Mail tribute to servicemen and women across the globe
By Paul Bradley
BRAVE soldiers who risk their lives fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are set to be recognised in a new way as the Birmingham Mail launches its Badge of Honour campaign.
Every year dozens of troops from across the nation are rewarded by the Queen for their courage under fire.
But relatively few win high profile, top medals.
Only 74 army soldiers have been presented with the coveted George Cross for bravery since 1940 and just 1,356 people have won the Victoria Cross since its inception in 1854 – equal to nine awards per year.
But there are far more acts of heroism and bravery which largely appear to go unnoticed.
Today, the Birmingham Mail is asking readers to nominate Birmingham soldiers for its Badge of Honour award for army troops who have excelled while serving their country.
Contact us telling us why your son, daughter, husband, wife, mum, dad or friend deserves the recognition of our city.
In return, we will shout their story out loud across the city and give readers a chance to salute them for their courageous efforts.
Lieut Col John Moody, commander of regional recruiting for the West Midlands, said: “The West Midlands has always been a good recruiting area for the Army and there are several thousand local soldiers serving their country across the world, as well as in the UK.
“Local people are both supportive and proud of what their Army achieves.
“We are delighted with the Birmingham Mail’s Badge of Honour campaign and the aim of local people to recognise the fantastic soldiers from the region and how their commitment to their role and dedication to their country helps to make the British Army the best in the world.” Birmingham continues to have a rich military history stretching back hundreds of years.
Doctors and nurses at Selly Oak hospital work tirelessly to nurture the country’s injured troops back to health again.
And the West Midlands is still seen as one of the most fruitful army recruiting areas with 47 young Birmingham men swearing the oath of allegiance at the city’s Council House only this month.
Now the Birmingham Mail needs you to tell us more about our city’s soldiers and the brave and selfless acts they have carried out in the name of Queen and country.
Dad nominates soldier son for Birmingham Mail Badge of Honour
By Paul Bradley
A PROUD father today nominated his soldier son to become the first winner of the Birmingham Mail Badge of Honour award.
Cpl Scott O’Connell, of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, completed a six month tour in Afghanistan and another in Northern Ireland.
But it was his actions in one of his three tours in Iraq that led to his father, Mark O’Connell, from Chelmsley Wood, nominating his son for the award.
Mr O’Connell, a lorry driver, said: “When Scott was in Iraq he really took it upon himself to look after the men in his charge because he was a section leader and a corporal.
“The Army really needs strong leaders because some of the lads don’t realise how tough it is until they actually get out there.
“Whenever Scott comes home he will never tell us about what he has done in Iraq or Afghanistan.
“But he always raves about his comrades and how much they mean to him.”
Cpl O’Connell, aged 22, a former pupil at Coleshill School, is now training in Canada but expects to be sent out to a war zone for his sixth tour of duty in the spring of next year.
Mr O’Connell said: “We are so proud of Scott. The soldiers have never had the same sort of reception as soldiers from the Falklands War did when they returned home.
“Back then it was all parades and flag-waving and a real sense of national pride.
“This award means so much to us because we want everyone to know just how courageous we think he is.
“Scott deserves it and I think more soldiers should be nominated.”
If you know of a soldier who you think should be nominated for this is where you send it.
“When people show support for soldiers it really does make a difference.”
- To nominate someone you know for the Badge of Honour award call the newsdesk on 0121 234 5000 or email paul.bradley@birminghammail.net
- Alternatively write to Badge of Honour campaign, PO Box 78, Weaman Street, Birmingham, B4 6AY.
