ARMY DEPARTMENT CENTRAL CHANCERY OF
THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD
St. James's Palace, London S.W.I.
28th February 1967.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the
British Empire Medal for Gallantry (Military Division), to the undermentioned
in recognition of Gallant Conduct in Aden:
22822437 Sergeant Robert BOGAN of The Somerset and
Cornwall Light Infantry
| British Empire Medal
for Gallantry (Military Division) |
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The British Empire Medal is made of silver. On the obverse
is an image of Britannia surrounded by the motto, with the
words "For Merituous Service" at the bottom; on
the reverse is George V's Imperial and Royal Cypher, with
the words "Instituted by King George V" at the bottom.
The name of the recipient is engraved on the rim.
|
Click Image for Larger Version
|
Sergeant' Bogan was the sergeant in charge of the Special
Branch Squad during the battalion's emergency tour in -Aden. This
squad was on call for the use of the Aden Civil Police Special Branch
for twentyfour hours of every day and operated all over Aden State
and across the border in Lahej State.
Potentially very dangerous, these operations required
a high degree of military skill, leadership and team work. Due to
the personal leadership, drive and professional courage of Sergeant
Bogan this Squad was very successful in its anti-terrorist activities.
On the nights that this squad was not being used by Special Branch,
Sergeant Bogan was responsible for siting two man ambushes in the
ill-lit back alleys and sewers of Sheikh Othman, to cover the principal
throwing areas. His untiring energy and imagination in conducting
this small squad was far in excess of that expected by a Non Commissioned
Officer of his rank and experience. In his determination to capture
terrorists he coloured his face and hair in order to be more unobtrusive
at night and frequently exposed himself to great personal danger.
He was himself the target of three grenade attacks and
became a marked man in certain areas where he operated. On 6th September
1966, he personally captured a terrorist in possession of a grenade.
From subsequent information there was evidence to show that this terrorist
had been briefed to eliminate Sergeant Bogan. His courage and example
welded his small squad into an enthusiastic and highly efficient band
of men who during their operations captured five terrorists in possesion
of grenades and seriously wounded one other who had actually thrown
his grenade.
The opportunities of capturing terrorists are few and
far between in operations in Aden State and
Sergeant Bogan's enthusiasm, devotion and the successes of his small
squad were an inspiration and encouragement to all ranks of the Battalion.
The Royal Anglian Regiment that took over from SCLI
followed on with similiar set-up as they could see the success of
the unit but unfortunately had a 'blue on blue' with a SAS patrol
in their area without prior knowledge, and lost a couple of lads.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders
for the publication of the names shown below as having received an
expression of Commendation for Brave Conduct:
23345591 Sergeant Peter John SLADE, The Somerset and Cornwall Light
Infantry.
During his tour in Aden as Intelligence Sergeant in
1966, Sergeant Slade has shown great courage, when investigating incidents.
On one occasion whilst investigating a grenade attack in a narrow
ill-lit street, four grenades were thrown into the area in which he
was working, one of which hit his vehicle.
Despite this and other grenade incidents he has revealed
uncanny calmness, which backed by an
unquenchable sense of humour has inspired confidence and raised morale
in all who have served
with him.
23951289 Private Nicholas RICHARDSON, The Somerset
and Cornwall Light Infantry.
For a period of six months in Aden Private Richardson
was the driver to the Intelligence Officer
and accompanied him to almost every incident. His military skills
as a driver and radio operator have been excellent, and his conduct,
courage and calmness in constant face of terrorism and grenade attacks,
in which his vehicle has been hit at least once, has been magnificent.
His ability and example have undoubtedly contributed to the success
of the Intelligence Section in their operations.
Grenaded nine times:
Private Nicholas Richardson is pictured being told of his award of the
Queen's Commendation for outstanding devotion to duty. Until he arrived
at Lyneham on March 2nd after five weeks training in Canada, he knew
nothing of the award, "I'm overwhelmed that I was singled out"
he said.
C in C’s Commendation
23545338 Sgt Rowe J--------------------23864125 Cpl
Wilkins D
22340352 Cpl Davies W (ACC)---------23547457 Cpl Ovenden
S A
23982924 L/Cpl Cheek T S--------------23867730 L/Cpl
Dyer R
23924381 L/Cpl Martin H J--------------23901260 L/Cpl
Prosser L W
23867455 L/Cpl Summers J L------------24030961 Sig.
Cummings D (R/Sigs)
23950478 Pte Morrish R A---------------23896410 Pte
Stone R F
23896609 Pte Stuckey F R---------------23873447 Pte
Thomas D A R
