Times News
Heroic Westbury soldier awarded the Military Cross
7:30am Friday 2nd April 2010
A soldier from Westbury is to receive the Military Cross for his bravery during a recent tour of Afghanistan.
Richard Clark, 26, who lives with his fiancee, Heidi Lancaster, 23, in Primmers Place, Westbury, is a member of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, which used to be based in Warminster and is now in Inverness, Scotland.
The Scot, who is originally from Dunfermline, will receive the award for destroying an enemy machine gun nest during his most recent tour to Afghanistan, between July and October 2009.
He has just received the news and is waiting for his invitation to pick up the award, which is a third level military decoration awarded for acts of exemplary gallantry, from Buckingham Palace.
“It was my first time in Afghanistan although I had three tours in Iraq previous to that,” he said.
“The difference between the two is immediate. In Afghanistan there is a lot more hostility with regards to the enemy.”
The soldier, who has been in the army for 10 years, is expected to be deployed again in November next year but says he isn’t nervous.
“It’s the pinnacle of your career,” he said.
“Going to somewhere like Afghanistan gives you a chance to put everything you’ve learnt into practise.”
The Westbury man is hoping to be promoted to Platoon Sergeant later this year, which will see him lead the platoon during his next tour.
Mr Clark will also be participating in a 1,000-mile bike ride to raise money for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen Association (BLESMA), which supports servicemen and women who lose limbs, the use of limbs or eyes or the sight of an eye in the service.
The cycle ride, which is from Land’s End to Inverness via John O’Groats, will be undertaken by six members of the battalion.
Mr Clark said: “I was made aware of the charity last year when I did the same bike ride and was privileged to meet some of the guys that have used the services of BLESMA.
“The charity’s focus is now on the guys that are coming back from Afghanistan.”
Anyone wanting to sponsor the soldiers, should log on to www.justgiving.com/matt-munro.