Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Special honour for Iraq hero

9/ 4/2008

HEROISM on the front line in Basra by a Heywood serviceman has been given special recognition.

Flight Sergeant Brad Daniel, 40, left the armed forces this week after 23 years of service.

As he did so the ‘remarkable initiative and courage’ he showed during fierce fighting in the Iraqi city last August was marked by the award of a Commander’s Commendation.

Brad was second in command during a two-hour attack by insurgents, during which one of his colleagues was killed and several were wounded.

He said: "It was quite an ordeal. We had to keep going for about two hours and look after the injured soldiers. Really, though, I was just doing my job.

"It was nice to be recognised with the award, but I’d give it back instantly if we could bring back those who were killed."

The letter Brad received with his commendation, sent by squadron leader Jason Sutton, praises his ‘extraordinary courage and personal example’.

It reads: "I personally witnessed many acts of humbling bravery that night, but few were as brave as you, as you throughout showed superb leadership and courage. You now bear an award which not only brings immense credit upon you, but also great honour to No 1 Squadron and our Regiment. It was a great honour and privilege to have served with you both in Iraq and at Al Waki and you can be so proud of yourself and what you have achieved.’

Brad, a former St Joseph’s pupil, joined the forces when he was 17 and was a paratrooper in the Royal Air Force. He is now looking forward to spending more time with his wife Jayne and their two children and has taken up a job for a construction firm in Oldham.

"It takes up a lot of your time," said Brad. "I think last year I was probably away from home about six months of the year.Now I can go home every night. It’s great."