Operation Corporate

• 19th May 1982

• 10th June 1982

• Distinguished Service Order

• Military Cross

• Military Medal:

• Mention In Despatches:

• Member of the Order of the British Empire

• Distinguished Service Order

Lieutenant Colonel Vaux commands 42 Commando Royal Marines. His first major task after the amphibious landing was to move his Commando forward by helicopter at night to the Mount Kent feature which had been secured by the SAS. Once established he swiftly moved men on to Mount Challenger, a key position overlooking Mount Harriet. For the subsequent eleven days 42 Commando under Lieutenant Colonel Vaux's leadership patrolled vigorously to gain information. During this period the Commando endured appalling weather conditions and harassing fire from enemy 155mm, 105mm guns and 120mm mortars. Their morale was never in doubt thanks to the splendid leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Vaux.

The subsequent Commando attack on Mount Harriet was planned in great detail and executed with considerable skill to take the enemy in the rear. This attack from an unexpected direction most certainly led to the fall of the strongly held position in very rugged terrain with fewer casualties to 42 Commando than had been expected.

The excellent plan, executed with verve and dash by 42 Commando, was the work of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Vaux.

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Lieutenant Colonel Whitehead commands 45 Commando Royal Marines. From the start of Operation SUTTON he showed himself to be a fine Commanding Officer. His meticulous planning and high standard of leadership was demonstrated on the long approach march from Port San Carlos to the Mount Kent positions overlooking Port Stanley. His Commando marched every foot of the way. Despite the extremely unpleasant weather conditions both on the approach march and during the time spent in defensive positions on Mount Kent his Commando's morale and fitness to fight was of the highest order. Their aggressive and effective patrolling contributed to a marked degree to the success of the ensuing Brigades night attack.

During the night battle for the Two Sisters feature, which was his Commando's objective, his cool conduct of the battle resulted in the complete success of his part in the operation. Although while in the Forming Up Point his Commando was caught by enemy defensive fire tasks from 105 and I55mm guns, he calmly gave the correct orders to get the attack underway. Undeterred by heavy machine gun fire which caught two of his companies during the final assault up the steep slopes of the mountain, he fought his Commando through and on to their objective. His calm voice on the radio was a tonic to all who heard it.

During the following 48 hours after securing their objective the Commando was subjected to harassing fire from 105 and 155mm guns. Their steadiness under the fire is a tribute to the leadership and calmness of their Commanding Officer.

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• Distinguished Service Cross

Lieutenant Hutchings, 846 Naval Air Squadron made an important contribution to the planning and conduct of operations by the use of his skills as a Combat Survival Instructor. He completed eight operational missions with dogged determination and courage, demonstrating great resilience under trying circumstances.

The personal courage over a prolonged period shown by Lieutenant Hutchings was of the highest order.

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Lieutenant Mills was the Commanding Officer of a 22- man Royal Marines contingent despatched to South Georgia on 31st March 1982 to monitor the activities of a group of Argentines illegally landed on the island and to protect a British Antarctic Survey Team based there. On 3rd April 1982 a major Argentine assault began on the island and, following his unsuccessful attempts to forestall the attack by negotiation, Lieutenant Mills conducted a valiant defence in the face of overwhelming odds. In spite of the fact that his unit was impossibly outnumbered, extensive damage was inflicted on the Argentine corvette Guerrico, one helicopter was shot down and another damaged. Only when the detachment was completely surrounded, and it was obvious that further resistance would serve no purpose, did he order a ceasefire, placing himself at great personal risk to convey this fact to the invading forces. Lieutenant Mill's resolute leadership during this action reflected the finest traditions of the Corps.

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• Distinguished Service Medal

Colour Sergeant Francis, coxswain of LCU Fl, was working in the vicinity of HMS ANTELOPE when her unexploded bomb detonated, resulting in an immediate fire which caused her crew, already at emergency stations, to be ordered to abandon ship. Colour Sergeant Francis took his craft in to help with the close range firefighting before being ordered to withdraw because of the considerable danger to his craft.

In a later incident on 8th June he put his craft alongside RFA SIR GALAHAD to start offloading troops to Fitzroy. Whilst alongside there was a sudden and completely unexpected bombing raid on the vessel and her sister ship RFA SIR TRISTRAM by four enemy aircraft. RFA SIR GALAHAD was hit centrally, immediately bursting into flames and billowing black smoke. One bomb fell within 10 feet of LCU Fl. Despite the possibility of a second raid (which developed later), Colour Sergeant Francis stayed alongside and took off a craft load of about 100 survivors, including many very badly wounded. After landing this load Colour Sergeant Francis returned to the area of RFA SIR GALAHAD, by now an inferno, took off the few remaining survivors, helped RFA SIR GALAHAD's life rafts into the shore, and then checked the rest of the area and other life rafts for further survivors. These are two separate actions of calm and selfless bravery, one in the presence of the enemy.

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Sergeant Leach was responsible for establishing Observation Posts at Leith, South Georgia to monitor the activities of an Argentine party illegally landed on the island. When it became clear that a full scale Argentine assault was about to begin, on the night of 2/3 April 1982, the decision was taken to recover the men to the main base at Grytviken. Using Gemini inflatable boats Sergeant Leach and his men moved across open seas, although they knew that Argentine warships were nearby. However, they successfully reached -the base and whilst the commanding officer conducted initial negotiations with the Argentines, Sergeant Leach acted quickly to consolidate defensive positions. When the attack eventually came he displayed sound judgement, leadership and great discipline although the detachment was heavily outnumbered by the invading forces.

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During the period 21st-26th May 1982 HMS BROADSWORD was subjected to numerous air attacks. During these attacks two aircraft were shot down by Sea Wolf missiles and two by Bofors gun and small arms fire.

Sergeant Leslie trained and was in charge of a General Purpose Machine Gun Rifle Battery manned by a mixed group of seamen and marines on the signal deck. His professional expertise with weapons and his steadiness under fire quickly won the confidence of these men, despite their exposed position, and ensured the effectiveness of their fire, leading to the destruction of two enemy aircraft. Although narrowly missed by a 30 mm cannon shell in an early attack, Sergeant Leslie was unperturbed and continued coolly to guide and encourage his men during successive waves of air attacks on and off duty throughout the whole period.

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Corporal Love, 846 Naval Air Squadron, completed seven operational sorties in very hazardous conditions. He played a vital part in the success of these missions and displayed remarkable skill, bravery and resilience during periods of intense activity. Sadly, he was later killed in a flying accident but his great contribution to the success of the Squadron's operations will always remain a source of inspiration.

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• Distinguished Flying Medal

During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green Sergeant O'Brien piloted a Gazelle helicopter of M Flight, 3rd Commando Brigade Air Squadron. For two days his helicopter conducted supply and casualty evacuation operations, often under enemy fire. With his Flight Commander he also took part in 17 night flying sorties to evacuate wounded personnel and resupply vital ammunition. At times these sorties necessitated flying forward to company lines in the heat of battle and in appalling weather. The conspicuous gallantry and cool professionalism displayed on all these occasions was superb and Sergeant O'Brien made an outstanding contribution. His expertise and competence as a pilot has been widely admired and recognised.

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• Distinguished Conduct Medal

On the night of 11th/ 12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters, ten kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. As Section Commander, Corporal Burdett was leading his Section when they came under heavy fire from enemy Mortars. Two of his men were killed instantly and he himself severely wounded. Despite these setbacks, he continued to encourage and steady his section as they moved forward.

Ignoring his wounds Corporal Burdett also continued to pass further important reports of enemy positions. Simultaneously he organised the evacuation of his wounded colleagues until he himself was carried from the scene of the fighting. Despite serious losses, Corporal Burdett's selfless and distinguished leadership inspired his men to continue their advance.

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• Military Cross

On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Command Royal Marines began a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the Mount Harriet feature, five kilometres to the west of Port Stanley.

Initially, in getting onto and amongst the rocky crags of Mount Harriet, undetected by the enemy, they achieved brilliant surprise. The enemy, caught off balance, reacted fiercely. Captain Babbington was commanding the leading Company as the fighting erupted.

In the midst of a ferocious fire fight, Captain Babbington calmly directed his men and used his tactical and support weapons to maximum devastating effect. His personal courage and cool professionalism were an inspiring example and a crucial factor in defeating the enemy.

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Major Cameron is the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. From the first day of operations his Squadron of Gazelle and Scout helicopters rendered outstanding service in support of the Brigade, often flying in appalling weather conditions by day and night, having to evade Argentine fighters and anti-aircraft fire.

During these operations three helicopters were shot down with the loss of four lives. Nonetheless, the Squadron continued to provide extremely valuable support to the ground forces, ferrying urgently needed ammunition and evacuating wounded during the battle for Darwin and Goose Green amongst other actions.

Throughout this most demanding period, Major Cameron led his Squadron with humour and compassion both on the ground and in the air. His fine example of courage and determination, in the face of severe losses, was an inspiration to all and his leadership ensured that no call for help went unanswered.

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On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters, ten kilometres to the West of Port Stanley.

Initially, in getting onto Two Sisters undetected, they achieved brilliant surprise. When discovered by the enemy a fierce fight ensued. At the height of the fighting Lieutenant Dytor and his Troop came under a hail of enemy fire. In an act of inspiring leadership, he fought his Troop forward and personally led the assault on a strong enemy machine gun position. His was the culminating feat of a highly successful action.

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During the night 5th/6th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, Lieutenant Fox led a reconnaissance patrol close to enemy positions on the Two Sisters feature ten kilometers to the West of Port Stanley.

Lieutenant Fox established a covert post from which he was able to control accurate fire against the enemy even though attacked by greatly superior forces. Although wounded, he finally withdrew his patrol, intact, to his unit lines.

The intelligence gained by Lieutenant Fox was vital to the planning of the subsequently successful attack by 45 Commando Royal Marines on the Two Sisters feature

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Early in the morning of the 9th June Lieutenant Stewart, 45 Commando led a troop strength fighting patrol to the Two Sisters feature in East Falklands with a mission to harass the enemy and cause him casualties. In bright moonlight and across 1000 metres of open ground Lieutenant Stewart led his patrol undetected into the enemy position. Two enemy sentries were killed and for the next 30 minutes a fierce fire fight ensued.

The enemy on the high ground and in position of their choosing were engaged with troop weapons and artillery with great skill, vigour and courage. The returning fire came from several different positions including 3 machine gun posts and artillery. During the withdrawal, Lieutenant Stewart himself gave covering fire to assist his men move across the open ground. There is no doubt that the success of this patrol which killed 7 enemy and sustained no casualties was largely due to the meticulous planning, the exhaustive rehearsals and the outstanding leadership and courage shown by Lieutenant Stewart. The effect on the enemy was shattering and possibly saved many lives of men in his company which attacked the position two days later.

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• Military Medal

On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters.

Initially, until eventually detected by the enemy, they achieved brilliant surprise. In the fierce fighting that erupted Acting Corporal Bishop's Section Commander was killed by intense fire from an enemy machine gun post.

Showing a complete disregard for his own safety, Acting Corporal Bishop rallied his Section and led them forward to assault and take the enemy's position.

His clear assessment and determination under fire inspired his colleagues and made a vital contribution to the overall success of the attack.

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On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Commando, Royal Marines planned for a night attack on Mount Harriet. Crucial to success was the need to reconnoitre a route through unmarked minefields.

In the days proceeding the attack Sergeant Collins volunteered to lead a patrol to probe and find a route through. During their reconnaissance a mine exploded causing a member of the patrol to lose a leg: he had to be carried back to safety.

Undeterred, Sergeant Collins again volunteered to lead a further reconnaissance patrol. Despite detection and coming under heavy enemy fire, by his outstanding leadership and determination the patrol made a vitally important contribution to the overall success of the operation.

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During the Falkland Islands conflict Sergeant Collings, 3 Commando Brigade, participated in several particularly hazardous actions. During these he displayed great personal courage and, despite the close proximity of Argentine forces, he often provided accurate appraisals of the hostile units which were of great assistance to his Commanding Officer.

He also demonstrated physical endurance of the highest order which was a great inspiration to the men of his unit. His professional ability and bravery reflected the finest traditions of the Corps.

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On 12th June 'K' Coy was the leading company for a unit night attack against a strongly held Argentine position on Mount Harriet. After surprising the enemy fierce fighting followed at close quarters amongst the rocks in which decisive and inspiring leadership at section level proved critical. Corporal Eccles set an outstanding example in this respect by leading from the front to encourage his section to exploit shock action and successfully overrun the position. This was only achieved, in fact, by a series of assaults against machine gun positions and groups of snipers. Several ranks were wounded, including another section commander, while the troop became even more depleted as increasing numbers of the enemy surrendered and had to be guarded. Corporal Eccles pressed on relentlessly, however, to inflict sufficient casualties for the remainder to abandon further resistance.

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Corporal Hunt was a Section Commander in a Rifle Company of 42 Commando throughout the campaign. His qualities of leadership, determination, professionalism and good humour were outstanding, often in the most arduous and dangerous circumstances. His inspiration to the younger men under his command has been their primary motivating force over the last four weeks.

During the attack on Two Sisters, his aggression, drive and yet calm leadership was of the very best. He was the first to spot enemy positions on the objective and to give accurate reports which resulted in artillery fire being brought to bear.

It was while leading his section that he became wounded and lost the use of his arm. Ignoring his wounds he continued to lead his men forward , as if nothing had happended, until they were successful in their mission.

It is for this outstanding act of selfless bravery, as well as for his superb leadership qualities that he is recommended for an award of the Military Medal.

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During the night 8th/9th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, Marine Marshall was on patrol in the area of the Two Sisters feature, ten kilometres to the west of Port Stanley.

Disregarding his personal safety, Marine Marshall dashed across open moonlit ground through enemy fire to secure a vital position. That done, using his machine gun, he engaged and destroyed the two enemy machine gun posts that had dominated the area.

His action was inspiring and enabled his Troop to safely withdraw to secure positions.

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On the night of 11th/ 12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Commando Royal Marines began a silent night attack against strongly defended enemy positions on the Mount Harriet feature, five kilometres to the west of Port Stanley.

Initially, in getting onto and amongst the rocky crags of Mount Harriet, they achieved brilliant surprise. Thereafter, a fierce attack erupted and Corporal Newland's Section were pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a cliff above.

Ignoring the obvious dangers, Corporal Newland scaled the cliff and, single-handed, attacked the enemy with bullet and grenade. Although wounded in both legs he continued to engage the enemy and direct his Section onto their position.

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On the morning of 12th June 1982, 45 Commando Group had secured their objective of the Two Sisters hill. It was thought that a possible enemy mortar position was situated at the base of a forward slope in the van of enemy positions on Tumbledown Mount. Corporal Siddall, "Y Coy" and Bombardier Holt went forward to attempt to identify the base plate positions.

Because of difficult terrain and lack of routes Corporal Siddall left his section to his rear in a firm base. From his forward position he heard enemy approaching. When the four man patrol closed he opened fire, killing one man, and capturing the remaining three, one of whom was wounded.

Corporal Siddall's sustained qualities of leadership and determination showed a complete indifference to adverse conditions and his personal safety.

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On 12th June 1982 'K' Coy, 42 Commando, was the leading company for a unit night attack against a strongly held Argentine position on Mount Harriet. Fierce fighting followed at close quarters amongst the rocks in which decisive and inspiring leadership was vital. Corporal Ward set an outstanding example in this respect by leading from the front to encourage his section to exploit shock action and successfully overrun the position. This was only achieved by a series of assaults on machine gun positions and groups of snipers. Several ranks were wounded including another section commander, and the need to guard the increasing numbers of the enemy surrendering depleted the troop still further. Corporal Ward pressed on relentlessly however, to inflict sufficient casualties for the remainder to abandon further resistance.

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Sergeant Wassell commanded a four man team in the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre. His quiet and steadfast leadership and professionalism led him to be selected for several particularly hazardous missions culminating in an operation in conjunction with Lieutenant Haddow's team on Goat Ridge while it was still in the hands of the enemy. He led his team on a detailed night reconnaissance patrol and then lay up for 24 hours, at times within a few feet of the enemy. He produced a detailed map listing the size and location of the enemy position which was later used to very good effect. Whilst in this area Sergeant Wassell also directed and controlled artillery fire to within 20 metres of his own men, causing considerable damage to the enemy. Two nights later he returned to Goat Ridge and led the 1st Battalion 7th Gurkha Rifles in their move forward to assault Mount William.

Sergeant Wassell set an example of courage in the face of the enemy and the elements that was an inspiration to all.

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• Distinguished Flying Cross

On Friday 28th May 1982 the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment was engaged in fierce fighting to take enemy positions in the area of Port Darwin. From dawn, Lieutenant Nunn, a Scout helicopter pilot, had supported the Battalion flying vital ammunition forward to the front line and had evacuated casualties heedless of enemy ground fire.

After flying continuously for three and a half hours, it was learnt that the Commanding Officer and others in Battalion Tactical Headquarters forward had been severely wounded. Lieutenant Nunn was tasked to evacuated these casualties collecting the Battalion Second in Command en route. However, five minutes after take off, suddenly and without prior warning, two Pucara aircraft appeared from the South and attacked the Scout with rockets and cannon fire. By great flying skill Lieutenant Nunn evaded the first attack but on the second his aircraft was hit and destroyed. Lieutenant Nunn was killed instantly and his aircrewman Sergeant Belcher was grievously wounded.

Lieutenant Nunn displayed exceptional courage, flying skill and complete devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. His achievements that day, supporting the Battalion, were exceptional and were instrumental in the eventual victory.

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During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green, Captain Niblett led a section of two Scout helicopters, supplying ammunition and evacuating casualties for two days, often in the thick of battle and under enemy fire. During one mission both Scouts were attacked by Argentine Pucara aircraft. The helicopters evaded the first attack but one was subsequently shot down. However, with quite exceptional flying skill and superb teamwork with his aircrewman, Captain Niblett evaded three further cannon and rocket attacks, safely completing the mission. He then resolutely continued support and casualty evacuation operations until well after dark.

His courage, leadership and flying skills were also demonstrated in an incident when he evacuated a seriously wounded Marine from Mount Challenger, flying in dark and misty conditions over most hazardous terrain. Captain Niblett proved himself an outstanding Flight Commander and pilot. The superb support that his flight as a whole gave to the landing force reflects his exemplary and dedicated service.

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• Queen's Gallantry Medal

Colour Sergeant Johnston, coxswain of LCU F4, was working in the vicinity of HMS ANTELOPE when her unexploded bomb detonated, starting an immediate fire which caused her crew, already at emergency stations, to be ordered to abandon ship. Without hesitation Colour Sergeant Johnston laid his craft alongside the ANTELOPE and began to fight the fire and take off survivors. At approximately 2200Z he was ordered to stay clear of the ship because of the severity of the fire and the presence of a second unexploded bomb. Colour Sergeant Johnston remained alongside until his load was complete. In all LCU F4 rescued over 100 survivors from the ANTELOPE.

On 8 June, LCU F4 was attacked by enemy aircraft in Choiseul Sound. During this action Colour Sergeant Johnston and five of his crew were killed.

Colour Sergeant Johnston's selfless bravery in the face of extreme danger was in the highest traditions of the Corps.

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• Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct

• Mention in Despatches

Mne BAINBRIDGE was one of four mechanical handling equipment drivers based at the forward Brigade Maintenance Area at Teal Inlet during the latter half of Operation SUTTON. During the twenty day period Mne BAINBRIDGE in particular, along with his tireless comrades, handled the movement of all stores between the Beachead and the Stockholding Areas and landing site. The total tonnage brought ashore during this period was large by any standards and the work involved required the MNE to operate for most of each 24 hour period regardless of darkness, weather conditions or expected enemy air activity. Throughout this phase of Operation SUTTON Mne BAINBRIDGE and his fellow drivers displayed a remarkable capacity for hard work, together with a consistent disregard for his own safety for, regardless of air raid warnings, fatigue, physical discomfort and frequently dangerous driving conditions, he worked tirelessly to ensure that badly needed ammunition and stores were made available in the shortest possible time. Mne BAINBRIDGE in particular, earned the respect and admiration of all of those personnel who worked with him and he therefore recommended for the operational award of a mention in despatches.

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During a night attack on a strongly held enemy position the section in which Marine BARNETT was the CPMG Gunner was pinned down by heavy fire. While the Section Commander led a flanking attack, in which he was severely wounded, BARNETT provided steady and accurate covering fire from an exposed position. In fact it was necessary for his gun group to move tactically on several occasions during the attack, which was achieved on his initiative without compromising the section manoevre. After his section commander was hit the potential for confusion, or loss of momentum, was clearly a hazard but BARNETT's calm assessment of further supporting fire tasks ensured this did not occur.

I consider he displayed drive and determination under most exacting circumstances which I recommend should be recognised with a Mention in Despatches.

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On 12 June '-' Company was the leading company in a unit, night attack against a strongly held Argentinian position on Mount HARRIET. As a young and comparatively inexperienced Section Commander LCpl BOORN was confronted with disconcertingly accurate small arms fire, as well as artillery and mortar harassment, during the final approaches to the enemy positions. On reaching these the sections had to assault a series of positions containing machine gun posts, and groups of snipers with night sights. Throughout these hazardous engagements the personal courage and confident leadership of LCpl BOORN was an inspiration and reassurance to his men. I consider he displayed most commendable conduct for which he should be Mentioned in Despatches.

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SGT BRICE started OP CORPORATE as a team 2IC, and as such took part in the SOUTH GEORGIA operation and one long patrol. As the ground forces were pushing up to MOUNT KENT SGT BRICE was sent to patrol the forward areas, but unfortunately was ambushed by another friendly patrol and stood two yards from his patrol commander, who was shot in a fierce volley of fire. This was a traumatic moment for SGT BRICE, but he did not allow it to affect him. He took over the team immediately, prevented a fire fight from developing, took over the area of ground from the friendly patrol, and held it beside the body of his patrol commander for the next two days. Once relieved, and despite being most upset by this incident, he went out on patrol with his now reconstituted team, which he led.

SGT BRICE showed considerable leadership during an awful time, and has shown much resolve since. He is highly recommended for MID.

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On the night of 11/12 June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack on strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters, ten kilometers to the west of Port Stanley. Initailly, until eventually detected, they achieved brilliant surprise. Thereafter, a fierce battle ensued.

During the attack Corporal BROWN led a team of men across open ground through enemy fire to a commanding position. From this point he controlled accurate fire onto the enemy's position, destroying two heavy machine gun posts.

Corporal BROWN's gallant action significantly contributed to the overall success of the action. For his courage and bravery under fire, he is very strongly recommended for Mention in Despatches.

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On the night of 11/12 June 1982 on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Commando Royal Marines successfully attacked the rocky feature of Mount Harriet, five kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. A pilot, Captain NEWCOMBE flew his Scout helicopter in direct support of these operations.

At low level and without any night vision aids, and in a raging snow storm, Captain NEWCOMBE flew his aircraft non stop for almost six hours. In demonstrating outstanding flying skills, he flew many vital sorties to evacuate the battle casualties of 42 Commando and 1st Battalion Scots Guards from the front line.

Later in the same action, again showing a complete disregard for his own safety, he flew to guide larger Wessex helicopters in resupplying much needed artillery ammunition and to evacuate further casualties. His was a superb individual contribution to the final investment of Port Stanley.

For his dash, courage and daring, under the most arduous and daring conditions, Captain NEWCOMBE is very strongly recommended for a Mention in Despatches.

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• Order of the Bath

• Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

• Officer of the Order of the British Empire

• Member of the Order of the British Empire

• British Empire Medal

• Military Cross

Captain McCracken, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was in command of an Artillery and Naval Gunfire Forward Observation Party grouped with B Company 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment during the period 13th-14th June 1982. During the attack on Mount Longdon in the early hours of 12th June Captain McCracken consistently brought down artillery and naval gunfire safely in very close proximity to his own troops allowing them to manoeuvre whilst still maintaining contact with the enemy. Throughout this period he and his party were continually under heavy enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire. Much of the time the Company Headquarters with which Captain McCracken and his party were co-located were involved in the small arms fire fight and in this fire fight Captain McCracken made a significant personal contribution, accounting for several enemy dead. Captain McCracken showed outstanding personal courage whilst carrying out his duties in a most professional, calm and competent manner. His control of artillery and naval gunfire undoubtedly accounted for many enemy casualties and greatly assisted in minimising our own. His determination, professionalism and courage were an example to all. Always in the thick of the fight, he made a significant personal contribution to the success of the mission and to the minimising of casualties to the Battalion.

During the night of 14th June Captain McCracken and his party were regrouped with 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment for their attack on Wireless Ridge. Throughout this attack Captain McCracken was sited in an exposed OP position on Mount Longdon. Under constant enemy mortar and artillery bombardment Captain McCracken continued to bring down accurate and effective naval fire. This fire resulted in the successful neutralisation of at least one company objective and the harassment of enemy gun positions. The application of indirect fire played a major part in the success of the Battalion's attack, the minimising of our own casualties and the eventual surrender of the enemy.

Captain McCracken's high courage and professional skill were in the highest tradition of the Royal Artillery.

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• Military Medal

Bombardier Holt, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, has served as a Forward Observation Officers' Assistant throughout the Falkland Islands campaign. In this capacity his loyalty and professional excellence have been truly outstanding. His leadership of his small team, his supervision and direction of their vital communications, have at all times been of the highest order, often in extreme climatic conditions, and in situations of great danger.

For much of the time however, he has acted as a Forward Observer himself, regularly volunteering to go out on patrol with the Royal Marines whom he supported, and on several different occasions, well behind enemy lines, assisting in their withdrawal by the production of accurate, timely and well coordinated fire.

On the night of 11th/ 12th June, 45 Commando attacked the Two Sisters feature, which was heavily defended. When his officer was injured, Holt took over completely the leadership of his team, continuing to produce artillery fire with coolness and skill, while he and the company he was supporting were being subjected to intense and accurate enemy machine gun fire. His outstanding leadership continued in subsequent operations right up to the cessation of hostilities.

Bombardier Holt has shown qualities of leadership and courage under fire, and professional skill far beyond those expected of his rank and experience.

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• 28th / 29th May 1982 (2 PARA)

• 11th / 12th June 1982 (3 PARA)

• 13th / 14th June 1982

• Victoria Cross

• Distinguished Service Order

• Military Cross

• Distinguished Conduct Medal

• Military Medal

• Mention in Despatches

• MBE