Lt Col Matt Holmes (front), seen here on operations in Afghanistan, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Order
[Picture: Gaz Faulkner]
The honours include twenty Military Crosses, a George Medal, a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and two Distinguished Service Orders (DSO), the highest awards of this period, awarded to Royal Marines, Brigadier Jeremy Thomas and Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Holmes.
In addition Lieutenant General David Julian Richards CBE DSO, Late Royal Regiment of Artillery, is awarded the Knight Commander of The Order of The Bath (KCB), for his contribution to UK military operations in Afghanistan.
See Related News>>> to view the full list of honours announced today
The latest list includes honours and awards for service on operations in Northern Ireland, former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and other operations for the period 1 October 2006 to 31 March 2007. The following is a snapshot of some of the awards announced today.
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. 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."
Brigadier Jeremy Thomas (now Major General Thomas) receives the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership of a four thousand-strong joint Task Force in southern Afghanistan, overseeing initial progress and a notable reversal in Taliban fortunes. His citation reads:
"The performance of the Task Force during his tour of duty was formidable, and delivered significant successes across each of the facets of the complex campaign which was conducted in extremely arduous and exacting conditions. This was, for the large part a reflection of the wisdom, temperament, courage and resilience of its leader."
Major General Thomas said:
"I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the DSO and immensely proud of the achievements of all those who served under my command in Afghanistan. Today’s announcement confirms that the best traditions of the British armed forces are alive and well. The citations reveal incredible feats of bravery and fortitude and I am delighted to have lead such a fine group of people."
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Holmes, who was also serving in Afghanistan, led his group through more than three hundred contacts with the enemy, some for up to twelve hours. His citation reads:
"His inability to brook other than the highest standards, assiduous attention to detail, dedication to duty and bond with his men gave his group cohesion and unity."
Corporal John Thompson Royal Marines, receives the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross after saving the lives of many of his colleagues and friends by frequently drawing Taliban fire away from them. One of the thirty actions he was involved in saw a four-hour fight surrounded by up to fifty Taliban. While he and his men were not in control when it started, by sheer determination and bravery they took the fight from the enemy - firing everything they had from grenade launchers to machine guns. His citation reads:
"He displayed exceptional bravery and leadership, particularly under fire. His open and un-armoured vehicle led the company group throughout, and as such he was always at the forefront of over 30 fierce fire-fights with the Taliban. 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. He displayed gallantry, determination, outstanding professionalism and exceptional junior leadership and skills far beyond anything expected. Universally respected and revered, he was key to the success and morale of his company and through his actions many lives were saved."
Corporal Thompson said:
“I am only able to stand here and talk to you because of the pre-deployment training, the team work and the bonding of the corps. It’s not about what I did, it’s about the people of J Company - it’s about the team."
Royal Marine Matthew Bispham of 42 Commando has been awarded the Military Cross after he was involved in one of the largest attacks on the Taliban while clearing a compound in southern Afghanistan.
Despite having been a Royal Marine for less than three months, he fearlessly covered 50 metres of open ground under enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety. This operation was of strategic importance and enabled the Royal Marines to regain the initiative. On hearing that he would be receiving the award he said:
"I was completely gob-smacked! It is humbling to work with lads who are willing to fight and die next to you. They become part of your family and it makes everything you do worthwhile. Every man I served with deserves recognition in my eyes."
Warrant Officer Class 1 Ed Macy and Staff Sergeant Keith Armatage, both Army Air Corps, are awarded the Military Cross, along with Captain David Rigg Royal Engineers, each for the part they played in the recovery of Lance Corporal Mathew Ford in the face of an emboldened enemy.
On 15 January 2007 Macy and Armatage were the Apache pilots supporting a raid into a Taliban stronghold. Despite a heavy preparatory air and artillery bombardment, the ground assault had resulted in five British casualties around the walls of the fort. Following the confusion of the withdrawal one of the casualties, Lance Corporal Ford, was reported missing in action. A plan to rescue him was made. Their citations say:
"Macy demonstrated selfless gallantry and leadership as he helped inspire a hastily drawn together team to recover Lance Corporal Ford. Macy's courage, quick thinking and determination to find and recover Lance Corporal Ford, with complete disregard for his own safety were an outstanding act of valour and leadership."
"During the mission to recover Ford’s body Armatage was unable to land where planned. The rescuers were disorientated and, seeing this, Armatage armed only with a pistol, got out of his aircraft to lead them to the casualty. Almost immediately, they came under enemy small arms fire. Throughout this audacious mission, Armatage’s flying was impressively courageous and skilful. However, the fact that he evacuated his Apache armed only with a pistol to bring coherence to Lance Corporal Ford’s recovery was truly extraordinary."
"Rigg, despite thinking he was about to be thrown into a deliberate enemy ambush, volunteered immediately to take part in the rescue of Lance Corporal Ford. He knew that he would be returning to face an aggressive, determined and lethal enemy, who were already alert to the company’s presence and were very likely to anticipate their return to find Lance Corporal Ford. In the ensuing action Rigg displayed outstanding valour, clarity of thought and purpose to recover Lance Corporal Ford and return him to his comrades, in the face of a lethal and determined enemy, with deliberate disregard for his own safety."
Rifleman Jokini Sivo 3rd Battalion The Rifles, receives the Military Cross for gallantry after helping colleagues while under fire during a tour of duty in Iraq earlier this year.
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and leadership beyond the call of duty after coming to the rescue of colleagues who were being fired on with rocket-propelled grenades while he was wounded. His citation reads:
"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."
Rifleman Sivo said:
"When I heard from my Commanding Officer I had been given this award I felt extremely humble and proud of my achievements. I feel that every person on operations deserves to get a medal. I was just doing my job - this is what I was trained to do."
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, had praise for all those honoured:
"I want to pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of the service personnel we honour today," he said. "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."