List of British gallantry awards for the War in Afghanistan
Encyclopedia
A list of British
awards for gallantry in the War in Afghanistan from 2001 onwards. Apart from appointments to purely military orders, such as the Distinguished Service Order
, an award for leadership in combat, only gallantry awards have been included and only those that allow post-nominal letters (this excludes fourth-level awards such as Mentions-in-Despatches and Queens Commendations).
The list includes the rank and decorations the recipient held at the time, together with their regiment, corps or service, and the date of publication of the award in the London Gazette
. Honours lists have been published to cover six month periods of operations, ending in March or September, awards normally being "gazetted" several months later.
Following the March 2009 list, a recipient of the Military Cross
, Major Robert Armstrong, was arrested by the Royal Military Police
over allegations that he had overstated his part in the events that led to his decoration. Further investigation into other awards to members of the Royal Irish Regiment was also underway.
(VC) is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy and is also the highest honour in the British Honours System.
During July and August, A Company of 3 Para were deployed into Sangin
, where their position was constantly under attack. On 27th July, during a patrol, a member of Corporal Budd's section was shot and seriously injured in open ground. Budd led an assault against a building, causing the enemy to retreat, allowing the evacuation and treatment of the wounded soldier. On 20th August, on another patrol, Budd's section again came under heavy fire, with two soldiers being wounded. He assaulted the enemy single-handedly, continuing even when himself wounded. This inspired the remainder of the platoon to renew their attack, and force the withdrawal of the enemy. Budd subsequently died of his wounds. His "single-handed action... and his determination, though wounded, to push on against a superior enemy force stands out as a premeditated act of inspirational leadership and the greatest valour".
(GC) is the highest civilian award for gallantry. It may be awarded to members of the armed forces, irrespective of rank, for acts of gallantry other than in action with the enemy.
for distinguished service. There are three Divisions: Knight Grand Cross (GCB), Knight Commander (KCB) and Companion (CB).
KCB:
(DSO) is awarded for leadership in combat. It can theoretically now be awarded to any rank, but awards to officers below the rank of Major (or equivalent) are considered unusual.
Bar to DSO:
DSO:
(CGC) is the next level of award down from the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
is awarded for distinguished nursing service. A first award confers Associateship (ARRC) and a second award full membership (RRC).
RRC:
ARRC:
(MC) is the third highest medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy on land.
(DFC) is the third highest medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy in the air.
Second Bar to DFC:
DFC:
(AFC) is awarded for bravery not in the face of the enemy in the air.
(GM) is the next level below the George Cross for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
Bar to GM:
GM:
(QGM) is the third highest medal awarded for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
awards for gallantry in the War in Afghanistan from 2001 onwards. Apart from appointments to purely military orders, such as the Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
, an award for leadership in combat, only gallantry awards have been included and only those that allow post-nominal letters (this excludes fourth-level awards such as Mentions-in-Despatches and Queens Commendations).
The list includes the rank and decorations the recipient held at the time, together with their regiment, corps or service, and the date of publication of the award in the London Gazette
London Gazette
The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the United Kingdom, in which certain statutory notices are required to be published...
. Honours lists have been published to cover six month periods of operations, ending in March or September, awards normally being "gazetted" several months later.
Following the March 2009 list, a recipient of the Military Cross
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
, Major Robert Armstrong, was arrested by the Royal Military Police
Royal Military Police
The Royal Military Police is the corps of the British Army responsible for the policing of service personnel, and for providing a military police presence both in the UK, and whilst service personnel are deployed overseas on operations and exercises.Members of the RMP are generally known as...
over allegations that he had overstated his part in the events that led to his decoration. Further investigation into other awards to members of the Royal Irish Regiment was also underway.
Victoria Cross
The Victoria CrossVictoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
(VC) is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy and is also the highest honour in the British Honours System.
- Corporal Bryan James BuddBryan BuddBryan James Budd VC was a Northern Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006 (killed in action)
During July and August, A Company of 3 Para were deployed into Sangin
Sangin
Sangin is a town in Helmand province of Afghanistan, with population of approximately 14,000 people. It is located on in the valley of the Helmand River at 888 m altitude, 95 km to the north-east of Lashkar Gah. Sangin is notorious as one of the central locations of the opium trade in the...
, where their position was constantly under attack. On 27th July, during a patrol, a member of Corporal Budd's section was shot and seriously injured in open ground. Budd led an assault against a building, causing the enemy to retreat, allowing the evacuation and treatment of the wounded soldier. On 20th August, on another patrol, Budd's section again came under heavy fire, with two soldiers being wounded. He assaulted the enemy single-handedly, continuing even when himself wounded. This inspired the remainder of the platoon to renew their attack, and force the withdrawal of the enemy. Budd subsequently died of his wounds. His "single-handed action... and his determination, though wounded, to push on against a superior enemy force stands out as a premeditated act of inspirational leadership and the greatest valour".
George Cross
The George CrossGeorge Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
(GC) is the highest civilian award for gallantry. It may be awarded to members of the armed forces, irrespective of rank, for acts of gallantry other than in action with the enemy.
- Lance Corporal Matthew CroucherMatthew CroucherLance Corporal Matthew Croucher GC is a member of the Royal Marines Reserve and recipient of the George Cross, the highest British medal for gallantry not in the face of the enemy, for his extreme valour in risking his life to safeguard the lives of his comrades...
, Royal MarinesRoyal MarinesThe Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
Reserve, July 2008
- Staff Sergeant Kim Spencer HughesKim Hughes (GC)Warrant Officer Class 2 Kim Spencer Hughes GC is a British Army bomb disposal expert who was awarded the George Cross as a Staff Sergeant for gallant acts carried out in the Afghanistan conflict. Hughes made safe over 80 improvised explosive devices on his tour of Afghanistan...
, The Royal Logistic Corps, March 2010
- Staff Sergeant Olaf Sean George SchmidOlaf SchmidStaff Sergeant Olaf Sean George Schmid GC was a British Army bomb disposal expert who was killed in action in the Afghanistan conflict. Schmid was posthumously awarded the George Cross after he made safe 70 devices before his death in October 2009...
, The Royal Logistic Corps, March 2010 (killed in action)
- Corporal Mark William WrightMark Wright (GC)Corporal Mark William Wright, GC was a soldier in the British Army. He served in the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He died in Helmand Province in Afghanistan after entering a minefield in an attempt to save the lives of other injured soldiers...
, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006 (killed in action)
Order of the Bath
Senior officers may be appointed to the Order of the BathOrder of the Bath
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. The name derives from the elaborate mediæval ceremony for creating a knight, which involved bathing as one of its elements. The knights so created were known as Knights of the Bath...
for distinguished service. There are three Divisions: Knight Grand Cross (GCB), Knight Commander (KCB) and Companion (CB).
KCB:
- Lieutenant General David Julian Richards CBE DSO, late Royal Regiment of Artillery, July 2007; CBE for service in East Timor, DSO for service in Sierra Leone, previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Northern Ireland, later appointed GCB
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service OrderDistinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
(DSO) is awarded for leadership in combat. It can theoretically now be awarded to any rank, but awards to officers below the rank of Major (or equivalent) are considered unusual.
Bar to DSO:
- Lieutenant Colonel Angus George Costeker Fair DSO, The Light DragoonsThe Light DragoonsThe Light Dragoons is a cavalry regiment in the British Army.It was formed in 1992 from the amalgamation of two regiments, the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars becoming the first dragoon regiment in the British Army for over twenty years.-Present day:The Light...
, March 2010; original award for service in Iraq - Brigadier Gordon Kenneth MessengerGordon MessengerMajor General Gordon Kenneth Messenger DSO & Bar OBE ADC is a Royal Marines officer who served as British Commander of Task Force Helmand, during the 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan on Operation Herrick IX from 2008 to 2009...
DSO OBE, Royal Marines, September 2009; original award for service in Iraq, OBE for service in former Yugoslavia
DSO:
- Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Martin Birrell, Royal Marines, July 2008; previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Northern Iraq / Southern Turkey
- Major Paul Allen Blair, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Robert Macrae Borton, Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2009
- Lieutenant Colonel Edward Adam Butler MBE, The Royal Green Jackets, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2005); previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Northern Ireland, awarded QCVS for service in former Yugoslavia and QCVS for service in Sierra Leone (also not gazetted until March 2005); later appointed CBE for service in Afghanistan
- Major General Nicholas Patrick Carter CBE, late Royal Green Jackets, March 2011
- Lieutenant Colonel Stuart William Carver, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008; previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Northern Ireland
- Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Desmond Cavanagh, The RiflesThe RiflesThe Rifles is the largest regiment of the British Army. Formed in 2007, it consists of five regular and two territorial battalions, plus a number of companies in other TA battalions, Each battalion of the Rifles was formerly an individual battalion of one of the two large regiments of the Light...
, September 2009 - Lieutenant Colonel Charles Seymour Collins MBE, The Rifles, March 2011
- Brigadier James Michael Cowan OBE, late Royal Regiment of Scotland, September 2010
- Major Giles Richard Harris MBE, Welsh GuardsWelsh GuardsThe Welsh Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Guards Division.-Creation :The Welsh Guards came into existence on 26 February 1915 by Royal Warrant of His Majesty King George V in order to include Wales in the national component to the Foot Guards, "..though the order...
, March 2010; MBE for service in Iraq - Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Sean David Harrison MBE, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Lieutenant Colonel Matthew John Holmes, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Lieutenant Colonel Harry Arthur Blair Holt OBE, Irish Guards, September 2010
- Lieutenant Colonel Paul Melvyn James, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Jan Kitson, The Rifles, September 2010
- Brigadier John Gordon Lorimer MBE, late The Parachute Regiment, March 2008
- Major General John Chalmers McCollJohn McCollGeneral Sir John Chalmers McColl KCB, CBE, DSO is the current Lieutenant Governor of Jersey. He was sworn in on 26 September 2011. He was formerly Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.-Army career:...
CBE, late The Royal Anglian Regiment, October 2002; CBE for service in former Yugoslavia; previously appointed OBE for service in Northern Ireland, also Mentioned in Despatches for actions in former Yugoslavia; later appointed Officer of US Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
for service in Iraq - Lieutenant Colonel James Andrew John Morris, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Major Marcus James Mudd, Queen's Royal Lancers, March 2011
- Captain Jaimie McCoy Norman, Royal Marines, March 2008
- Major Nicholas Charles Laybourne Perry, The King's Royal Hussars, July 2008; later appointed MBE for service in Afghanistan
- Brigadier Timothy Buchan Radford OBE, late The Light InfantryThe Light InfantryThe Light Infantry was an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Light Division. It was formed on 10 July 1968 as a "large regiment" by the amalgamation of the four remaining light infantry regiments of the Light Infantry Brigade:...
, March 2010; previously appointed MBE for service in Northern Ireland - Wing Commander Martin Elliott Sampson, Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
, September 2006 - Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Mark Strickland MBE, Royal Gurkha Rifles, March 2011
- Brigadier Jeremy Hywel Thomas, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Lieutenant Colonel Robert John Thomson MBE, The Rifles, March 2010; previously awarded US Bronze Star Medal for actions in Iraq
- Lieutenant Colonel Stuart John Craig Tootal OBE, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Major Ian Alexander Jonathan Turner, Irish Guards, September 2011
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles Roland Vincent Walker, Grenadier Guards, September 2010
- Lieutenant Colonel Colin Richard James Weir MBE, The Royal Irish Regiment, September 2011
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry CrossConspicuous Gallantry Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is a second level military decoration of the United Kingdom armed forces. Created in 1993 and first awarded in 1995, it was instituted after a review of the British honours system to remove distinctions of rank in the awarding of gallantry decorations...
(CGC) is the next level of award down from the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
- Captain Robin Edwin Geoffrey Bourne-Taylor, Life Guards, September 2010
- Corporal Lee Brownson, The Rifles, September 2010 (killed in action)
- Acting Corporal Donald Peter Campbell, Corps of Royal Engineers, March 2008
- Lieutenant Simon Timothy Cupples, The Mercian Regiment, March 2008
- Corporal Tony Kenneth Day, Royal Marines, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2005)
- Sergeant Alan Gordon Dennis, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Lieutenant Hugo James Edward Farmer, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006; later Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Afghanistan
- Gunner Steven William Gadsby, Royal Regiment of Artillery, March 2010
- Sergeant Marc Kevin Giles, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Corporal Karl Anthony Hearne, The Parachute Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2006)
- Private Graham Stuart Horn, Parachute Regiment, September 2010
- Acting Captain Timothy Holden Illingworth, The Light InfantryThe Light InfantryThe Light Infantry was an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Light Division. It was formed on 10 July 1968 as a "large regiment" by the amalgamation of the four remaining light infantry regiments of the Light Infantry Brigade:...
, December 2006 - Marine Mark Anthony Jackson, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Acting Corporal Bradley Malone, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Corporal Robert William Kerr McClurg, The Royal Irish Regiment, March 2009
- Rifleman James Lee McKie, The Rifles, September 2010
- Captain Jeremy Mark Merchant, Royal Marines, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2005); previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Northern Ireland
- Serjeant Jaime Moncho, The Rifles, March 2010
- Marine Steven Nethery, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Lance Bombardier Gary Prout, Royal Regiment of Artillery, March 2010
- Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun, Royal Gurkha Rifles, March 2011
- Lance Corporal of Horse Andrew Geoffrey Radford, The Life GuardsLife Guards (British Army)The Life Guards is the senior regiment of the British Army and with the Blues and Royals, they make up the Household Cavalry.They originated in the four troops of Horse Guards raised by Charles II around the time of his restoration, plus two troops of Horse Grenadier Guards which were raised some...
, December 2006 - Private Edward Lawrence Sanders, The Parachute Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2005)
- Lance Corporal Kyle Patrick Smith, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Corporal Seth Vincent Scott Stephens, Royal Marines, March 2011 (killed in action)
- Acting Sergeant Alwyn John Stevens, The Royal Irish Regiment, March 2009
- Corporal John Thomas Thompson, Royal Marines, July 2007; previously mentioned in Despatches for actions in Iraq
- Lance Corporal Jone Bruce Toge, The Royal Irish Regiment, March 2009
- Corporal Robert Turner, Royal Marines, September 2010
- Private Paul Darren Willmott, The Mercian Regiment, March 2008
Royal Red Cross
The Royal Red CrossRoyal Red Cross
The Royal Red Cross is a military decoration awarded in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth for exceptional services in military nursing.The award was established on 27 April 1883 by Queen Victoria, with a single class of Member...
is awarded for distinguished nursing service. A first award confers Associateship (ARRC) and a second award full membership (RRC).
RRC:
- Lieutenant Commander Alison Jayne Hofman ARRC, Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service, September 2009
ARRC:
- Captain Mark Cadman, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, Territorial Army, March 2009
- Lieutenant Frank Kelly, Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service, July 2007
- Captain Catherine McWilliam, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, December 2006
- Squadron Leader Sonia Margaret Phythian, Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service, July 2007
- Acting Major Janet Mary Pilgrim, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, April 2003; previously awarded QCVS for service in Kosovo / Macedonia, later awarded RRC for service in Iraq
- Major Sharon Ann Stewart, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Territorial Army, September 2011
- Major Ruth Truscott, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, March 2011
- Captain Gail Lesley Whittle, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, March 2010
Military Cross
The Military CrossMilitary Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
(MC) is the third highest medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy on land.
Royal Navy
- Marine Samuel Alexander, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Lieutenant Jack Anrude, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Marine Liam Peter Armstrong, Royal Marines, April 2003
- Corporal John Ballance, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Corporal Richard Bateman, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Marine Matthew Bispham, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Colour Sergeant Brian Bridger, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Colour Sergeant Stuart Anthony Brown, Royal Marines, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003)
- Acting Lance Corporal Stephen Burns, Royal Marines, March 2009
- Major Richard John Cantrill, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Captain Alistair Scott Carns, Royal Marines, September 2011
- Marine Eroni Sikavou Bulabalavu Cinavilakeba, Royal Marines, July 2008
- Marine Daniel Claricoates, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Sergeant Noel Gerard Connolly, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Corporal Michael Cowe, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Marine Ian Paul Danby, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Marine Daniel Fisher, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Sergeant Daniel Alan Fisher, Royal Marines, March 2008
- Sergeant Shane David Fisher, Royal Marines, March 2010
- Corporal Alan Hewett, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Colour Sergeant Hefin Jones, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Marine Mkhuseli Jones, Royal Marines, July 2008
- Sergeant Jason Layton, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Sergeant Andrew Leaver, Royal Marines, September 2009
- Corporal Wayne Robert Lloyd, Royal Marines, July 2008
- Marine Lewis Lockwood, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Sergeant Andrew Peter Miller, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Sergeant David Albert Montgomery, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Major Adrian Morley, Royal Marines; July 2008
- Corporal Billy George Murphy, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Able Seaman Class 1 Kate Louise NesbittKate NesbittKate Louise Nesbitt MC is the first female member of the British Royal Navy, and the second woman in the British Armed Forces, to be awarded the Military Cross...
, Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, September 2009; second woman to be awarded MC, after Michelle NorrisMichelle NorrisMichelle Suzanne Claire “Chuck” Norris MC, RAMC is a British lance corporal and medic noted for heroism in the 2003 Iraq conflict.-Early life:Norris was born at Stourbridge, West Midlands, England.-Military career:...
; first in the Royal Navy - Sergeant Paul Andrew Norris, Royal Marines, July 2008; previously awarded QCB for "services at sea", later appointed MBE for service in Afghanistan
- Sergeant Andrew David Pearson, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Major Nigel John Powell Somerville MBE, Royal Marines, September 2010
- Sergeant Dean Charles Sykes, Royal Marines, July 2008
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Matthew Richard Tomlinson CGC, Royal Marines, March 2010; CGC for actions in Iraq
- Sergeant Steven Edmond Veale, Royal Marines, March 2008
- Marine John Matthew Watson, Royal Marines, September 2011
- Corporal Christopher Steven Wetton, Royal Marines, July 2008
- Corporal Simon Willey, Royal Marines, July 2007
- Acting Sergeant Richard Edward Wiseman, Royal Marines, September 2010
- Marine Richard Reginald Withers, Royal Marines, July 2008
Army
- Lieutenant James Philip Adamson, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, September 2009; previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Afghanistan
- Corporal Craig Adkin, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Acting Captain Russell Archer, Corps of Royal Engineers, March 2009
- Staff Sergeant Keith John Armatage, Army Air Corps, July 2007
- Major Robert Michael Armstrong, Royal Regiment of Artillery, March 2009
- Lance Corporal Levi David Ashby, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008
- Major Michael Patrick Aston, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008
- Sergeant Paul Edward Baines, Coldstream Guards, September 2010
- Second Lieutenant Alexander Brampton Charles Barclay, Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2009
- Captain Douglas Ricardo Beattie, The Royal Irish Regiment, December 2006; previously awarded QCB for actions in Iraq
- Acting Corporal James Andrew Bedford, Royal Engineers, March 2011
- Colour Sergeant Michael Bell, The Parachute Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003)
- Major Dominic Stead James Biddick MBE, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008; MBE for service in Northern Ireland
- Acting Sergeant Craig Anthony Brelsford, The Mercian Regiment, March 2008 (killed in action)
- Captain Paul Nathaniel Brenig Britton, Royal Regiment of Artillery, July 2008
- Captain Edward Robert Brown, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Lance Corporal Sarah Louise Bushbye, Royal Army Medical Corps, September 2010
- Major Jo Butterfill, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, March 2010
- Major Nicholas George Calder, Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2009; previously awarded QCVS for service in Northern Ireland
- Corporal Steven Graham Childs, The Rifles, March 2010
- Corporal Richard Clark, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2010
- Acting Sergeant John Mathew Cockburn, The Yorkshire Regiment, July 2008
- Private Luke Cole, The Mercian Regiment, Territorial Army, March 2008
- Sergeant Luke Alexander Cole, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Private Paul James Coleman, The Parachute Regiment, March 2009
- Corporal James Stephen Cooke, Irish Guards, March 2009
- Captain Iain Robin Curren, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, September 2011
- Second Lieutenant Oliver Dale, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Lieutenant Douglas Anthony Keith Dalzell, Coldstream Guards, September 2010 (killed in action)
- Major Martin Paul David, Grenadier GuardsGrenadier GuardsThe Grenadier Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army. It is the most senior regiment of the Guards Division and, as such, is the most senior regiment of infantry. It is not, however, the most senior regiment of the Army, this position being attributed to the Life Guards...
, March 2008 - Colour Sergeant Scott Rae McKenzie Davidson, The Parachute Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003)
- Major Adam Guy Dawson, The Parachute Regiment, March 2009
- Private Scott Robert Docherty, The Parachute Regiment, July 2008
- Lance Corporal Daniel John Fletcher, Royal Army Medical Corps, September 2010
- Corporal of Horse Michael John Flynn CGC, The Blues and Royals, December 2006; CGC for actions in Iraq
- Corporal Johannes Jacobus Fourie, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Private Scott Lachlan Fraser, The Parachute Regiment, March 2009
- Lance Bombardier Michael Ronald Frew, Royal Regiment of Artillery, March 2008
- Staff Corporal Shaun Keith Fry, The Life Guards, December 2006
- Corporal Ricky Paul Furgusson, The Rifles, September 2010
- Sergeant Glen William John Gardiner, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Corporal Stuart James Giles, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Major Neil Darren Grant, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Bombardier Paul Mitchell Greenwood, Royal Regiment of Artillery, March 2008
- Lieutenant Tresham Dames Rowley Gregg, The Light Dragoons, March 2010
- Captain Xavier Luke Griffin, The Rifles, Territorial Army, September 2009
- Rifleman Bhimbahadur Gurung, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, July 2008
- Gunner Grant Michael Guy, Royal Regiment of Artillery, September 2009
- Major Karl Christian Hickman, The Rifles, March 2010; previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Iraq
- Captain David Charles Hicks, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008 (killed in action)
- Fusilier Damion Mark Hields, The Royal Welsh, March 2008
- Lieutenant Luke Arthur James Higginson, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Lieutenant William James Archie Hignett, The Rifles, March 2010
- Sergeant Ashley Robert Hill, Royal Anglian Regiment, September 2010
- Private Aaron Stuart Holmes, The Mercian Regiment, March 2008
- Lance Corporal Karl Wayne Jackson, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Lance Bombardier Richard David Jennings, Royal Regiment of Artillery, July 2007
- Private Bryan Johnson, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, September 2011
- Lance Corporal Sean Michael Keenan, The Rifles, September 2009
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Benjamin Llewellyn Kelly, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, September 2009; previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Iraq
- Private Alexander Robert Kennedy, The Mercian Regiment, March 2010
- Sergeant Peter Keogh, The Royal Irish Regiment, September 2011
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Gavin Charles Kimberlin, The Mercian Regiment, March 2008
- Rifleman Harry Lanceley, The Rifles, September 2010
- Major Russell David Lewis, The Parachute Regiment, March 2009
- Sergeant Kajiman Limbu, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, September 2004
- Rifleman Sunil Limbu, Royal Gurkha Rifles, March 2011
- Major Jason Alexis Little, The Yorkshire Regiment, July 2008
- Corporal Michael Lockett, The Mercian Regiment, March 2008
- Lieutenant Colin William Lunn, Yorkshire Regiment, September 2010
- Major Angus Donald MacGillivray, Royal Regiment of Scotland, September 2010
- Major James Rowland Martin, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, March 2011
- Corporal Paul Edward Mather, Army Air Corps, March 2010
- Sergeant Stephen McConnell, The Royal Irish Regiment, March 2009
- Major John Stuart McDonald, The Parachute Regiment, March 2009; previously awarded US Bronze Star Medal for actions in Iraq
- Second Lieutenant Paul David McFarland, The Royal Irish Regiment, September 2011
- Private Peter McKinley, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Acting Corporal Darragh Rory Miskella, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, Scots Guards, March 2011 (killed in action)
- Corporal Robert William Moore, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008
- Corporal Nicholas James Alexander Noakes, The Parachute Regiment, Territorial Army, March 2009
- Ranger Alan William Owens, The Royal Irish Regiment, March 2009
- Warrant Officer Class 2 James Louis Palmer, The Royal Logistic Corps, September 2011
- Lieutenant Alexander John Phillips, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2010
- Major Paul Ralph Gareth Pitchfork, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, July 2008
- Private Alfred Owen James Pope, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Acting Serjeant Mark John Powis, The Rifles, September 2009
- Lance Corporal Ratu Apenisa Qalitakivuna, The Royal Irish Regiment, September 2011
- Lance Corporal Gajendra Rai, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, September 2009
- Captain Graham David Bradley Rainey, The Royal Irish Regiment, March 2009
- Lance Corporal Marc Anthony Reader, Coldstream Guards, September 2010
- Lance Corporal Alan Redford, Mercian Regiment, March 2011
- Major Daniel Reeve, The Rifles, September 2011
- Major Douglas Fraser Reid, Royal Army Medical CorpsRoyal Army Medical CorpsThe Royal Army Medical Corps is a specialist corps in the British Army which provides medical services to all British Army personnel and their families in war and in peace...
, July 2008 - Corporal Christopher Sean Reynolds, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2010
- Captain David Charles Rigg, Corps of Royal Engineers, July 2007
- Major Colin Nicholas Risso, Royal Gibraltar RegimentRoyal Gibraltar RegimentThe Royal Gibraltar Regiment is the home defence unit for the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. It was formed in 1958 from the Gibraltar Defence Force as an infantry unit, with an integrated artillery troop.-Formation:...
, September 2005 - Lance Corporal Oliver Scott Ruecker, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Edward Macy (pseudonym of Mark Simon Rutherford), Army Air Corps, July 2007
- Corporal George Finau Sale, Royal Welsh, September 2010
- Major Ian David Scattergood, The Royal Logistic Corps, July 2008
- Captain Sean Alan Scott, Royal Logistic Corps, March 2011
- Corporal Craig Richard Sharp, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2010
- Lieutenant Craig Angus Shephard, Grenadier Guards, September 2010
- Lance Corporal Alexander James Smith, Parachute Regiment, March 2010
- Sergeant Torben Erik George Sorensen, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, September 2009
- Lance Corporal Colin James Spooner, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, September 2009
- Acting Corporal Matthew James Stenton, Royal Dragoon Guards, March 2011 (killed in action)
- Corporal Richard Steven Street, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, July 2008
- Lance Sergeant Adam Charles Swift, Coldstream Guards, September 2010
- Lance Corporal Mohansingh Tangnami, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, July 2008
- Lance Corporal Agnish Thapa, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, July 2008
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Simon Nicholas Thompson, The Rifles, March 2010
- Major Edward Eaton Calthrop Thorne, The Royal Anglian Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003)
- Major Giles Matthew Timms, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006; previously awarded QCVS for service in Northern Ireland
- Lance Sergeant Matthew Philip Turrall, Irish Guards, March 2010
- Corporal Mark Ward, Mercian Regiment, March 2011
- Acting Corporal Andrew Wardle, Yorkshire Regiment, September 2010
- Lance Corporal Kylie Elizabeth Watson, Royal Army Medical Corps, March 2011
- Lance Corporal James Gerard White, Parachute Regiment, March 2011
- Corporal Shaun Whitehead, Royal Regiment of Scotland, March 2009
- Corporal David Thomas Williams, Royal Welsh, September 2010
- Captain Patrick James Williams, The Blues and Royals, December 2006
- Major Richard James Elton Williams MBE, The Parachute Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003); MBE for service in former Yugoslavia; previously awarded QCVS "for service in the field"
- Private Mark James Wilson, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Corporal Martin James Windmill, The Parachute Regiment, September 2011
- Staff Sergeant Gareth David Wood, Royal Logistic Corps, September 2010
Royal Air Force
- Flight Lieutenant Matthew Kenneth Carter, Royal Air Force, December 2006
Distinguished Flying Cross
The Distinguished Flying CrossDistinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
(DFC) is the third highest medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy in the air.
Second Bar to DFC:
- Wing Commander Philip Jeremy Robinson DFC*, Royal Air Force, July 2008; original award recorded below, first Bar for actions in Iraq (dated 2003, not gazetted until 2006)
DFC:
- Flight Lieutenant Michael Anderson, Royal Air Force, September 2011
- Captain Nicholas Paul Barton, Army Air Corps, July 2007
- Lieutenant Nichol James Emslie Benzie, Royal Navy, July 2008; previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Afghanistan
- Flight Lieutenant Alexander Marc Duncan, Royal Air Force, March 2009; subsequent AFC recorded below
- Flight Lieutenant Ian Anthony Fortune, Royal Air Force, September 2010
- Squadron Leader John Gordon Gladston MBE, Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003); MBE for service in Sierra Leone (also not gazetted until September 2003) - Major Mark Christopher Hammond, Royal Marines, December 2006; previously awarded QCVS for service in Iraq
- Flying Officer Christopher Michael Hasler, Royal Air Force, December 2006
- Flight Lieutenant Marc Alan Heal, Royal Air Force, March 2010
- Flight Lieutenant Iain David Hopcroft, Royal Air Force, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003)
- Wing Commander Kenneth Andrew Lewis, Royal Air Force, March 2008
- Squadron Leader John Finbar Monahan, Royal Air Force, December 2006
- Flight Lieutenant Andrew Michael Nethaway, Royal Air Force, September 2010
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Darren Gareth O'Malley, Army Air Corps, July 2007
- Flight Lieutenant Nicholas James Paton, Royal Air Force, March 2009
- Flight Lieutenant Timothy Richard Pollard, Royal Air Force, September 2010
- Flight Lieutenant Philip Jeremy Robinson, Royal Air Force, October 2002 (not gazetted until September 2003); subsequently awarded two Bars, first for actions in Iraq, second recorded above
- Flight Lieutenant Matthew David Roberts, Royal Air Force, March 2011
- Lieutenant Commander Gavin Ian Simmonite, Royal Navy, September 2009
- Flight Lieutenant Matthew James Patrick Springford, September 2011
- Flight Lieutenant Adam Boyd Wardrope, Royal Air Force, March 2008
- Flight Lieutenant Craig Thomas Wilson, Royal Air Force, December 2006
Air Force Cross
The Air Force CrossAir Force Cross (United Kingdom)
The Air Force Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of the other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy"...
(AFC) is awarded for bravery not in the face of the enemy in the air.
- Flight Lieutenant Stephen Douglas Badham, Royal Air Force, March 2011
- Squadron Leader John David Butler, Royal Air Force, July 2008
- Flight Lieutenant James Patrick Michael Donovan, Royal Air Force, March 2011
- Flight Lieutenant Alexander Marc Duncan DFC, Royal Air Force, September 2011; DFC recorded above
- Captain Steven John Paul Jones, Army Air Corps, September 2011
- Flight Lieutenant David Kevin Stead, Royal Air Force, April 2003 (not gazetted until September 2005, following death in action)
- Flight Lieutenant Richard Ian Whipp, Royal Air Force, April 2003 (not gazetted until September 2005); previously Mentioned in Despatches for actions in Sierra Leone (not gazetted until 2003)
George Medal
The George MedalGeorge Medal
The George Medal is the second level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.The GM was instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI. At this time, during the height of The Blitz, there was a strong desire to reward the many acts of civilian courage...
(GM) is the next level below the George Cross for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
Bar to GM:
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary John O'DonnellGary O'Donnell (British Army soldier)Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary John O'Donnell GM & Bar was a British Army bomb disposal expert who was awarded the George Medal twice. The George Medal is the second highest decoration for "acts of great bravery" not "in the face of the enemy". His second George Medal was the first such award in 26...
GM, The Royal Logistic Corps (killed in action), March 2009; original award for actions in Iraq
GM:
- Fusilier Andrew Lee Barlow, The Royal Regiment of FusiliersThe Royal Regiment of FusiliersThe Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Queen's Division.The regiment was formed on April 23, 1968, as part of the reforms of the army that saw the creation of the first 'large infantry regiments', by the amalgamation of the four English fusilier...
, July 2007 - Private Martin Simon George Bell, The Parachute Regiment (killed in action), September 2011
- Sergeant Kevin Charles Carter, Royal Marines, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2005); later awarded QCVSQueen's Commendation for Valuable ServiceThe Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service is a British military award that recognises meritorious service during, or in support of, operations...
for "services at sea" - Staff Sergeant Stuart Walter Dickson, The Royal Logistic Corps, March 2009
- Lance Corporal Paul Hartley, Royal Army Medical Corps, December 2006
- Rifleman Paul Raymond Jacobs, The Rifles, March 2010
- Staff Sergeant Karl John Fairfax Ley, Royal Logistic Corps, September 2010
- Staff Sergeant Brett George Linley, Royal Logistic Corps (killed in action), March 2011
- Marine Ryan Shelley, Royal Marines, March 2011
- Captain Daniel Marc Shepherd, The Royal Logistic Corps (killed in action), March 2010
- Colour Sergeant Mark Jonathan Skipp, The Parachute Regiment, October 2002 (not gazetted until March 2005)
Queen's Gallantry Medal
The Queen's Gallantry MedalQueen's Gallantry Medal
The Queen's Gallantry Medal is the third level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.It was instituted on 20 June 1974 to replace the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry, the British Empire Medal for Gallantry, and the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry...
(QGM) is the third highest medal awarded for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
- Warrant Officer Stephen Charles Bowden, Royal Air Force, March 2011
- Private Callum John Brotherston, Royal Regiment of Scotland, September 2010
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Peter John Burney, The Rifles, March 2010
- Captain Liam Charles Fitzgerald-Finch, The Royal Logistic Corps, March 2009
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Colin Robert George Grant, The Royal Logistic Corps, September 2009
- Corporal John Alexander Hardman, Yorkshire Regiment, September 2010
- Private Daniel James Hellings, Mercian Regiment, March 2011
- Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 John Gareth Lester, The Royal Logistic Corps, September 2009
- Chief Technician David John Lowe, Royal Air Force, September 2011
- Lance Corporal Julie Elizabeth May, Royal Army Medical Corps, September 2010
- Staff Sergeant James Alexander McCormick, Corps of Royal Engineers, March 2009
- Staff Sergeant William Ernest McFarland, Royal Logistic Corps, March 2011
- Captain Graeme McIntosh, Royal Regiment of Artillery, July 2007
- Private Luke Cula Nadriva, The Royal Anglian Regiment, March 2008
- Corporal Robert Alan Nealey, Royal Logistic Corps, September 2010
- Corporal William Glyndwr Owen, The Parachute Regiment, March 2009
- Captain Wayne Edward James Owers, The Royal Logistic Corps, March 2010; previously awarded QCVS for service in Iraq
- Corporal Stuart Henry Pearson, The Parachute Regiment, December 2006
- Rifleman Ross David Robinson, The Rifles, September 2010 (died prior to award)
- Captain Timothy Peter Walker Rushmere, Royal Regiment of Artillery, July 2007
- Staff Sergeant Anthony David Spamer, Corps of Royal Engineers, September 2009
- Captain Benedict Lincoln Stephens, Mercian Regiment, March 2011
- Captain Vincent Michael Strafford, The Royal Logistic Corps, July 2007; Bar subsequently awarded for actions in Iraq
- Sergeant John Arthur Swithenbank, Yorkshire Regiment, September 2010
- Rifleman Reece William Stevenson Terry, The Rifles, September 2010
- Corporal Carl Peter Thomas, The Rifles, March 2010
- Lance Corporal David James Timmins, The Royal Logistic Corps, March 2010
- Signaller Sebastian Edward Wyton-De Lisle, Royal Corps of Signals, September 2011