Military cross for brave Methwold soldier
COURAGEOUS servicemen and women have been formally honoured with the announcement of operational military awards.
West Norfolk-based personnel and a string of members of the Norfolk Regiment the Royal Anglians were among 181 members of the armed forces and three military members of defence civilians named in an honours list on Friday.
Six members of the Norfolk Regiment the Royal Anglians were awarded one of the top bravery awards, the Military Cross, including former Methwold High School pupil Lance Corporal Oliver Ruecker.
L/Cpl Ruecker showed total disregard for his own safety and returned to a burning grenade-hit vehicle through a hail of enemy fire to save a fellow soldier moments before it burst into a ball of flames.
Another five soldiers received a Mention in Despatches, in the list for services from April to September last year, warrant officer Timothy Newton, of Fakenham, among them.
Major Philip Blanchfield, also from Fakenham, was recognised for his drive and determination and was awarded The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Services.
The "Vikings", as they are nicknamed, endured a particularly intense period of conflict in Helmand province last year, taking the fight to the enemy in more than 350 actions and denying them use of a particular safe haven in what is known as the "Green Zone".
Command-ing Officer of the 1st Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of his exemplary leadership.
RAF Marham Squadron Leader Tim Owen has been honoured for his role in overseeing the safe withdrawal of British troops from Basrah Palace in Iraq last year.
His squadron of Tornado GR4's gave the close air support needed during the 55 hours that it took for the troops to relocate to Basrah Airfield operating base.
Sq Ldr Owen, who is a navigator on 31 Squadron, at Marham, supervised and directed the squadron's air operations over Basrah and has received The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.
His commanding officer, Wing Commander Dean Andrews, said: "He honed his air-land knowledge. It is Tim's superb leadership, outstanding knowledge of air-land integration and the capacity to take on such a demanding task, alongside his regular duties, that were significant factors in the success of the withdrawal from Basrah Palace."
RIGHT: Lance Corporal Oliver Ruecker, who has been awarded the Military Cross.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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