Proud day for soldiers

IT was a proud day to remember for a pair of Oldham soldiers who got the royal seal of approval from the Duke of Kent.

Sgt George Richardson (35) and Sgt Lee Metcalfe (32) were both handed the awards for long service and good conduct by the Duke, who is also Prince Edward and the Queen’s cousin, during a special ceremony to mark their 15 years of devoted service.

Both Army men are part of the Germany-based 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF), and met the prince, who is also the Royal Colonel-in-Chief of the battalion.

Sgt Richardson, a former Breeze Hill pupil, is now a father-of-three and has served in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo.

He said: “I feel ecstatic to receive this award. It’s a big achievement and I feel very proud.

“It’s very special to receive it from our colonel in chief.”

The prestigious medals were handed out during a ceremony at the barracks in Celle, north Germany, while the Duke witnessed first hand the rigorous training the troops go through.

Former Saddleworth School student Sgt Metcalfe said: “I have done 15 years of continuous service.

“It’s a bit of a milestone in my career receiving this award and is an achievement I am really proud of.

“My biggest achievement was ending up in the sergeants’ mess. I would be nice eventually to be commissioned as an officer.”

His Royal Highness’s visit to 2RRF, which most recently saw service in Afghanistan in 2009, also included a display of the vehicles and weaponry the regiment uses and an opportunity to meet welfare staff, families and children at the barracks.

He said: “It is an honour and a privilege to visit my regiment and battalion here in Germany. It is a huge pleasure to present soldiers with their well-deserved awards.”