Troops' tales of heroism

THERE have been countless moments of British heroism among the heat, dust and bloodshed of campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. They all deserve to go down in the annals of history but today Yorkshire can be proud as the stirring deeds of its own troops are recognised.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Sep 2010, 23:56 BST
Updated 23rd Sep 2010, 23:56 BST

Sergeant Major Karl Ley, from Sheffield, who cleared more roadside bombs than anyone else, while fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province, Lance Corporal Jamie Hastie, from Scarborough, who saved the life of his section commander in Sangin and Rifleman Ross Robinson, who carried on detecting land mines despite serious wounds, before tragically dying in a road accident in Britain, all acted nobly while in great danger.

Sadly Rifleman Robinson did not live to see his honour confirmed,

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although his courage was clearly witnessed by serving colleagues at the time. The 21-year-old, from Leeds, who will be given an award posthumously, seized the initiative to aid the other casualties when an IED was discharged in Helmand, despite his own immense pain. Rifleman Ross' loved ones will treasure the memory of his devotion to duty.

These men are just a few of the many heroes who spent months and years in the most uncomfortable and dangerous places. Each and every one honoured this week, from Yorkshire and beyond, and especially those who never returned home, deserves respect and gratitude from the rest of society.

This country is extremely fortunate to have so many people who are willing to serve in its Armed Forces and Britain is immensely proud of them. Their actions will strengthen the argument for defence spending to be protected as much as possible when public spending cuts inevitably come over the winter. When the Armed Forces have people of this calibre doing their duty, the Government must honour its

obligations to them.

Related topics:YorkshireAfghanistanIraq