|
|
The Welsh Guards |
| Falklands War
Awards. LG 8 Oct 1982
|
| |
Military Cross |
Captain Aldwin James Glendinning WIGHT (501023)
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 airstrike 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.
|
| |
Military Medal |
24599314 Guardsman Stephen Mark CHAPMAN
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 Chapman's bravery and total disregard for his own
safety was truly magnificent.
|
| |
Military Medal |
24498706 Lance Corporal Dale John LOVERIDGE
On the 8th June, at Fitzroy Settlement on the Island of EastFalkland, 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 Loveridge's presence of mind and courage were
of a very high order indeed.
|
| |
Military Medal |
23929678 Warrant Officer Class 2 Brian Thomas
NECK
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.
|
| |
Mention in Despatches |
24386530 Lance Sergeant David GRAHAM.
24008055 Warrant Officer Class 2 Graham HOUGH.
Captain Julian David Gurney SAYERS (497504).
Lieutenant William John SYMS (507543).
|
| |
O.B.E. |
Lieutenant Colonel John Francis RICKETT,
M.B.E. (461643)
|
| |
M.B.E. |
23876522 Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant
Major) Anthony James DAVIES.
23877373 Warrant Officer Class 1 Leslie ELLSON.
|
| |
© This website and its contents are copyright. Images are digitally
watermarked. © North East Medals, All Rights Reserved |
|