25 November 2003
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following award of The Queen’s Gallantry Medal and, for publication in The London Gazette, the names shown below as having received an expression of Commendation for Bravery.
The Queen’s Gallantry Medal
- Chris Murray
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air
- Neill Stephenson
- Clark Broad
- Julian Grinney
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
- Richard Testa
- John Balfe
- Theodoros Tsiarlis
- Demetris Charalambous
Notes for Editors
The full citation for The Queen’s Gallantry Medal is attached. More information about this award and fuller details of the Commendations can be obtained as follows:
Murray, Stephenson, Broad and Grinney - Press Office, Department for Transport (Telephone 020 7944 4607)
Testa and Balfe - Press Office, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Telephone 020 7210 8512/3)
Tsiarlis and Charalambous - Press Office, MOD (Telephone 020 7218 2906)
Queen’s Gallantry Medal
Chris Murray, HM Coastguard, Helicopter Winchman
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air
Neill Stephenson, HM Coastguard, Helicopter Crew Pilot
Clark Broad, HM Coastguard, Helicopter Crew Pilot
Julian Grinney, HM Coastguard, Winch Operator
For their actions in rescuing nine people from a German fishing vessel in the Outer Hebrides.
On 5 March 2001, in the early hours of the morning, the Stornoway HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter crew was alerted to a distress signal from a German fishing vessel. The weather conditions were appalling with gale force winds, heavy seas and poor visibility. A life raft had been sighted but it was not clear who was on it or in what state. With the prevailing conditions the crew estimated they only had 20 minutes to effect a rescue even utilising the long range weather tank. The sea was so rough that the aircraft system could not cope and it continually un-coupled the auto hover. Manual controls were instigated to keep the aircraft low enough to winch but not so low as to be hit by the sea. The dark conditions meant that the winchman had to be lowered onto the life raft accurately and quickly. Once on board the life raft the winchman, at times, had to use his own strength to keep it from being washed and blown away from the helicopter. Nine casualties were found, mostly non English speaking. They were winched quickly and efficiently, two at a time, into the aircraft from a widely unstable platform. The winch operator injured his shoulder caused by the rapid movement of the winch cable but despite the pain carried on working. The crew returned to base with only five minutes of fuel remaining.
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
Richard Testa, Civilian
John Balfe, Civilian
For their actions in rescuing three disabled people from a private ambulance on fire.
Theodoros Tsiarlis, Superintendent, Sovereign Base Area Police, Cyprus
Demetris Charalambous, Sergeant, Sovereign Base Area Police, Cyprus
For their actions during a riot at Episkopi Police Station.
delicious
digg
facebook
