CO honoured for his leadership

Published on Thursday 23 September 2010 18:27

The CO of a battlegroup which lost more soldiers than any other regiment in Afghanistan was honoured for his leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was given the Distinguished Service Order for "indomitable" leadership in "the most hostile of circumstances".

The Edinburgh-based battlegroup lost 30 soldiers during a six-month tour of duty between October 2009 and April 2010.

Seventeen soldiers from the battlegroup, which includes B Company the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots), were honoured.

Maj Tim Harris, Officer Commanding A Company, Third Battalion The Rifles, was awarded an MBE. Rifleman Gareth Sutherland was awarded a Queen's Commendation for Bravery. Pte Callum Brotherston, of B Company 1 Scots, from Mauchline in Ayrshire, got the Queen's Gallantry Medal. Also honoured was Major Graeme Wearmouth, from Edinburgh, who was given the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service. Corporal Lee Brownson was awarded a posthumous Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, while Rifleman Mark Turner was given a posthumous Mention in Dispatches.

Lt David Clark, Warrant Officer Class 2 Scott McQuillin, Cpl Edward Scott and L-Cpl Fraser McPherson, of B Company 1 Scots, received the Chief of Joint Operations' Commendations for meritorious service. Two soldiers who have since the left army - Rifleman Harry Lanceley, who was awarded a Military Cross, and Cpt Andy Michael, who received a Mention in Dispatches -- were also honoured.

Second Lt Connor Maxwell and Rifleman Daniel Nickson got Queen's Commendations for Bravery.