Scottish soldiers were among 117 members of the Armed Forces honoured for their bravery and service in Afghanistan yesterday.
Six members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) have been named on the operational honours list.
Sergeant Saiasi Nuku Vono, originally from Fiji, was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for his actions after a roadside bomb exploded.
Amid smoke and dust, the 36-year-old member of the 2SCOTS battalion exposed himself to gunfire when he applied a tourniquet to his commander’s leg and then co-ordinated the evacuation of nine casualties.
Having run out of stretchers, he carried one of his comrades across more than 100 yards of uncleared ground before immediately returning to the stricken Mastiff armoured vehicle. His citation said: “In an incident of extreme pressure and chaos, Sgt Vono’s gallant act demonstrated the highest standards of leadership, calmness and selfless commitment.”
Major Stephen Dallard, also 36, of the Penicuik-based 2SCOTS, has been made OBE for his contribution to the operational tour.
Responsible for 275 men, his principal task was to protect the nationally-important Route 611 – a crucial link between northern Helmand and the provincial capital Lashkar Gah. Captain Ross Boyd, also from 2SCOTS in Penicuik, was made an MBE for taking on the role of Company Commander of the Nad-e-Ali District police advisory team at a critical and highly complex point of the Afghan campaign.
Major Gary McGowan, 49, of 2SCOTS,was the company commander responsible for the Lashkar Gah Training Centre advisory team, and has been awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for his support to the operation.
Major Timothy Draper, 36, of 2SCOTS, helped develop Helmand’s Police HQ at a time when the Afghan authorities were getting used to the gradual withdrawal of international forces. He was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.
Lieutenant Colonel David Orr Ewing, who is currently working with Nato in Milan, has been awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for his efforts in planning for operations in Afghanistan.