Helmand hero honoured for bravery

Captain John Scarlett, from the Coldstream Guards, and Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw, from the Royal Army Medical Corps

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The courage of a Heywood soldier ambushed in a violent part of Afghanistan’s Helmand Province was recognised with a Military Cross yesterday.

Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw, 24, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, was part of a routine patrol in the Gereshk Valley last July when an Afghan policeman opened fire on them.

Lance Corporal Shaw was shot through his boot and day sack but returned to rescue colleague Captain John Scarlett and give life-saving medical treatment.

Captain Scarlett, who also received a Military Cross, said: “I wasn't the only person whose life was saved by Cpl Shaw, he does it a lot.

“My initial reaction to getting the Military Cross was to know what the other guys got and I was really pleased when I heard Cpl Shaw had got it too.”

Lance Corporal Shaw, a former pupil at St Joseph’s High School, said: “Bullets were pinging everywhere.

"I wasn't really thinking, I just ran in and pulled him out. My main priority was getting the casualties out and treating them."

“Once I pulled John outside, I strapped him up and asked if he was ready to crack on and he said yes.

“My main focus then was on getting to the casualties inside but it wasn’t possible initially. It is the worst feeling having men down and not being able to get to them.”

"It feels good, it's a great honour. But it was a team effort.”

The ambush happened at a police checkpoint after the patrol was sent there.

Having waited nearly 40 minutes at the near-empty checkpoint they decided to leave but a turncoat policeman shot at them from a watchtower.

With three of the patrol seriously injured, Capt. Scarlett returned to help them but was shot at himself and Lance Corporal Shaw had to pull him out of danger.

Lance Corporal Shaw then returned to pull the other three casualties out but despite being airlifted to safety all three died of their injuries.

Lance Corporal Shaw's citation reads: “Shaw’s actions during that horrific attack were in the very finest traditions of the British Army, demonstrating conspicuous courage, commitment and professionalism.

“Despite being shot through the boot and day sack, this young and inexperienced soldier had the presence of mind to return fire and give directions to his commander.

“He then took the deliberate decision to enter the killing area, where four of his colleagues lay wounded.”

Heywood Township Chairman and Rochdale Council Armed/Reserve Forces Champion, Councillor Alan McCarthy said “On behalf of the people of Heywood I would like congratulate Cpl Shaw on his Military Cross which is awarded to all ranks of the RN, RM, Army, and RAF in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

“Lance Corporal Shaw is a true hero, Heywood is proud of him.”