2006 News Archive

Lance Corporal Coult Awarded Military Cross

Lance Corporal Trevor Coult, was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during an ambush.

The 31-year-old, known as 'Speedy' for his running prowess, was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during a machine gun ambush involving suicide bombers and gunmen in Baghdad last year.

A suicide attack, and insurgents armed with heavy stopped his multi-vehicle convoy Route IRISH, a road billed as the most dangerous in the world, opening fire on the stationary vehicles.

Acting as top cover sentry in the rear vehicle, Cpl Coult managed to return fire and control his vehicle, allowing two other vehicles to retreat from the ambush.

Part of his award citation reads: 'Throughout this complex and well prepared insurgent ambush, Coult returned proportional, justified and accurate fire, remaining totally focused and acted in a considered, professional and courageous manner.'

Read More

Visit To 10 Downing Street

The Warrant Officers started their St Patrick's Day celebrations early this year when they called into Downing Street for a pint of the black stuff (Guinness, not the Black Bush!) with the Prime Minister. Tony Blair was presented with shamrocks as he greeted them and Brian Boru VIII in Downing Street. However, while the troops from the 1st Battalion enjoyed a reception in the state rooms, complete with Guinness to mark St Patrick's Day on Friday 17 March, Brian Boru had to stay outside Number 10.

Mr Blair invited the soldiers to Downing Street to thank them for their hospitality when he visited them in Iraq before Christmas. An Army spokesman explained: 'The Prime Minister visited the troops in southern Iraq last year and they looked after him for a day. Mr Blair met soldiers from 1 R IRISH when he visited Iraq, 'One of them asked him, 'any chance of tea in Downing Street?' A week later the invite arrived. 'The boys enjoyed it and it was a real opportunity for them. Not many people get into Downing Street.'

The informal reception was also attended by Defence Secretary John Reid and Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram. Last week, the government announced a £250m redundancy package for our three Home Service Battalions. They are set to be disbanded in August 2007 when the military's role in support of police in Northern Ireland and Operation BANNER is completed.

Read More

Return to Fort George

On Sunday 15th January 2006 the last flight of 1 R IRISH soldiers touched down at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. The Battalion's Op TELIC 7 tour had been a busy and varied Operational tour of duty for the 1st Battalion, which reinforced its reputation as a top operational unit within the British Army.

After a short period of administration in barracks, the 1st Battalion will take a well earned four weeks leave before re-joining 16 (Air Assault) Brigade which will see the 1st Battalion at the forefront of operations around the world.

Read about our tour of Iraq