Medals presented to local troops
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| Councillor Allen Ewart, Mayor of Lisburn giving the Operational Service Medal (OSM) for Afghanistan to Major Dave Walker of 49 Battery, 40 Regt the Royal Regiment of Artillery (the Lowland Gunners) | Councillor Allen Ewart, Mayor of Lisburn giving the Operational Service Medal (OSM) for Afghanistan to Gunner Mogg, a reservist attatched to 49 Battery, 40 Regt the Royal Regiment of Artillery (the Lowland Gunners) |
THIEPVAL Barracks welcomed home 40th Regiment Royal Artillery (Lowland Gunners) with a medal ceremony and gala dinner last Thursday (October 29).
Hundreds of friends and family turned out to greet the troops, who have just returned to their Lisburn base following a tour of Afghanistan. Despite the wet weather, everyone was delighted to see the troops being presented with their medals, some of which were presented by Lisburn Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart.
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| Presentation of the Elizabeth Cross to relatives of Lance Bombadier Matthew Hatton | Claire Biggens, Billy (3), Lance Bombadier Craig Biggens and Josh (41) |
The Elizabeth Cross was also presented to the families of Bombadier Craig Hopson and Lance Bombadier Matthew Hatton, who were tragically killed whilst on duty in Afghanistan.
Speaking after the ceremony, Lisburn Mayor Allan Ewart said: "It was a great honour to be part of the ceremony and have the opportunity to present medals for bravery to the soldiers of the locally based 40th Regiment of the Royal Artillery.
"These brave individuals have recently returned from fighting in Afghanistan and on behalf of Lisburn I would like to welcome them back to home soil and thank them for their bravery in the line of fire. Sadly the 40th Regiment lost two of their men during their tour in Afghanistan and these two remarkable individuals were remembered and sadly missed at the ceremony.
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| Major Jeremy Sharpe, James (3 weeks) | Presentation of the Elizabeth Cross to Relatives of Bombadier Craig Hopson |
"I would encourage local residents to show their support for the bravery of these soldiers by donating to the Poppy Appeal this year as Remembrance Sunday is approaching," he concluded.
Ulster Star
06/11/2009
