Page 19 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

Captain Richard Alexander OAKES MC
Infantry Tolay Advisor Officer Commanding Afghanistan, 2012
Captain Oakes MC, won a Military Cross whilst serving in Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment in 2012.
“As the Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol
commander led his troops through a dangerous
area of open ground, Captain Oakes quickly arranged his troops in a fire support position off to a flank. Both the patrol and the Temporary Check Point (TCP) came under rapid, heavy, sustained and accurate machine gun and small arms fire from at least four firing points on two sides.
“Three firing points were ranged between 200-400 metres away, with the enemy machine gun suppressing from a flank well beyond the range of most of Oakes’ weapon systems, making it harder to even identify before it could be suppressed. The ANA commander informed Oakes that they had ‘multiple casualties’. Thinking, therefore, that this was a mass casualty incident, Oakes took bold and decisive action, manoeuvring his men across 200 metres
of dangerous open ground. Oakes and his medic then dashed forward to extract what transpired to be one ANA casualty, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. Coming instantly under fire, the medic was fatally wounded. Oakes administered first aid to the medic whilst still commanding the battle, the casualty evacuation, the suppression of the enemy to win the firefight and the controlled withdrawal of both ISAF and ANA troops.
“Oakes’ quick thinking, robust leadership, conspicuous personal gallantry under fire and tactical astuteness all undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. Oakes demonstrated outstanding bravery, selfless commitment and determination throughout.”
Corporal Josh Edward Hayden GRIFFITHS CGC
Infantry Section Commander Afghanistan, 2013
Corporal Griffiths CGC, won a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, for his actions whilst serving with the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment in Afghanistan during 2013.
“On the evening of 25 March 2013 with no warning, a massive Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) tore through the outer wall of Patrol Base Folad, and signalled the start of a well organised and vicious complex attack.
“In an act of extraordinary courage and determination, and despite being seriously injured in the initial blast while wearing no protective equipment, Corporal Griffiths rallied the dazed soldiers around him. Through sheer aggression and inspirational leadership, he then stopped the insurgents in their tracks as they advanced through the breach in the outer wall.
“Whilst the base was still receiving a torrent of incoming machine gun and RPG fire from three different enemy positions in depth, Griffiths identified the precariously exposed situation his base was now in. He initially placed himself and one other soldier between the casualties and the insurgents.
“His immediate actions halted the insurgents at the northern wall of the base and allowed the casualties from the initial explosion to be extracted. Only once the base was secure did Griffiths agree to be treated. Griffiths’ actions certainly saved the lives of his wounded comrades and contributed significantly to the successful defence of the base.”
Rifleman Benjamin John TAYLOR QGM
Rifleman Afghanistan, 2013
Rifleman Taylor is the final recipient, who won a Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his actions whilst serving in Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment.
“Rifleman Taylor was a top cover gunner in the rear vehicle of a mobile patrol which was tasked with covertly inserting a sniper team before first, light into an Afghan National Army (ANA) Check Point (CP).
“As the patrol transited along a track which ran parallel to a tributary canal, Taylor’s vehicle lost grip on the muddy track and slid sideways before rolling down the three metre high vertical bank into the canal, coming to rest on its roof half submerged in water. Taylor was catapulted out through the top cover hatch and became trapped between the external armour and the body of the vehicle. The rest of the vehicle crew were trapped inside, unable to escape as the rear doors and escape hatches could not be opened.
“Recognising the severity of the situation, Taylor, with complete disregard for his own safety and fighting through significant pain from a back injury which he had sustained, wrestled free from the bar armour and was immediately washed away from the vehicle. Fully laden with his personal protective equipment, he half swam and waded back to the stricken vehicle identifying an escape route which involved the crew having to hold their breath and swim down and out through a small gap between the vehicle and the canal floor.
“Remaining calm, Taylor shouted instructions telling his comrades how to get out of the vehicle and stayed in the water helping each soldier to safety, repeatedly diving back underwater to ensure that all could escape. Despite his limited experience and injuries severe enough to be subsequently evacuated to the UK, Taylor displayed immense physical courage and determination during this incident, risking his own life to rescue his colleagues.”
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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