Soldier killed while protecting colleague gets Military Cross

Lance Corporal Matthew Stenton, 23, who was born and raised in Wakefield and had moved to Bridlington, was killed on July 21 last year in a fierce firefight in Basharan, north of Lashkar Gah, which also claimed the life of Lance Corporal Stephen Monkhouse, 28, from Scotland.

L/Cpl Stenton, serving with The Royal Dragoon Guards, was commanding a Viking armoured vehicle in support of a search operation when insurgents opened fire, immediately wounding a colleague.

Showing what is described as “extraordinary bravery” he advanced his vehicle towards the enemy positions and his injured comrade – ignoring the very real danger of improvised explosive devices – and lay down covering fire while also drawing increasingly heavy and accurate enemy fire.

The effect was immediate and bought crucial time for the recovery of the injured soldier, but tragically L/Cpl Stenton was killed by small arms fire.

Learning of the award, his father Michael said: “If Matthew were here now he would be totally honoured. At the end of the day he was only doing his job like all the other lads and they are all heroes. We are very pleased and proud to hear about the award. There is not a day goes by when we don’t think about him and obviously we miss him so much.”

When his death was announced L/Cpl Stenton’s colleagues paid tribute to a man they said was a kind friend and a tough soldier.

Maj Denis James, Officer Commanding D (The Green Horse Squadron), said: “Corporal Matthew Stenton was an uncomplicated man and the kindest of friends; he was also a hard, tenacious soldier who always fought for what he believed in.”

Captain Iain Monk, 1st Troop Leader, described him as an “inspirational soldier”, adding: “He looked the part, but most importantly, acted the part. He lived to be out in the field and was enthusiastic about passing on his knowledge to those junior to him. He set an excellent example. He had a zest for life and always walked around with a twinkle in his eye.”