Rochdale soldier receives military honour

Aaron Mansell of the 1st Battalion the Parachute Regiment has been awarded the Joint Commanders Commendation for his actions in Afghanistan

In a selfless act, a Rochdale solider ran twice into the line of fire of a Taliban sniper to save his injured colleague.

Soldier Aaron Mansell of the 1st Battallion the Parachute Regiment dragged his friend and colleague to safety after he was shot by a Taliban sniper in Helmand Province. Aaron then further risked his own life by going back to collect his colleagues kit to avoid further threat from the Taliban sniper.

Aaron, 22 from Firgrove has now been awarded the Joint Commanders Commendation for his bravery and action in Afghanistan. The award is given to soldiers who are recognised for particular dedication and professionalism towards their personal responsibilities and the support and protection of their peers.

A former pupil at Hollingworth High School, Aaron has been described as “a credit to his cap badge, regiment and Rochdale.”

Aaron was deployed to Afghanistan at the end of 2011, less than a year after he completed his training.

Aaron, an Infantry man with 1 Para, who is now currently on pre-deployment training said: “I reacted to the situation and without regards to my own safety; I decided that I had to get him out of the open. I ran over to him and got him onto a stretcher, and then with help from two other British soldiers and one Afghan soldier we carried him into a safe compound.”

Aaron added: “I am grateful and very proud of this achievement. I don’t believe there are many 22-year-olds that can say they have had quite the experiences I have had since joining the army. I still believe it is the best decision I have ever made.”