GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
Jennings, now not only the sole FAC, but also the only trained artillery observer in the DC, continued, with steadfast resolve, to provide seamless and wholly effective support to the continuing engagement, enabling the subsequent casualty evacuation and reinforcement to occur. As the new full-strength team arrived to replace the casualties, he embedded within them, sharing a heavy workload over the coming days as the frequent, accurate and sustained attacks on the base continued.
The team commander. Warrant Officer Smith, took Jennings very much under his wing and a strong bond formed between them as they worked together in testing circumstances over the next few days. Tragically, on 8 March 2007, Smith too was struck by a grenade, sustaining fatal head injuries. Once again, Jennings, some three metres behind him, undeterred by the obvious danger, rushed forward towards the seat of the explosion, and attempted to administer lifesaving first aid. Once again, though visibly shaken, Jennings held his nerve and showing courage and coolness of a very high order, continued to control and deconflict air, aviation and artillery with his colleagues, and prosecute the targets allocated to him.
Subject to an enduring and significant enemy threat, Lance Bombardier Jennings has demonstrated, time and again, a humbling resolve and fortitude that belies his rank and experience. Through his selflessness, gallantry and coolness in the face of great danger, he undoubtedly has saved lives and constrained the actions of the enemy. He has proved an inspiration to all around him and must not go unrecognised.’
Sold with the following original documentation:
i. Forward Air Controller’s Logbook, detailing recipients UK training and operational tours of Afghanistan between 19 May 2006 and 7 March 2007, including his period at Sangin District Centre for which he was awarded the M.C. The logbook contains details of the dates, theatre, aircraft and weapons used in various actions controlled by the recipient.
ii. Copy of the book, 3 Commando Brigade in Helmand, Afghanistan, by Ewen Southby-Tailyour, in which the recipient is mentioned several times, with title page inscribed by the recipient.
iii. Official copy of the ’Restricted-Honours Citation’ for the award of the Military Cross.
iv. Certificate for the U.S.A. Army Commendation Medal, inscribed ‘Gunner David Richard Jennings, 7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery, 45 Commando Group, Royal Marines – For outstanding achievement while on patrol in support of Task Force Falcon. Your ceaseless efforts on behalf of the mission were crucial to the success of the operation. These actions reflect great credit upon you, the Multinational Brigade East, and NATO’s Kosovo Force, 7 January 2001.’ Signed Brigadier General Kenneth J. Quinlan, Jr, Commanding’, contained in its original green plastic presentation folder, the outer cover embossed in gold with arms of the U.S.A. Department of the Army.
v. Twelve letters of congratulation written to Jennings following the award of his M.C., including:
a) Letter from Brigadier D. A. Capewell, OBE, HQ, 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, dated 18 July 2007: ‘Very many congratulations on your award of the MC. An absolutely outstanding example of bravery and gallantry under fire. You have now secured a place in national history.’
b) Letter from Brigadier N. D. Ashmore, OBE, HQ Royal Artillery, dated 19 July 2007: ‘It is very much clear that you very much deserved to receive formal recognition for your exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy on 3rd
March this year. It is also clear that
you acted in accordance with the highest traditions of the British Army in the way that you reacted to the events of that day, including the tragic deaths of two of your colleagues.’
c) Letter from Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, KCB, ADC, dated 18 July 2007: ‘… Your actions were fully in keeping with the finest traditions of both the Royal Artillery and the Commando Forces.’
d) Letter from Major General J. H. Thomas, DSO, Senior British Military Advisor, HQ United States Central Command, dated 16 August 2007: ‘You should be justifiably proud of your courage and the example you set to others. I thank you for all that you did on Herrick.’
vi. Buckingham Palace investiture letter and tickets, dated 20 November 2007. vii. Seven photographs of recipient, including three taken in Iraq and one of him at Buckingham Palace.
viii. Invitation and program for a luncheon in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen at the Royal Artillery Mess, Larkhill, dated 12 June 2008.
ix. Various newspapers and magazines which make reference to the recipient.
www.dnw.co.uk
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