GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
Gone firm on objective TAKU, with captured RPG - burning oil line in background
Sometimes I wonder whether I did enough to earn it. There were plenty of other guys going forward in the assaults, who never ever
took a backward step, and who got nothing. Other times I think, Well, I didn’t write myself up for it. Regardless of the medal, what your
peers think of you is much greater in my eyes. I knew I was alright as a corporal, I was quite experienced and all that kind of stuff, but
the one demon I wouldn’t have wanted is to get up in the morning and not be able to look at myself in the mirror. To wonder deep
down, whether I really did the best I could for my mates. You prove yourself to yourself, and you’re happy.’
The following information is extracted from a typed testimonial written by Lance Corporal Thomas’ Commanding Officer upon his
leaving the Royal Marines, the original of which is included with the lot: ‘Lance Corporal Thomas joined the Royal Marines on 12
February 1998. He successfully completed 30 weeks Royal Marines Recruit training, culminating in the Commando course which he
successfully passed. The training syllabus engenders team spirit, a sense of self-reliance and teaches a wide range of military and
survival skills.
Immediately after initial training he joined the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines and served here from November 1999 to January
2001. Initially he was involved in the operational boarding of vessels used to smuggle terrorist arms into Northern Ireland...
In January 2001, Lance Corporal Thomas joined 40 Commando, Royal Marines and became a section commander; a responsible
appointment and a tribute to his conscientious nature. Once established, he assisted his troop commander with building a cohesive
machine gun section in order to deploy on the Amphibious Ready Group. He was then tasked to deploy as part of the first coalition
troops entering Afghanistan on Operation Oracle and Veritas. After a short period of time back in the UK he returned to Afghanistan for
an additional three months between March and May 2002. This operation required Lance Corporal Thomas and his gun line to support
coalition forces in the stabilisation of Kabul...
During the war in Iraq, Lance Corporal Thomas delivered a phenomenal performance. The Manoeuvre Support Group, within which
he was deployed, was deeply involved in several ferocious encounters with the enemy. His dogged determination and courage under
fire inspired all those around him, again proving his maturity, sense of duty and ability to use the skills he has been taught. After the
cessation of hostilities Lance Corporal Thomas was a key player in the ensuing Peace Support Operations, where his calming approach
assisted in helping to consolidate the progress made with the local population. The experience gained over this period was put into
practise when instructing the younger members of the Troop all of whom became as professional and assured as their mentor.
Lance Corporal Thomas is a very fit and measured individual. His quietly confident approach belies his wealth of experience and
professionalism. As a result of his performance on Op Telic Lance Corporal Thomas was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
second only to the Victoria Cross. Trustworthy and loyal he has made a significant contribution in his short period of service with the
Royal Marines.’
The following items are sold with the lot:
i) Copy of the original recommendation for the award of the C.G.C.
ii) Congratulatory telegram from H. R. H. The Duke of Edinburgh: ‘Many congratulations on your recent award for distinguished service
in Iraq. I was very pleased to hear about it and send my best wishes.’
iii) Letter of congratulation from Lieutenant General R. A. Fry, CBE (Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence), dated 30
October 2003:’... I saw all the citations at the end of hostilities and so feel I am reasonably placed to judge the contribution you
personally made to the success of the campaign... Of all the citations I saw yours was probably the most remarkable. Your performance
was a credit to us all.’
iv) Letter of congratulation from Rear Admiral M. W. G. Kerr, dated 21 October 2003 (Naval Secretary and Director General Human
Resources).
v) Letter of congratulation from Admiral Sir Alan West, DSC, ADC, dated 31 October 2003.
www.dnw.co.uk
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