THE widow of Didcot-based Army bomb disposal expert Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid today paid tribute to her husband as she received his George Cross.

Christina Schmid, whose husband served with the Royal Logistic Corps at the town's Vauxhall Barracks, was presented with the military honour by The Queen at a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

She dedicated the decoration to the British forces fighting in Afghanistan.

Her husband, 30 – known as Oz – was killed by an improvised explosive device on the last day of a five-and-a-half-month deployment to Afghanistan last October.

Following the presentation, Mrs Schmid said: “The George Cross serves as a reminder of the endurance and sacrifice of all our servicemen and women out there on the ground now.

“In heralding and awarding Oz, one soldier, I hope it serves to raise the status of each and every one of them.”

Mrs Schmid, who was joined by her son Laird and parents, said: “I humbly stand before you today to receive the George Cross on behalf of my husband, Oz.

“Today is a day of truly mixed emotions for myself and Laird. Oz’s birthday is June 11 and to have seen him receive this award in person would have been a wonderful experience and truly a cause for celebration.

“The image of him pointing to it on his chest and grinning cheekily would have brought tears of pride.

“This award recognises the commitments made by Oz during his life. However, I am certain that if Oz were here today, he would insist it represented far more. He’d argue it’s not solely his achievement.

“It is a reflection of key people who helped him in his career and during his tour.”

The Didcot-based 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps has mourned four soldiers in recent years.

Captain Daniel Read, 31, died while attempting to defuse a bomb in Helmand province on January 11. He had been wounded in an explosion three months earlier.

Captain Dan Shepherd, 28, died in July last year as he tried to clear a route in the Nad-e-Ali district, while 40-year-old father-of-four Warrant Officer Gary O’Donnell died from blast wounds in September 2008.

  • The George Cross was created in January 1941 as the highest gallantry award for civilians, and for military personnel for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger” while not in the presence of the enemy.

Winston Churchill realised a new medal was needed as Britain came under attack in the 1940.

The Victoria Cross is awarded to military personnel engaged in battle.

Since then, 157 have been awarded.

It bears the words ‘For Gallantry’.