Operation Herrick medals given to brave troops

Soldiers based in Tidworth have been awarded medals for their efforts on the front line in Afghanistan.

More than 500 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery personnel were given Operation Herrick gongs, the BBC reports.

Duties for the servicemen and women included safeguarding convoys and protecting soldiers by employing air and artillery support in Helmand Province.

In addition, the troops also had a hand in the setting up and organisation of the Helmand Police Training Centre.

A private ceremony was laid on for them prior to the awards ceremony.

Around 1,000 guests came to see the presentation, which was held at Tedworth House on Saturday June 24th, before the soldiers paraded with their new accolades.

It was recently reported Private Shane Wells of Tunbridge Wells, who has served two tours in Afghanistan, is to guard the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The move indicates a change from royal guardsmen wearing ceremonial tunics.

Posted by Samantha Thompson