Posthumous Afghan awards made (From Oxford Mail)

Posthumous Afghan awards made

7:02pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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A soldier killed in Afghanistan in July was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.

Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe MBE, from Kirtlington, former commanding officer of 1st Battalion the Welsh Guards, was the highest ranking officer in the British Army to be killed in action for more than 25 years.

His father John Thorneloe, 87, said: “Recognition for what he had done is important. He gave everything to his job and to his country.

“He never talked very much about his military activites.

“I have learnt so much more about him since he was killed – things I suppose he was too modest to recount.

“I read that he would not ask his men to do anything he was not prepared to do himself.”

Also honoured posthumously was Capt Dan Shepherd, of Didcot’s 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, who got the George Medal.

Colleague LCpl David Timmins, was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, for continuing to clear a minefield after losing an eye, while Capt Judith Gallagher received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

Adjutant Capt Richard Gardner said: “Their formidable acts of bravery and colossal sacrifices will be remembered forever.”