Page 118 - Mercian Eagle 2013

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THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Honours and Awards
OP HERRICK
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE):
Lieutenant Colonel Philip William Carmichael KIMBER MBE
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lt Col Benjamin Mark WILDE
Maj Darren James COOK
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Cpl Josh Edward Hayden GRIFFITHS
Military Cross (MC)
Capt Richard OAKES
Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM)
RFN Benjamin John TAYLOR
Mention in Despatches (MiD)
Capt Stephen Andrew POPE
Sgt Michael Wayne CATARALL
Cpl Darren LIGHTFOOT
Queen’s Commendation for
Valuable Service (QCVS)
CSgt Darren James BATES
OP TOSCA
UNFICYP Force Commander’s Commendation
Maj PJ WALKLEY BHQ 4 MERCIAN
LCpl CLOWES A (Fusilier) Company 4 MERCIAN LCpl WILOCK D Company 4 MERCIAN
LCpl CRUMP E (Rifles) Company 4 MERCIAN
Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2013
Commander of the Order of the British
Empire (CBE)
Major General Andrew SHARPE OBE
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Alexander McKAY
Promotions
To Colonel
Colonel Philip William Carmichael KIMBER OBE Colonel Andrew Nicholas HADFIELD
To Lt Colonel
Lt Col Gregory James BAYLISS
Lt Col Oliver BRYANT
Lt Col Shaun CASEY MBE
Lt Col Benjamin Mark WILDE MBE
LE Commission
Capt Robert James MEARS
Capt Jason Alan PEACH
Appointments
RSM 4 MERCIAN – WO1 Aley Vice WO1 Peach
Military Cross (MC)
Capt Richard OAKES
Capt Oakes, of 4th Battalion
The Mercian Regiment and a former pupil of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Ashbourne was on his second tour of Afghanistan when his patrol, which included members of the Afghan National Army, came under fire in the Nad- e-Ali district of Helmand province. Capt Oakes risked his life to reach an Afghan fighter wounded during an insurgent ambush who had been shot.
The patrol was surrounded on
two sides by four Taliban firing
points. Capt Oakes who used to be a regular soldier, serving in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Iraq, took “decisive action” and moved his men across 200 metres of dangerous open ground
to reach the soldiers. As they moved across,
the insurgents increased their fire and launched rocket-propelled grenades. Three of the deadly devices exploded within ten metres of Capt Oakes and his men. Recalling the cross-fire, Capt Oakes said: “I could see one Afghan solider lying on his back and moving, which was an indication he
was in a bad way. Myself and a medic moved out another 20 yards to go and grab him.”
The danger the married father-of- two threw himself into was highlighted when the medic at his side was shot. As the Afghan soldier crawled into a fold in the ground, Capt Oakes began treating the medic as rounds continued to strike the ground all around him. At the same time, Capt Oakes organised his troops in an attempt to keep the enemy at bay. Once a vehicle arrived to carry the medic to safety, Capt Oakes safely evacuated his men from
the battleground. Although tragically, the medic later died, Capt Oakes was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of exemplary gallantry. His citation reads: “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.” He said of the
award: “I was in shock when I found out. I’m very humbled.”
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