Soldier ‘ecstatic’ at Military Cross award

A heroic soldier has spoken of his delight at being awarded the Military Cross.

Corporal Craig Sharp, from Mauchline in Ayrshire, said he was "ecstatic" to be recognised in such a way, the Scotsman reports.

Mr Sharp was the lead section commander responsible for providing protection to a bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan and led a 12-hour combat situation in which the enemy admitted how frightened they were over their radios.

Nancy Foley, his mother, commented: "It’s quite scary when you think how he got it [the honour], but it is wonderful."

The serviceman was one of four soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland to be presented with the accolade by the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse ceremony.

Corporal Christopher Reynolds, Sergeant Richard Clark and Captain Alexander Phillips were the other three.

Lance Corporal David Timmins was also recognised at the event after having lost an eye when in combat in Afghanistan.

Posted by Mark Wilkins