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29/04/2003
Military Cross Royal Marine 'gobsmacked'
The Royal Marine commando who was awarded the Military Cross – the most junior rank ever to win the medal - has said today that he was "gobsmacked" by the news.
Marine Liam Armstrong, 23, of 45 Commando, was among dozens of honours and awards presented to military personnel for their work in Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, the Gulf and the Congo.
It was announced today that Marine Armstrong was being recognised for "exemplary bravery and initiative well beyond that expected for his rank and service" during operations in Afghanistan.
Armstrong, a Heavy Machine Gunner with 45 Commando, was involved in Operation Jacana last year – a mopping up operation after the fall of the Taliban.
He and another Marine uncovered a terrorist compound near Kabul and were confronted by a group of nine armed men. The commandos captured them and uncovered a 45-ton cache of weapons and explosives without firing a shot.
The MoD say today's announcements acknowledge the "commitment and courage that British personnel regularly display in their daily work of defending the nation and supporting peace and humanity worldwide".
Also recognised was Brigadier Roger Lane, commander of 3 Commando Brigade, who was awarded CBE for his "outstanding command" of the Afghan taskforce.
An MoD spokesperson said: "The force was required to operate in an area of extreme physical conditions and the demands placed upon him were unequalled. He led his formation with utmost integrity and skill displaying great moral courage and fortitude."
Commenting on the awards, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said: "The gallantry and bravery of our servicemen and women, serving both at home and on operations, is unquestioned. These awards name those that have displayed exceptional attributes, in fortitude, leadership or when faced with extreme danger while serving their country. They are an example to all and deserve our wholehearted congratulations."
The awards relate to tours of duty between 1 April to 30 September 2002.
(GMcG)
Marine Liam Armstrong, 23, of 45 Commando, was among dozens of honours and awards presented to military personnel for their work in Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, the Gulf and the Congo.
It was announced today that Marine Armstrong was being recognised for "exemplary bravery and initiative well beyond that expected for his rank and service" during operations in Afghanistan.
Armstrong, a Heavy Machine Gunner with 45 Commando, was involved in Operation Jacana last year – a mopping up operation after the fall of the Taliban.
He and another Marine uncovered a terrorist compound near Kabul and were confronted by a group of nine armed men. The commandos captured them and uncovered a 45-ton cache of weapons and explosives without firing a shot.
The MoD say today's announcements acknowledge the "commitment and courage that British personnel regularly display in their daily work of defending the nation and supporting peace and humanity worldwide".
Also recognised was Brigadier Roger Lane, commander of 3 Commando Brigade, who was awarded CBE for his "outstanding command" of the Afghan taskforce.
An MoD spokesperson said: "The force was required to operate in an area of extreme physical conditions and the demands placed upon him were unequalled. He led his formation with utmost integrity and skill displaying great moral courage and fortitude."
Commenting on the awards, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said: "The gallantry and bravery of our servicemen and women, serving both at home and on operations, is unquestioned. These awards name those that have displayed exceptional attributes, in fortitude, leadership or when faced with extreme danger while serving their country. They are an example to all and deserve our wholehearted congratulations."
The awards relate to tours of duty between 1 April to 30 September 2002.
(GMcG)
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01 June 2015
Royal Marine Trainee Dies During 30-Mile March
A Royal Marine trainee has died following an exercise in Dartmoor. The man, who has not been named, collapsed during a 30-mile march at the weekend. He is understood to have been based at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon. The cause of his death is unknown.
Royal Marine Trainee Dies During 30-Mile March
A Royal Marine trainee has died following an exercise in Dartmoor. The man, who has not been named, collapsed during a 30-mile march at the weekend. He is understood to have been based at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon. The cause of his death is unknown.
07 March 2007
Marine killed in Afghanistan named
The Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday has been named as Benjamin Reddy. Marine Reddy, 22, from K Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed when his unit came under fire during a deliberate clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand Province.
Marine killed in Afghanistan named
The Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday has been named as Benjamin Reddy. Marine Reddy, 22, from K Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed when his unit came under fire during a deliberate clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand Province.
13 December 2006
MoD names Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has named the Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday as 23-year-old Richard Watson. Marine Watson, of 42 Commando Royal Marines, was part of a patrol in the north of Now Zad in the north of the Helmand province that came under attack from Taliban forces.
MoD names Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has named the Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday as 23-year-old Richard Watson. Marine Watson, of 42 Commando Royal Marines, was part of a patrol in the north of Now Zad in the north of the Helmand province that came under attack from Taliban forces.
18 April 2008
'Smashing Time' As Marines Ensure Ship Gets Proper Launch
Just a few months after seafarers spoke of 'bad omens' following technical 'glitches' at the launch of the Cunard ship, Queen Victoria by the Duchess of Cornwall - when the champagne bounced off the bow during the ceremony - P&O Cruises were taking no chances this week.
'Smashing Time' As Marines Ensure Ship Gets Proper Launch
Just a few months after seafarers spoke of 'bad omens' following technical 'glitches' at the launch of the Cunard ship, Queen Victoria by the Duchess of Cornwall - when the champagne bounced off the bow during the ceremony - P&O Cruises were taking no chances this week.
07 May 2010
Pushchair Firm Pays-Out Over Injuries
Pushchair manufactuer, Maclaren, has agreed to compensate 40 UK children who have seriously injured their fingers in the hinges of their prams. The children were aged between one and eight when they were hurt, with some cases dating back to 2003.
Pushchair Firm Pays-Out Over Injuries
Pushchair manufactuer, Maclaren, has agreed to compensate 40 UK children who have seriously injured their fingers in the hinges of their prams. The children were aged between one and eight when they were hurt, with some cases dating back to 2003.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
