound missed his vital arteries and voice box by just millimetres, but its force threw him off the roof.

    "It knocked the wind out of me as well, the fire was that accurate," he said.


    "It was a natural reaction to roll off the roof as well. I rolled off the roof, about an 8ft drop, I put my hands on my neck and realised I had been hit.

    "Then it's sort of like autopilot comes in. You wait for those 30 seconds to see 'Am I going to pass out, am I going to die, is there blood spurting all over the walls, can I control the bleeding?' A million things going through your head.

    "Luckily the guy who was next to me was calm. He knew his job well and he looked at it straight away and he told me it wasn't an artery, and that's when we were able to carry on and call it in over the radio to get support."

    L/Cpl Moloney said he would not have survived had his fellow soldiers not done their job so well.

    Medic L/Cpl Wes Masters, 25, from The Royal Army Medical Corps, rushed to L/Cpl Moloney to tend his wounds - "two holes in his neck" - and made sure they were not fatal.

    L/Cpl Moloney later praised the medic, saying: "I owe him my life."

    When he finished, the injured soldier went back to his post and passed critical target information to other troops that helped bring the firefight to an end.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that without him, it is likely numerous members of the squad would have been injured.

    L/Cpl Moloney said he could not believe he was being honoured with such a significant award but it was "nice to be able to give something to my family".

    'Exceptional dedication'
    Many of those recognised in the honours list served with 1 Mechanized Brigade in Afghanistan.

    But other acts of courage were highlighted, including those of Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Neil Halsey, who helped stop a stricken tug from sinking - which the MoD said averted a major environmental disaster.


    RAF Flt Lt Charlie Lockyear and Master Aircrew Bob Sunderland were also honoured for landing their Chinook helicopter while under fire from Afghan insurgents.

    Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois praised all those recognised for their courage.

    "With the end of our combat mission on the horizon as the Afghan forces assume the lead for security operations across the country, the courage and bravery of UK forces deployed there remains constant and undiminished," Mr Francois said.

    "Those featured in this operational honours list have displayed exceptional dedication and commitment to their country, their comrades and the mission. For this, they deserve our recognition and gratitude."

    Shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker said they had "displayed outstanding acts of bravery and courage".

    "Working in the most challenging and dangerous of conditions, their commitment to each other, the mission and the protection of our national security has not faltered," he said.

    "We are forever indebted to the selfless sacrifices made by our service personnel and their families, and this should never be forgotten."
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
  6. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Thanks Diane, what a wonderful group of service personnel, as are they all.
     
  7. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Never get tired of reading about acts of gallantry. I didn't catch the news properly this morning but I'm 99% sure they showed some footage on BBC of him actually being treated by Masters shortly after he was shot.
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    I edited in interview/video, first link on in the post.
     
  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-26681091

    [​IMG]
    Sgt Vono's citation said his loyalty to his men exemplified the best traditions of the British Army


    The bravery of a soldier who went to the aid of nine colleagues caught in a fatal roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan has been recognised.

    Sgt Saiasi Nuku Vono, 36, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots) has been awarded a Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

    His citation said he had shown "inspirational leadership" following the explosion in Helmand Province.

    He was one of 117 people named in the Operational Honours and Awards list.

    They include four other soldiers based in Scotland - Majors Gary McGown, Stephen Dallard and Timothy Draper and Captain Ross Boyd - who all also serve with 2 Scots, based at Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik, Midlothian.

    Lt Col David Orr Ewing, a Nato planning officer from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, currently based in Italy, was also honoured.

    Sgt Vono, originally from Fiji, was on his way back to base after a patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand, when an improvised explosive device (IED) was triggered by a Mastiff vehicle.

    The Mastiff was behind Sgt Vono's vehicle and the blast caused serious injuries to all nine of the soldiers it was carrying.

    Three of them were later confirmed as having been killed in action.

    Scene of devastation
    Amid the scene of devastation, Sgt Vono immediately assessed that there were multiple casualties and that urgent life-saving medical treatment was needed.


    All communications with the Mastiff were lost and Sgt Vono had to react quickly while remaining alert to the threat of further explosions and small arms fire attacks, a known insurgent tactic.

    He directed other soldiers to cover him as he led them down to what remained of the vehicle.

    He climbed onto its roof, exposing himself to gun fire, in order to see inside before jumping down on to uncleared ground to gain access to the back doors.

    He applied a tourniquet to the section commander's leg and then co-ordinated the removal of all nine casualties from the vehicle. Having run out of stretchers, Sgt Vono carried one of the casualties across more than 100m of uncleared ground.

    Once all the casualties had been taken away from the scene, he exposed himself to further danger of attack when he led a team back to the vehicle to get equipment.

    His award citation states: "In an incident of extreme pressure and chaos, Sgt Vono's gallant act demonstrated the highest standards of leadership, calmness and selfless commitment."

    It continues: "His personal example, leadership and loyalty to his men exemplify the very best traditions of a senior non-commissioned officer in the British Army and for his actions he should be nationally recognised."

    'Dangerous area'
    Along with Sgt Vono, servicemen and women recognised in the latest honours included 36-year-old Maj Dallard.

    He has been appointed OBE for his contribution to the operational tour in Afghanistan, when he was based at Patrol Base Ouellette, a "large, complex and dangerous area of operations that was one of the most contested and kinetic areas of central Helmand".

    Capt Boyd, who was acting major at the time, was appointed MBE for taking on the role of company commander of the Nad-e-Ali district police advisory team at a "critical and highly complex" point of the Afghan campaign.

    Maj McGowan, 49, was the company commander responsible for the Lashkar Gah training centre advisory team. He was awarded a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service for his support to the operation.

    Maj Draper, 36, was also awarded a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service for overcoming hurdles in developing Helmand's police headquarters.

    Also from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Lt Col David Orr Ewing, who is currently working with Nato in Milan, picked up the same honour for his efforts in planning for operations in Afghanistan.

    The awards were principally for actions during the period from March to September of last year, as part of Operation Herrick 18.
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27186205

    Army dog killed in Afghanistan given posthumous medal
    [​IMG]
    Sasha is the 65th animal to be awarded the PDSA's Dickin Medal since 1943


    A British Army dog killed alongside her handler in Afghanistan is to be honoured with what is called the highest military award for an animal.

    Sasha, a four-year-old yellow Labrador who was trained to hunt out explosives, is credited with saving the lives of scores of soldiers and civilians.

    She will be awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, which the charity says is the animal version of the Victoria Cross.

    She died alongside L/Cpl Kenneth Rowe in a Taliban attack in 2008.

    Sasha was deployed with handlers from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

    Alongside her handler, she was tasked with carrying out advance patrols to find safe routes for soldiers and sniffing out weapons and IEDs.


    The PDSA said: "Sasha's determination to search and push forward - despite gruelling conditions and relentless Taliban attacks - was a morale boost to the soldiers who entrusted their lives to her weapon-finding capability.

    "On one occasion recalled by regimental colleagues, Sasha was searching a building in Garmsir when she detected two mortars and a large quantity of weaponry, including explosives and mines.

    "This find alone undoubtedly saved the lives of many soldiers and civilians."

    In 2008 she was assigned to 24-year-old L/Cpl Rowe and the pair were considered the best in the Kandahar region.

    [​IMG]

    Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe died alongside Sasha when the pair were ambushed during a routine patrol


    [​IMG]
    L/Cpl Rowe and Sasha working together in Afghanistan before their deaths

    They died together on 24 July 2008 when their routine patrol was ambushed by a rocket-propelled grenade attack.


    L/Cpl Rowe, from West Moor near Newcastle, had been due to return home the day before he died but wanted to stay on to complete a planned operation because he was concerned about a lack of cover for comrades.

    Sasha had 15 confirmed finds of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), mortars and hidden weaponry.

    Col Neil Smith QHVS, director of the Army Veterinary and Remount Services, said: "This prestigious award recognises how her devotion and skills undoubtedly saved the lives of many troops in Afghanistan, and acknowledges the excellent work our military working dogs and their handlers do.

    "Sadly, this award is posthumous as both Sasha and her handler, Lance Corporal Ken Rowe, were killed in enemy action in Afghanistan in 2008.

    "Our thoughts remain with L/Cpl Rowe's family and this award will give us the opportunity to once more celebrate his and Sasha's immeasurable contributions to military operations."

    Sasha is the 65th animal to be awarded the medal since it was launched in 1943.


    Other winners of the Dickin Medal - named after the charity's founder Maria Dickin - include 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and a cat.

    PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: "The award is even more poignant as we approach the centenary of World War One and are reminded of the huge debt we owe the animals who serve in times of conflict.

    "This medal, recognised worldwide as the animals' Victoria Cross, honours both Sasha's unwavering service and her ultimate sacrifice.

    "Her story exemplifies the dedication of man's best friend and reminds us all of the amazing contribution they make to our lives."


    http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/27190762
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]



    L/Cpl Kenneth Michael Rowe:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7526937.stm
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-11400327
     
    4jonboy likes this.
  11. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    This is good news but I am curious to know as to where will the actual medal go as human medals go to family.

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  13. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    I hope so

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  14. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Me too, it seems only right that they both stay together.
     
  15. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    They do deserve to be together just like Pte Emil Corteil & his para dog Glen who are buried together at Ranville

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  16. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    http://www.army.mod.uk/news/26288.aspx

    Dickin Medal awarded to army dog Sasha
    [​IMG]


    In a special ceremony at Kensington Town Hall, the PDSA Dickin Medal - known as the animals’ Victoria Cross - has been posthumously awarded to Military Working Dog, Sasha, by actress and PDSA Ambassador, Joanna Page.

    The medal was instituted by veterinary charity PDSA in 1943. It is the highest award any animal can receive while serving in military conflict. Sasha, a Labrador who was four-years-old when killed along with her handler, is the 65th PDSA Dickin Medal recipient, and the first since 2012.
    It was accepted on Sasha’s behalf by her former handler Sergeant Major Andy Dodds and retired Military Working Dog, Fire, who was also injured in Afghanistan and made an amazing recovery from serious injuries.

    Uncovering hidden weapons and IEDS
    Sasha was initially deployed in Afghanistan with Sergeant Andy Dodds (now Sergeant Major) of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps attached to the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment. Their primary role was to search in advance of patrols, providing safe passage for soldiers, uncovering hidden weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and bomb-making equipment.

    Sasha’s determination to search and push forward – despite gruelling conditions and relentless Taliban attacks – was described as a morale boost to the soldiers who entrusted their lives to her weapon-finding capability.

    On one occasion recalled by regimental colleagues, Sasha was searching a building in Garmsir when she detected two mortars and a large quantity of weaponry, including explosives and mines. This find alone undoubtedly saved the lives of many soldiers and civilians.

    Best handler and dog team
    In May 2008, Sasha was re-assigned to Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe and deployed to Kandahar on further duties. During their time together they forged a unique bond, locating numerous IEDs. They were considered the best handler and dog team in the region.
    On 24 July 2008, Sasha and Lance Corporal Rowe were returning from a routine search operation when their patrol was ambushed. They survived the first attack but a second tragically claimed both their lives.

    During her time in Afghanistan Sasha made 15 confirmed operational finds. Her actions saved many soldiers and innocent civilians from death and serious injury.

    Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe
    The award ceremony was attended by colleagues and relatives of Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe.

    Colonel Neil Smith QHVS, Director of the Army Veterinary and Remount Services, said: “The Royal Army Veterinary Corps is honoured and delighted that Sasha has been recognised with a PDSA Dickin Medal. Our soldiers and their dogs do a tremendous job, a job that saves countless lives.

    "It is an honour to share this important day with Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe’s family to recognise the work that he and Sasha undertook before being tragically killed. I am pleased that Sasha’s previous handler, WO2 Andy Dodd, is able to receive the medal on her behalf.”

    Lyn Rowe, Kenneth’s mother, said: “Kenneth was a big animal-lover from a young age and thought the world of the dogs he served alongside. He would be proud to know that Sasha’s hard work, devotion and lifesaving actions were being recognised with the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

    Actress and PDSA Ambassador, Joanna Page, who presented Sasha’s PDSA Dickin Medal, said: “Sasha’s story is an uplifting and poignant example of the lifesaving work carried out by dedicated animals alongside our armed forces. This outstanding bravery and devotion to duty epitomises what the PDSA Dickin Medal has stood for since its inception in 1943."

    Since the introduction of the Medal by PDSA founder Maria Dickin in 1943 it has been awarded to 29 dogs (including Sasha), 32 World War II messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.


    [hr]

    http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/sasha

    [​IMG]


    Reaction

    Commenting on the award, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “We are immensely proud to honour Sasha with the PDSA Dickin Medal. It is the highest award any animal can receive for lifesaving bravery in conflict. Without doubt, her heroic actions in Afghanistan saved many lives.”

    Colonel Neil Smith QHVS, Director of the Army Veterinary and Remount Service, said:

    Lyn Rowe, Kenneth’s mother, said: “Kenneth was a big animal-lover from a young age and thought the world of the dogs he served alongside. He would be proud to know that Sasha’s hard work, devotion and lifesaving actions were being recognised with the PDSA Dickin Medal.”
     
  17. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    Diane thanks for the update

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  18. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

  19. The Cooler King

    The Cooler King Elite Member

    That's great .... it does lift your heart does it not!.......... :D
     
  20. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

Share This Page