SOLDIERS based locally have been honoured for their bravery in Afghanistan in the recent operational honours list.

Awards included a Mention in Despatches for Major Richard Wallwork, of C Company, 2 Royal Welsh. He was working with the Light Dragoons battle group in July last year when they came under sustained fire and suffered a number of casualties. His citation reads ‘He demonstrated courage, technical excellence and leadership by example in the face of a tenacious and determined enemy.’ Two members of 4 Rifles were awarded Mentions in Despatches for bravery. 2nd Lieutenant Robert Buchanan was awarded his for commanding his platoon as they were ambushed returning to their patrol base at the end of an arduous day.

No assistance was available and he led the two hour fight back as he brought his men back to base, made more difficult as a soldier succumbed to heat exhaustion and had to be carried.

His citation reads ‘Displaying outstanding junior leadership and personal courage, 2Lt Buchanan inspired his platoon to carry on, maintaining a cool head throughout the fighting withdrawal’.

Lance Corporal Matthew Vitel, a combat medic, rushed to the aid of a soldier who had lost both legs to an IED, coming under heavy fire from insurgents but continued to treat him, stemming the flow of blood and reassuring the casualty.

His citation reads ‘The Medical Director in Bastion confirmed that the speed and quality of the treatment he provided saved the casualty’s life. Vitel was utterly selfless in rushing forward and then treating him in the most dangerous of circumstances.’ Rifleman Edward Benton of B Company was awarded The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for his actions in preventing his patrol being caught in an IED ambush.

In August last year an IED exploded causing traumatic amputations to both legs and his comrades were about to go to his aid when Rifleman Benton, who was the mine detection operator, stopped them having assessed that there were other IEDs close to the casualty. Benton then moved to the front of the evacuation group and at speed cleared a safe lane to allow the casualty to be carried to a Helicopter Landing Site.

Major Guy Oldroyd, currently serving at HQ 3rd Division, was awarded the Queen’s Award for Valuable Service.

In 2009 he was responsible for co-ordinating artillery, helicopter and jet fire, provided by 15 different nations, during a most demanding series of operations.

His citation reads ‘Major Oldroyd has been required to operate at a level far exceeding his rank and previous experience.

‘He must receive public recognition for his demonstration of technical brilliance, courage and leadership through the bloodiest series of operations in our generation’.