Norfolk soldier receives MBE

Warrant officer class 2 Paul Shipley has received an MBE from the Queen for his amazing work in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Norfolk soldier, who has served her Majesty for 17 years, visited Buckingham Palace a couple of weeks ago to collect the accolade, the Norwich Evening News reported.

He was awarded the honour while stationed at Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood, Middlesex, which is the UK military’s headquarters and where overseas operations are planned.

"I never expected to receive such an award. It took a while for it to sink in – when I realised it was true, I was shocked. It’s a great honour," he told the newspaper.

His commanding officer put him up for the prize for his work in coming up with solutions to operational problems.

Another troop to be honoured by the Queen with an MBE is warrant officer class 1 Anthony Hobbins, who has served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan as well.

Posted by Samantha Thompson