Glenfarg brave Jeff awarded medal after completing Army tour in Afghanistan

Dec 9 2011 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTHSHIRE soldier has been presented with a campaign medal after completing a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

Trooper Jeff Hannah (18), who is deployed with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG), received the honour at a special ceremony at his barracks in Fallingbostel, Northern Germany.

The former Kinross High School pupil was among the Dragoons who were supporting the NATO-led mission to prepare the Afghan people to fully take over the security of their own country.

And Tpr Hannah was certainly not short of dramatic moments during the demanding tour.

Injuries

Yesterday, he told the PA how he escaped with minor injuries when the state-of-the-art Warthog tank he was driving was hit by a Taliban rocket.

“We were near Lashkar Gah, near the Green Zone, when we parked up and formed a protective armoured box,” he recalled.

“Then out of nowhere we suddenly came under contact. Luckily we were sitting outside beside the vehicles when we heard this noise of the rocket, and then a flash and a bang.

“It was only when I went back into another vehicle that realised that I had been injured in my head, shoulder and chest and lower left leg.

“There was some blood and shrapnel. The adrenalin kicked in and I didn’t feel the pain.

“I was evacuated by a Black Hawk helicopter and taken back to Camp Bastion hospital for a day.

“I was ultimately out of action for three weeks but I was then able to return to full duty and am now fully recovered.”

The Royal Scots are part of 7th Armoured Brigade, better known as the Desert Rats, which supported 3 Commando Brigade during the tour.

Tpr Hannah, who joined the Army in 2009 and served in Afghanistan from March to November on Operation Herrick 14, added: “I also did foot patrols and manned vehicle checkpoints.

“I am very proud of the job we all did. I matured a lot from doing the tour.

“It was a long tour and I am glad that I came out of it safe, I feel very proud to be presented with my medal.”

The parade at Fallingbostel was watched by family members, with Andrew Robathan MP, the Minister for Defence Personnel, presenting the medals.

Thanking the troops for their efforts, he said: “The British contribution to Afghanistan is viewed by the people there and others with great gratitude.”

The Dragoons’ D Squadron was one of several units deployed alongside 3 Commando Brigade with the new Warthog vehicle, one the most versatile land based vehicles that UK forces have in Afghanistan.

Designed for carrying troops in arduous terrain, it was used to support infantry units and to conduct independent strike operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan ‘Barty’ Bartholomew, Commanding Officer of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, said: “It was the first full regimental deployment to Afghanistan for SCOTS DG and the soldiers return home very proud of what they have achieved and of the immense contribution they have made.

“I am honoured to have had the privilege to command them. After a tough and long six months, the regiment will now enjoy some very well-deserved leave to spend time with their families and loved ones whose unwavering support has made a huge difference.”