John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Bardsley
  • FORENAME
Stephen Alan (Baz)
  • UNIT
2 Para + attached 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company C,2 Bn) (82nd US Airborne Division)
  • RANK
Lance Corporal + Sergeant
  • NUMBER
24511890​
  • AWARD
Military Medal, British Empire Medal, Bronze Star (US)
  • PLACE
Falklands 1982 (MM) Gulf War 1991 (BEM,BS)
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 31.08.1957
father Alan Bardsley
mother June Bardsley
from Moston,Manchester
joined Parachute Regiment 1979
2 Para
505 PIR (US) April 1990 - April 1992
HQ Company Parachute Regiment 1992 (CQMS)
later Colour Sergeant
retired 2001
ran his own gym and champion bodybuilder
his medal group sold for £118,000 in December 2011
married Margaret (33years) (died 2013) (3 children)
died 03.06.2014 age 57
London Gazette 49134, 8th October 1982, Page 12849 (MiD)
London Gazette 52588, 28th June 1991, Page 30 (BEM)
 

CITATION:

Military Medal : In the early hours of 28th May, the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment launched an attack to take enemy positions in the area of the Darwin and Goose Green settlements on the Island of East Falkland. Lance Corporal Bardsley was a section commander during the night advance on Goose Green.

He led his men in a series of close quarter attacks on enemy positions. As the dawn came his men were pinned down by enemy fire. Unruffled, he organised an orderly withdrawal. In withdrawing one of his men was wounded; disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Bardsley returned to rescue him. Thereafter, he continued to lead his men with distinction in further actions through the day.

Lance Corporal Bardsley showed impressive leadership and courage in action.

British Empire Medal : You were posted to the United States Army’s 82nd airborne division in April 1990 where you had been employed as a rifle platoon Sgt on deployment to the Persian Gulf you demonstrated your powers of innovation by designing and organising realistic and effective field firing facilities that proved to be critical in achieving required standards of operational readiness in the battalion. During the operation phase of the fighting it was your display of initiative, the ability to inspire your men and a readiness to share and apply your experience from the Falklands war that contributed so greatly to the success of your unit missions and so, Colour Sergeant Bardsley, I am commanded by Her Majesty the Queen to present to you the medal of the order of the British Empire for meritorious service.

Bronze Star : For exceptionally meritorious achievements in support in actions against a hostile force in the Persian Gulf from 17 January 1991 to 20th of March 1991 while assigned to Company C, Second Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. As the First Sergeant and Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Colour Sergeant Bardsley’s performance in combat operations was a key factor that enabled the 82nd Airborne Division in conjunction with coalition forces to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions, end Iraqi aggression and free the country of Kuwait. His devotion in duty, aggressiveness and ability to excel while under great pressure contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of the mission. Colour Sergeant Bardsley demonstrated the high ideals and professionalism exemplified by the airborne tradition. His outstanding performance in support of the combat mission reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/2020/08/31/falklands-35-stephen-baz-bardsley/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gallantry-medal-kept-in-a-sock-drawer-fetches-pound118000-hzbg89cxzks
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/49134/supplement/12849 (MiD)
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/52588/supplement/30 (BEM)
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