Gurkha honoured for solo defence of base against Taliban | UK news

 

• Friday 25 March 2011 00.01 GMT

• Article history

 

Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun, of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, who has been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. Photograph: Sergeant Ian Forsyth/MoD/PA

A Gurkha soldier who single-handedly fought off an attack on his base by up to 30 Taliban insurgents is among several British service personnel being honoured for their outstanding bravery.

Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun, 31, exhausted all his ammunition and at one point had to use the tripod of his machine gun to beat away a militant climbing the walls of the compound. He is awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

 

Royal Marine Captain Jack Anrude receives the Military Cross after he carried a badly wounded Afghan soldier to safety despite himself being shot in the head and arm.

Leading a patrol of special forces into a village in Sangin suspected of having links to the Taliban, Anrude – along with one of his men and one of the Afghan soldiers – were ambushed by a gunman, but despite serious wounds Anrude managed to carry the heavily bleeding soldier back to the vehicle.

 

Anrude, from Purley in Surrey, paid tribute to the marines in his troop, including two who died during last year's tour, Scott Taylor, 20, from Buxton, and Anthony Hotine, 21, from Warminster in Wiltshire.

He said: "I wouldn't have got the award if it wasn't for the lads and their professionalism and courage."

Alexander Tostevin of the Royal Marines is awarded a Mention in Despatches for his bravery on sentry duty at Patrol Base Blenheim in Sangin. Tostevin was shot in the head and knocked to the ground but got to his feet and returned fire so two of his comrades could get to safety.

His citation read: "Tostevin remained steadfast at his sentry position, only seeking medical assistance once the patrol was out of danger, by which time he was suffering with deep shock."

 

The 21-year-old from Guernsey, said: "I was over the moon when I heard the news.

"I know a few other lads who also got shot through the helmet and carried on – I feel very privileged."

Squadron Leader Matthew Roberts of the RAF is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage in picking up two seriously injured US soldiers under heavy fire, while Warrant Officer Stephen Bowden, also of the RAF, receives the Queen's Gallantry Medal for helping bring a devastating fire under control at one of the largest military bases in Helmand.