Prince Charles pays tribute to heroes from Welsh Guards

- Wednesday, 2 December 2009

Prince Charles has praised Afghanistan war heroes as a "credit to Wales" before decorating them with medals for their bravery.

The royal, who is Colonel in Chief of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, made the special tribute at a reception at Lille Barracks in Aldershot.

The Prince, along with his wife the Duchess of Cornwall and Army chiefs, including Brigadier Talbot-Rice, presented the campaign medals to around 500 soldiers yesterday.

During the ceremony, held at the Parade Ground at the barracks, the Prince of Wales said: "We will never forget what they have done and the sacrifice they made with all of you.

"Many were wounded — very badly wounded — and we owe them immense gratitude.

"We do ask so much of our soldiers.

"It's easy to forget the burden that the families carry in their absence."

A total of 10 long serving and good conduct medals were also presented. It was a bittersweet day for the battalion, as they lost seven of their comrades during their harrowing tour of Helmand province.

They include the loss of their commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, Lance Corporal Dane Elson, Major Sean Birchall, Lieutenant Mark Evison, and Lance Sergeant Tobie Fasfous.

Private John Brackpool and Guardsman Christopher King also died while attached to the Welsh Guards.

Prince Charles paid tribute to the men and the sacrifices made by the battalion as a whole, who returned home in October.

He told the battalion: "You are an immense credit to your nation, and above all to Wales."

He also spoke of his own fears while his son, Prince Harry, spent two months in the war zone.

He praised people's generosity in supporting the Welsh Guards Appeal Fund, which supports both bereaved families, along with the injured.

He congratulated the troops in both Welsh and English, after taking the salute during the morning.

The battalion is due to return to Afghanistan in 2012. Guardsman Stuart Jones, aged 25, of Glyncorrwg, was presented with a medal and also got a chance to speak to the royal, alongside his family, later during the reception.

He said: "He asked 'did you enjoy Afghanistan or did you find it difficult?'

"I said 'I can't wait to go out there again'.

"Prince Charles went out of his way to speak to us, which was good."

Guardsman Leighton Leachman, aged 19, from Trimsaran, Llanelli, who fought on the frontline in Afghanistan, added: "Prince Charles asked how did my family cope with me in Afghanistan. He also asked how the day went."

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Antelme, the battalion's commanding officer, added: "This campaign has truly been a team effort and I am grateful to all those dedicated men and women for their professionalism, compassion and support."

Story Credit - www.thisissouthwales.co.uk - elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk