Medal awards for the Welsh Guards The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Military Cross to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic: CAPTAIN ALDWIN JAMES GLENDINNING WIGHT (501023), WELSH GUARDS. Captain Wight commanded a four man patrol tasked to provide vital information on enemy dispositions in the Stanley area as a prelude to the repossession of the Falkland Islands. Inserted by helicopter onto East Falkland from HMS HERMES at a range of 120 miles, he positioned his patrol in close proximity to enemy positions, cut off from any form of rescue should he have been compromised. This position he maintained for a period of 26 days. During this time he produced clear and accurate pictures of enemy activity in the Stanley area, intelligence available from no other means, which proved vital in the planning of the final assault. On one occasion he reported an enemy helicopter concentration against which an air strike was directed resulting in the destruction of 4 troop carrying helicopters essential to the enemy in maintaining flexibility and rapid deployment across the islands; a task complicated by the enemy changing the location of his helicopter holding area each day. In spite of his exposed position, vulnerable to air and ground search and the tactical Direction Finding of his communications his intelligence reports were detailed and regularly updated. The conditions in which he and his men existed were appalling with little cover from view or the elements. The weather conditions varied from freezing rain to gale force winds with few clear days. Captain Wight by his personal example set the highest standards and his actions were in the highest traditions of his Regiment and the Army. The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Military Medal to the undermentioned in recognition of bravery during the operations in the South Atlantic: 24599314 GUARDSMAN STEPHEN MARK CHAPMAN, WELSH GUARDS. On the morning of 8th June, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Landing Ship, SIR GALAHAD, had begun landing operations at Fitzroy Settlement on the Island of East Falkland. Embarked, preparing to land, was 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. With only minimal warning, the ship was attacked and severely damaged by bombs from several enemy aircraft. Intense fire and smoke spread rapidly from the devastated deck areas. In the fire, confusion, and exploding ammunition, many casualties were incurred. Ignoring the danger and the order to abandon ship, Guardsman Chapman rushed into a burning cabin to rescue a badly burned soldier. He returned time and time again to the blazing interior of the ship to rescue his colleagues: his actions undoubtedly saved many lives. Guardsman Chapmans bravery and total disregard for his own safety was truly magnificent. 24498706 LANCE CORPORAL DALE JOHN LOVERIDGE, WELSH GUARDS. On the 8th June, at Fitzroy Settlement on the Island of East Falkland, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Landing Ship, SIR GALAHAD, was waiting to disembark 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The ship was attacked and severely damaged by bombs from several enemy aircraft. Intense fire and smoke spread rapidly through the ship causing ammunition to explode, and many casualties. With a complete disregard for his own safety and ignoring the order to abandon ship, Lance Corporal Loveridge returned time and again to the burning and smoke filled areas of the ship to rescue his colleagues. Lance Corporal Loveridges presence of mind and courage were of a very high order indeed. 23929678 WARRANT OFFICER CLASS 2 BRIAN THOMAS NECK, WELSH GUARDS. On 8th June 1982, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Landing Ship, SIR GALAHAD, had begun landing operations at Fitzroy Settlement on the Island of East Falkland. Embarked, preparing to land, was 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. With only minimal warning, the ship was attacked and severely damaged by bombs from several enemy aircraft. Intense fire and smoke spread rapidly from the devastated deck areas. In the fire, confusion, and exploding ammunition many casualties were incurred. Disregarding the conditions and ignoring the order to abandon ship, Warrant Officer Neck immediately began to organise the evacuation of soldiers from amongst the wreckage, many times, disregarding his own safety, he rushed back through smoke filled areas, flames and continuing explosions to assist the hurt and injured. His courageous example, encouragement and assistance to his colleagues undoubtedly saved many lives. The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the following names of those Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic: 24386530 LANCE SERGEANT DAVID GRAHAM, WELSH GUARDS. 24008055 WARRANT OFFICER CLASS 2 GRAHAM HOUGH, WELSH GUARDS CAPTAIN JULIAN DAVID GURNEY SAYERS (497504), WELSH GUARDS. LIEUTENANT WILLIAM JOHN SYMS (507543), WELSH GUARDS.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 20:22:20 +0000
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