- SURNAME
Hand
- FORENAME
Joseph Edward
- UNIT
- RANK
Private (A/Corporal)
- NUMBER
24154715
- AWARD
Mention in Despatches
- PLACE
Falklands 1982
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Parachute Regiment
age 30
London Gazette 49134, 8th October 1982, Page 12852
CITATION:
Mention in Despatches : LCPL HAND was a member of a 4 man surveillance patrol operating on occupied EAST FALKLAND for a period of 24 days. He was deployed from the Naval Task Force by helicopter from a distance of 120 miles into a totally hostile environment with no chance of rescue in the event of a compromise by enemy action. The courage, durability and professional attitude of LCPL HAND was a source of great strength to the patrol. On several occasions he was required to get as close as possible to the enemy positions in order to pass the precise information required. The accuracy of the intelligence was invaluable to the success of the attack on DARWIN/GOOSE CREEN by 2 PARA.
LCPL HAND redeployed with his troop for further surveillance tasks after the landings. At one stage he was part of an 8 man group providing flank surveillance for the whole of 5 and 3 Bde Groups during the build up to the battle for PORT STANLEY. On the night 14/15 June 1982 LCPL HAND was involved in the diversionary attack on the Eastern end of WIRELESS RIDGE feature as 2 PARA attacked from the west. As a member of the support group his coolness under the intense fire of 3 anti-aircraft guns and small arms fire was magnificent. He returned 28 rounds of 60mm mortar fire, a weapon that he, had carried 7 kms to bring into action, with great precision and considerable effect. The successful withdrawal of the raiding force, with only minimum casualties can largely be contributed to his skill.
LCPL HAND has continually demonstrated great reserves of courage throught his period of 34 days behind enemy lines during the period 1 May to 15 June. He has consistently acted in the highest traditions of his Regiment and the Army as a whole. He is thoroughly deserving of recognition.
Place : Falkland Islands
Date of Action : 1 May - 14 June 1982
How Employed : SAS Patrol Member
LCPL HAND redeployed with his troop for further surveillance tasks after the landings. At one stage he was part of an 8 man group providing flank surveillance for the whole of 5 and 3 Bde Groups during the build up to the battle for PORT STANLEY. On the night 14/15 June 1982 LCPL HAND was involved in the diversionary attack on the Eastern end of WIRELESS RIDGE feature as 2 PARA attacked from the west. As a member of the support group his coolness under the intense fire of 3 anti-aircraft guns and small arms fire was magnificent. He returned 28 rounds of 60mm mortar fire, a weapon that he, had carried 7 kms to bring into action, with great precision and considerable effect. The successful withdrawal of the raiding force, with only minimum casualties can largely be contributed to his skill.
LCPL HAND has continually demonstrated great reserves of courage throught his period of 34 days behind enemy lines during the period 1 May to 15 June. He has consistently acted in the highest traditions of his Regiment and the Army as a whole. He is thoroughly deserving of recognition.
Place : Falkland Islands
Date of Action : 1 May - 14 June 1982
How Employed : SAS Patrol Member
WEB LINKS:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7637539https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/49134/supplement/12852
Last edited by a moderator:
