Sir David Richards named new military leader

The British military has named the man set to take charge of the Armed Forces.

General Sir David Richards, one of the countries most experienced soldiers, has been appointed to the position of Chief of the Defence Staff.

The serviceman has previously led operations in conflicts including Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan.

He will take over the post from Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup in October after the strategic defence review has been finalised.

Prime minister David Cameron personally picked General Richards for the role and thanked Mr Stirrup for the work he had done.

He added: "I have no doubt that Sir David will build on this in the years to come, ensuring that all three services play their part in protecting Britain’s national security."

Corporal Craig Sharp from Mauchline in Ayrshire recently spoke of his pride at being awarded the Military Cross by the Queen, along with his colleagues Corporal Christopher Reynolds, Sergeant Richard Clark and Captain Alexander Phillips.

Posted by Trevor Smith