Anton Branchflower
Jan 12, 2013 20:30:52 GMT
Post by shred on Jan 12, 2013 20:30:52 GMT
IRLAM soldier Anton Branchflower has been awarded one of the highest military honours for saving the lives of his comrades under fire in the Gulf Conflict.
At the age of just 19 Anton is to receive the Military Cross after he shot an Iraqi who was threatening to hurl a grenade at fellow guardsmen.
The Iraqi died and was then blown up when the grenade exploded on his own body.
Anton, who is now back at home with his family in Preston Avenue, Irlam was "stunned" at the honour which he said had come like a bolt out of the blue.
"I had been told I was going to get some award but was completely stunned when I realised I had been awarded the Military Medal," said the Irish Guardsman.
"In fact, I still can't believe it's really true."
Anton was with a group of guardsmen checking out an area of Basra in Iraq when they came across what looked like several dead Iraqis.
It was only when he realised that one of them was still alive and about to lob a live grenade into the midst of his comrades that he sprang into action.
"I saw him move and realised almost at the same time what he was about to do," explained Anton. "I didn't have time to think, I just reached for my rifle and fired."
His actions resulted in him being one of only three in his regiment to be awarded the Military Cross - the other two were officers.
The honour has his family bursting with pride, as mum Rose explained. "He is the baby of the family and to get the Military Cross at the age of 19 is unbelievable.
"When he rang up and told me I just burst into tears. I am absolutely bursting with pride."
Anton, a former pupil at Irlam Community High School, will be awarded his medal by The Queen at Buckingham Palace early next year. In the meantime, it is business as usual as he prepares to undertake a tour of duty in Northern Ireland which will see him away from his family and girlfriend Nicola Murray over Christmas.
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At the age of just 19 Anton is to receive the Military Cross after he shot an Iraqi who was threatening to hurl a grenade at fellow guardsmen.
The Iraqi died and was then blown up when the grenade exploded on his own body.
Anton, who is now back at home with his family in Preston Avenue, Irlam was "stunned" at the honour which he said had come like a bolt out of the blue.
"I had been told I was going to get some award but was completely stunned when I realised I had been awarded the Military Medal," said the Irish Guardsman.
"In fact, I still can't believe it's really true."
Anton was with a group of guardsmen checking out an area of Basra in Iraq when they came across what looked like several dead Iraqis.
It was only when he realised that one of them was still alive and about to lob a live grenade into the midst of his comrades that he sprang into action.
"I saw him move and realised almost at the same time what he was about to do," explained Anton. "I didn't have time to think, I just reached for my rifle and fired."
His actions resulted in him being one of only three in his regiment to be awarded the Military Cross - the other two were officers.
The honour has his family bursting with pride, as mum Rose explained. "He is the baby of the family and to get the Military Cross at the age of 19 is unbelievable.
"When he rang up and told me I just burst into tears. I am absolutely bursting with pride."
Anton, a former pupil at Irlam Community High School, will be awarded his medal by The Queen at Buckingham Palace early next year. In the meantime, it is business as usual as he prepares to undertake a tour of duty in Northern Ireland which will see him away from his family and girlfriend Nicola Murray over Christmas.
Link