Camilla praises Bulford soldiers (From Salisbury Journal)

Camilla praises Bulford soldiers

9:33am Monday 17th December 2007 in News

THE Duchess of Cornwall paid an emotional tribute to the bravery of soldiers from 4th Battalion The Rifles when she visited them at Bulford Camp and presented them with their operational medals.

Her Royal Highness said the men had "made her proud and proud to be British" and that the country owed them an enormous debt of gratitude.

Families of the troops, who recently returned from a six month deployment in Iraq, watched in the freezing parade ground at Bulford as The Duchess, who is Royal Colonel of the Battalion, addressed the men and presented their medals.

Despite the temperatures they were warmed by the Duchess's words of praise for the courageous Riflemen.

"I have followed the battalion's progress closely in good and bad times," she said.

"I know you were subject to frequent and heavy attacks in unbearable temperatures.

"But despite these adverse conditions, the enormous risks and the heavy losses, you never faltered, "You showed unswerving courage and professionalism and lived up to your exacting motto "Swift and Bold".

"You have also strengthened the reputation of the British Army not only through your courage and commitment but also through your restraint and common decency."

Her Royal Highness paid tribute to the five soldiers who were killed in action Corporal Jeremy Brookes, 28, Corporal Rodney Wilson, 30, Major Paul Harding, 48, Corporal John Rigby ,24, and Rifleman Edward Vakuba ,23 in addition to Lance Corporal Nathan Long (22) and Lance Corporal Paul Knight who died in a car accident on November 21.

"My heart goes out to their families, whose lives have been devastated by their deaths but who are, I hope, sustained in some way by the regimental family and the extraordinarily strong bonds I have seen between you all," she said.

She also met some of the soldiers injured in the fighting including Rifleman Stephen Vausse who was shot in the spine.

His injuries left him unable to walk or talk but through a typing machine he wrote a message that was read to the battalion's royal guest.

"I would like to thank my family and friends because without them I would not be able to collect my operational medal today.

"My new mission is that one day I will be able to drink the whisky you sent me and toast your good health."

The Duchess, who has followed Mr Vausse's progress, told him: "You are a real star. I know you will get better."

After the presentation Her Royal Highness had a private meeting with the families of the wounded and fallen.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders thanked the Battalion's Royal Colonel: "Her support has been unstinting and it means so much to the men that she is here to present their medals today," he said.

"She has hand-written letters to the families of the fallen, sent gifts and even invited some of them to her home.

"When no-one in England knew what was going on in Basra, she did.

"She was behind us throughout the tough and demanding tour."

For the engagement The Duchess wore a specially commissioned green frock coat made from the 4 Rifles' wool adorned with the battalion's buttons and a matching brooch.

She concluded her visit by meeting the soldiers and their families informally and talked to them about their experiences.

"It's been lovely to see her here today," said June Hennessy whose grandson Allyn Harris serves with The Rifles.

"Our overall feeling is of relief and we're just pleased to have him back for Christmas."