A PAINTING that depicts the heroic actions of a Tidworth-based soldier in Afghanistan has been unveiled at Bhurtpore Barracks.

Bombardier Gary Prout from 19 Regiment, Royal Artillery was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for rescuing under fire a mortally injured Lance Corporal Chris Hackett, of 2 Royal Welsh, in Helmand Province in March 2009.

For numerous acts of heroism on that day, Gary was awarded the medal, second only to the Victoria Cross for acts of gallantry.

Now his actions have been painted by military artist David Rowlands, who was inspired to paint the picture after reading of Gary’s actions in the Army’s Soldier magazine.

He said: “I phoned up the regiment and the Commanding Officer invited me to interview Gary who then gave me all the details of what he was wearing, what was in his hands and I was able to create this two dimensional image that portrayed the incident.”

Gary, as usual was modest about his award, saying: “It is important that we remember the actions of the people that day that led to the award and it is a way to remember Chris.

“The painting will help to remind people of the horrors of war.”

Gary was posted to an Army Training Regiment where he trained new recruits.

Sadly, 19 months ago, when on an exercise in Scotland, he broke his leg which failed to heal and soon after this Gary was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in his right leg as a result of his injury and he is expecting to be discharged from the Army later this year.

He has faced this misfortune with his usual stoicism and many will remember that he was captain of the GB Archery Team at the Invictus games last year.

The painting will have pride of place in Regimental Headquarters in Bhurtpore Barracks, Tidworth.