[ARCHIVED CONTENT] For Gallantry and Valour

During the horrors of the Crimean War, the Government came under pressure from the House of Commons and the Press to recognise the individual acts of gallantry being performed by the soldiers of the British Army. While the Order of the Bath had been used to recognise acts of gallantry by officers of field rank or above, no official awards for gallantry existed until the introduction of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in 1854. The DCM was then awarded to the other ranks in the Army for acts of gallantry. In 1855, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) was introduced as the Naval equivalent to the DCM, to be awarded to the other ranks in the Royal Navy.

Despite the introduction of these two new awards for individual acts of gallantry, there was still no award that could be bestowed upon junior officers. With the continuation of the war in the Crimea came the realisation that a further, highly prestigious gallantry award for both officers and other ranks in both services was required. In 1856 the Victoria Cross (VC) was instituted for this purpose and it remains the premier award for gallantry for the UK Armed Forces.

Since the Crimean War, further awards to recognise gallantry have been introduced, including awards for civilians, and for officers and airmen in the newly-formed Royal Air Force. The awards fall into two categories: those issued for acts of gallantry on operations in presence of the enemy and those issued for gallantry at all other times.

A significant review of gallantry awards was undertaken by the Government in 1993, which resulted in an end to the two-tier system whereby one type of medal would be issued to officers and a different type to the other ranks. For example, the DCM, awarded since the Crimea to the other ranks of the Army, and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) awarded to officers, both ceased to be awarded on the creation of the new Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) which may be awarded to all ranks.

Recipients of these level 1 to level 3 awards may use the appropriate abbreviation (as shown in brackets in the table below) as a post-nominal.

Hierarchy of gallantry, leadership and bravery awards for active operations (in presence of the enemy):

Some (but by no means all) notable recipients of honours and awards for gallantry or bravery under fire are as follows:

Private Wayne Smith QGM LI - Northern Ireland 1974
Pte Smith on patrol in Northern Ireland	Private Smith was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for gallantry during an incident in Belfast in 1974. The citation reads: "Pte Smith was a rifleman in B Coy 3 LI, which was responsible for the notorious Reservation and Distillery areas of the Lower Falls from April - August 1974. On 13 May 1974 Pte Smith was a member of a foot patrol in Distillery Street, when a gunman opened fire on the patrol from the junction of the Grosvenor Road and Cullingtree Road.
As the patrol took cover Pte Smith saw a small child standing in the road transfixed by fear. Regardless of his own safety Smith ran out into the middle of the road and carried the child to the safety of a doorway. Several bursts of fire were directed down the street whilst he affected the rescue and over 20 empty .45 cases were recovered from the terrorists' firing position. Strike was found on vehicles in Distillery Street close to where the child had been standing and there is no doubt that Smith's action saved the child from almost certain death or serious injury. His utterly selfless action is particularly commendable as the soldier was most reticent about the event on returning from patrol." Tragically he died in 1985 aged 29.

Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Jones VC OBE - The Falkland Islands 1982
Lt Col H Jones in the uniform of a Parachute Regiment Officer	Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Jones VC OBE better known as H. Jones, was a posthumous British recipient of the Victoria Cross. He joined the British Army on leaving school and was commissioned into the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment. By 1982 had reached the rank of lieutenant-colonel, During the Falklands War he was in command of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment when the deed described below took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28th May 1982 Lieutenant Colonel Jones was commanding 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment on operations on the Falkland Islands. The Battalion was ordered to attack enemy positions in and around the settlements of Darwin and Goose Green. The following is taken directly from the official citation: "During the attack against an enemy who was well dug in with mutually supporting positions sited in depth, the Battalion was held up just South of Darwin by a particularly well-prepared and resilient enemy position of at least eleven trenches on an important ridge. A number of casualties were received. In order to read the battle fully and to ensure that the momentum of his attack was not lost, Colonel Jones took forward his reconnaissance party to the foot of a re-entrant which a section of his Battalion had just secured. Despite persistent, heavy and accurate fire the reconnaissance party gained the top of the re-entrant, at approximately the same height as the enemy positions. From here Colonel Jones encouraged the direction of his Battalion mortar fire, in an effort to neutralise the enemy positions. However, these had been well prepared and continued to pour effective fire onto the Battalion advance, which, by now held up for over an hour and under increasingly heavy artillery fire, was in danger of faltering. In his effort to gain a good viewpoint, Colonel Jones was now at the very front of his Battalion. It was clear to him that desperate measures were needed in order to overcome the enemy position and rekindle the attack, and that unless these measures were taken promptly the Battalion would sustain increasing casualties and the attack perhaps even fail. It was time for personal leadership and action. Colonel Jones immediately seized a sub-machine gun, and, calling on those around him and with total disregard for his own safety, charged the nearest enemy position. This action exposed him to fire from a number of trenches. As he charged up a short slope at the enemy position he was seen to fall and roll backward downhill. He immediately picked himself up, and again charged the enemy trench, firing his sub-machine gun and seemingly oblivious to the intense fire directed at him. He was hit by fire from another trench which he outflanked, and fell dying only a few feet from the enemy he had assaulted. A short time later a company of the Battalion attacked the enemy, who quickly surrendered. The display of courage by Colonel Jones had completely undermined their will to fight further. Thereafter the momentum of the attack was rapidly regained, Darwin and Goose Green were liberated, and the Battalion released the local inhabitants unharmed and forced the surrender of some 1,200 of the enemy. The achievements of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment at Darwin and Goose Green set the tone for the subsequent land victory on the Falklands. The British achieved such a moral superiority over the enemy in this first battle that, despite the advantages of numbers and selection of battle-ground, the Argentinian troops never thereafter doubted neither the superior fighting qualities of the British troops, nor their own inevitable defeat. This was an action of the utmost gallantry by a Commanding Officer whose dashing leadership and courage throughout the battle were an inspiration to all about him."

Lieutenant Nicholas Ilic QGM LI - Bosnia Herzegovina 1993
Lieutenant Nicholas Ilic in negotiations with Bosnian Serb forces to arrange a line crossing near Travnik 1993	Lieutenant Ilic was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his actions under fire in eastern Bosnia in March 1993. The citation reads:
"Lieutenant Ilic, as an interpreter, was a member of a joint British United Nations and United Nations Monitoring Organisation Group sent to Konjevic Polje in Eastern Bosnia on 11th to 12th March 1993. The group's task was to evacuate wounded civilians and to rescue a World Health Organisation doctor. In Konjevic Polje the United Nations vehicles were surrounded by two thousand to three thousand desperate civilians who sought safety from Bosnian Serb attacks by evacuation. Hysteria swept through the crowds on occasions - especially during the recurring periods of shellfire. Throughout 12th March in particular the Bosnian Serbs escalated their attack on Konjevic Polje using tanks and artillery. The immediate area of the United Nations vehicles was shelled, resulting in a British military Foden recovery vehicle being struck. Many people surrounding the vehicles were either killed or injured. The situation was desperate and people in the crowd began to rock the British vehicles in the frenzy. Lieutenant Ilic, in company with a Russian United Nations Military Observer, decided that it was crucial to leave the safety of their armoured vehicle and try to pacify the crowd. He did so at considerable risk to himself. Thereafter he remained outside protective cover during the barrage - running backwards and forwards taking wounded civilians to shelter. The injuries he dealt with were quite horrific yet he retained his composure. At one point, whilst tending victims of shelling, he and the Russian officer were faced by an hysterical local soldier who cocked his weapon and aimed it at them. Both officers had good reason to fear for their lives, but by their cool and professional reaction they were able to calm the soldier and carry on with their appointed task. Throughout 11th to 12th March Lieutenant Ilic was in considerable and constant danger, and often the risk to his own life was very great. He paid no heed to this and thought only of helping others. His reactions were outstanding and in the highest traditions of the Army. (The officer is still serving and has since been awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service (1999) and the MBE (2006)

Corporal Simon Harvey MC DDLI - Bosnia Herzegovina 1995
Awaiting Image	Corporal Harvey was a section commander in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, who was in charge of a fire team on Mount Igman, overlooking Bosnian Serb Army strongholds. Despite the great risk to himself and to his team, Corporal Harvey never wavered in his resolve and rugged determination to see his task through. An extract of his citation reads:
On the evening of 4 August 1995, Corporal Harvey and his team had been deployed to a position on the forward slope of Mount Igman, overlooking the Serb Army stronghold of Hadzici. Their task was to protect an artillery party who were constructing their observation post. The Serbs chose the cover of dusk to disguise the launch of their attack. Shortly after eight o'clock several mortar rounds and machine gun fire was directed at Corporal Harvey's position. He immediately took command of the situation, marshalling the withdrawal of the soldiers around him and personally returning fire from his machine gun, which was in sustained fire mode. Only when he was certain that those around him were in a position of safety did he seek to withdraw himself. This he did over open ground, with the risk of further fire onto his position. Having ensured there were no casualties, he reported the incident and immediately set about the reorganisation of his team. The following day Corporal Harvey and his men returned to their original position. In the late afternoon, the observation post was attacked once more by Bosnian Serbs and second withdrawal was effectively organised. This was the last time that the position was attached, and the observation post was completed shortly thereafter. (Still serving)

Major Johnny Bowron DSO LI - Iraq 2004
Awaiting Image	He led his company during the invasion of Iraq and returned four months later for a six-month tour in the notorious town of Al Amarah.
On the day he took over in the Maysan Province capital, tensions erupted, with attack after attack breaking over coalition forces. His citation says: “Throughout the week that followed, Bowron was to be seen everywhere. The dynamo at the heart of the action . . .” He restored order to the town until the beginning of April, when violence again broke out. His isolated company was attacked for five consecutive days and nights, its patrols ambushed with rockets, anti-tank weapons, grenades and machine-guns. “Inspiring his young soldiers, calming nerves, leading counter-attacks and always where the danger was greatest, Bowron's leadership was simply outstanding” says the citation. (The officer is still serving and as Commanding Officer the 1st Battalion The Light Infantry (now 5 RIFLES) was awarded the OBE in 2006 as a result of his 3rd tour to Iraq)

Acting Captain Timothy Illingworth CGC LI - Afghanistan 2006
A/Capt Illingworth being congratulated by the Chief of The Defence Staff on the award of his CGC (15 Dec 06)	Acting Captain Illingworth was deployed as a mentor to the Afghan National Army to Afghanistan in 2006. For his actions in the Garmsir District of Afghanistan he was awarded with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC). He is the first to be awarded the CGC within the forming regiments of The Rifles His citation reads:
"On 10 September 2006, Lieutenant Timothy Illingworth deployed with a small team in support of a joint Afghan Police and Army operation to recapture Garmsir District Centre. During two days of heavy fighting, Lieutenant Illingworth and his team were constantly under fire whilst motivating, directing and advising their Afghan colleagues who successfully re-took Garmsir. Later that week an Afghan Police patrol supported by Illingworth's team, was ambushed. One British casualty resulted. In an effort to relieve the pressure on the Afghan Police, he led his Afghan company commander and a foot patrol to neutralise the enemy position. This inspired his Afghan Army colleagues who were reticent to advance on the heavily defended enemy position. The Afghani resolve to continue failed after three days of heavy fighting. Seeing this, Lieutenant Illingworth went to the front of the Afghan troops and moved alone to within 30 metres of the first enemy position under heavy fire. Soon after the company commander was killed. Lieutenant Illingworth took up the commander's rocket launcher, firing three rounds into the main enemy position in full view of them. He himself narrowly missed being killed. All but one of the Afghan force abandoned Illingworth, leaving him exposed and under withering fire. In spite of his isolation, he attempted to assault the enemy position expending seven magazines of ammunition. The enemy fire was unrelenting. He regrouped and rallied the remaining force to continue. Lieutenant Illingworth's bravery and example over seven days was well beyond the call of duty. His role was to mentor rather than fight. However, understanding the importance of Garmsir, he placed himself in a position of utmost danger to influence events. His outstanding courage, leadership and selflessness in pressing home his attack upset the enemy ambush and saved many lives. Such inspiring and raw courage from a relatively young and inexperienced officer was exemplary and justly merit the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross." (The officer is still serving)


Major Richard Head MC LI - Iraq 2006
Awaiting Image	Major Head has commanded B Company, 1st Battalion The Light Infantry, based at the Old State Building (OSB), Basra City for 7 months in the Spring and Summer of 2006. The OSB was emblematic of the UK presence in Southern Iraq, provides a hub for Brigade tactical operations in the City, and, in intelligence terms, is strategically important to the Coalition. His citation reads:
Major Head has been at the heart of all that has gone on in the City. Following the loss of a helicopter in May he raced from the OSB through hostile crowds to the scene, minutes away. He immediately took command of the small groups of determined British soldiers who had converged at the scene, and cordoned the crash site. This demanded grip and brute determination as casualties were taken – 4 to a single blast bomb. In the face of coordinated violence, small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from a crowd of 300 he held absolutely firm, directing and steadying those around him. He was on the ground for 9 hours, latterly in support of his Commanding Officer. In July, Major Head led his Company on Operation SNAIL, a Battle Group search operation in Basra. Over 2 tonnes of munitions were found, prompting a violent reaction from local militia. The Company were forced to extract in contact in the dark, while protecting a company of wheeled vehicles. It is assessed from strike marks and incident reports, that 104 RPG were fired by the enemy, along with accurate and heavy small arms fire. His vehicle was hit several times, but Major Head was rock solid. For 2 hours he manoeuvred and directed his soldiers, seeing all to safety, leading by personal example, in the face of the enemy. Later, Government Officers in Basra were attacked by large numbers of tribesmen. The Militia seized the opportunity to attack the OSB. B Company fought simultaneous battles, firing over 3,100 rounds in one hour and accounting for up to fifteen militiamen. Major Head commanded throughout, galvanising the Company to fight with spirit and determination. Major Head has commanded in the face of threatening enemy pressure. The Militia recognise the symbolic significant of OSB, and have attacked. Over 114 mortar and rocket rounds and 47 Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) have hit the compound. There have also been over 38 recorded contacts involving sniper and small arms fire, and 4 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) struck B Company vehicles on patrol. The Militia have sought to kill, harass and disrupt UK forces, with the Company taking one fatality and ten wounded in action. That the enemy failed is due to strong leadership. Major Head has led from the front, with good humour, compassion and strength. He has engendered offensive spirit and pride, to a man his Company would be nowhere else, and the sense of resolve is overwhelming. Major Head has been constantly in the thick of the action. No other sub-unit commander has faced such a stern test. He has consistently led from the front, without fail providing the example to his soldiers. His conduct on operations has exhibited the utmost bravery and leadership. (The officer is still serving)

Lance Corporal Nicholas Coleman MC DDLI - Iraq 2006
LCpl Coleman shortly after receivig his MC at Buckingham Palace	In the early morning of 16 July 2006, Lance Corporal Coleman was part of a cordon force securing a search operation in Northern Basra. The events that followed demonstrated the qualities of a young junior non commissioned officer when faced by extreme danger. The citation that describes what happened reads: Suddenly a grenade detonated close by and the cordon was opened up on by enemy small arms fire from close range. Seeing a gunman retreat into cover Lance Corporal Coleman shouted a target indication to warn others and then moved into open ground, to better observe the direction of the enemy. The gunman re-appeared and engaged the two soldiers closest to him with further small arms and grenades. One sustained fatal injuries. The other, Coleman’s team commander, was hit in the arm and dropped his weapon screaming.
Despite the manifest danger to his own well being Lance Corporal Coleman reacted with remarkable resolve and great courage. He returned fire and shouted to the two soldiers on his right (one a Captain) to give him covering fire. Under direct enemy fire he dashed across open ground and dragged his team commander into the nearest cover; a small recess in a wall which barely concealed them from the enemy’s view. He spent several vital seconds alone, treating the casualty, with enemy rounds bouncing off the floor next to him. Lance Corporal Coleman had slung his own rifle across his back so that he could better treat the casualty. As soon as he had applied the first aid dressing, determined still to take the fight to the enemy, he used his injured commander’s rifle to return fire. These heroic few seconds provided just enough time and cover for others to arrive and treat the second casualty. Again, seizing the initiative, he picked up his injured team commander and ran him across open ground, still swept by enemy fire, until he reached the relative safety of a quickly established incident control point. Lance Corporal Coleman, by now knowing the ground, then took it on himself to group together some reinforcements, most of whom out ranked him, and led an audacious counter attack with complete disregard for his own safety. Under his leadership the group pushed into the teeth of the enemy contact. But soon the situation to their rear worsened. A violent crowd had formed blocking the withdrawal route so they were called back to help with the extraction. Lance Corporal Coleman now found himself hand to hand fighting with the hostile crowd to clear a route. With three rifles slung over his back (he had taken charge of the second casualty’s weapon during the extraction), and after an exhausting and terrifying few minutes, he had to quite literally punch and wrestle his way through a frenzied horde to effect a safe evacuation. Lance Corporal Coleman’s bravery and heroic actions on 16 July 2006 prevented further injury and perhaps death to his team commander. To administer him first aid he placed himself clearly in the line of enemy fire. That he took the fight to the enemy on repeated occasions thereafter, by firing his team commander’s rifle, by leading an ad hoc team on a daring counter attack and by fighting quite literally hand to hand, to achieve extraction, speaks volumes of this young man’s courage, tenacity and sense of duty. The instinctive leadership he showed, often with men considerably senior to him, is still the more remarkable when one considers he had been a lance Corporal for only 8 months and was only 20 years of age. His actions on the morning in question are well beyond that expected of his rank and experience. He displayed exemplary leadership, a breathtaking disregard for his own safety and fighting spirit in the very finest tradition of the British Infantry. (Still Serving)

Rifleman Jokini Sivoinauca ('Sivo') RIFLES - Iraq 2007
Rifleman 'Sivo' outside his barracks in Edinburgh	Rifleman Sivoinauca received the Military Cross for gallantry after helping colleagues while under fire during a tour of duty in Iraq in 2007. He displayed conspicuous gallantry and leadership beyond the call of duty after coming to the rescue of colleagues who were being fired on with rocket-propelled grenades while he was wounded. Technically he was the first Rifleman to receive an operational honour or award following the formation of The Rifles in February 2007. On formation day 2 LI and 1 RGJ were both on operations in Iraq. They were retitled 3 and 2 RIFLES respectively. His citation reads:
"During a joint security operation lasting for three hours, Sivo and his team were ordered to occupy an isolated and very prominent single-storey check-point building, and engage gunmen. This made them an easy target for enemy marksmen. "In this exposed position he spotted a rocket-propelled grenade team, with gunmen in support, engaging a Warrior vehicle. He immediately engaged the firers. Sivo led his colleagues with distinction and complete disregard for his own safety in spite of being wounded." (Still Serving)