British soldiers and veterans have been recognised for their heroism and inspiration at this year’s The Sun Military Awards, known as the Millies, announced today at a special ceremony in London. The Millies recognise remarkable feats of bravery, sacrifice and selflessness within the Armed Forces.
Hero at Home - Individual
Lance Corporal Craig Daniels, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), was named Hero at Home – Individual, for saving the life of a fellow soldier who was crushed by a lorry near to the gatehouse, whilst he was on duty at ITC Catterick.
The Hero at Home – Individual award is for an act of inspirational heroism inside the UK whether in the course of their work, outside of their work or on an operation. LCpl Daniels was on duty when he heard a lorry make an emergency stop around 50m away. He secured the entry point and went to investigate. The lorry had struck a pedestrian, crushing his abdomen, pelvis and lower limbs.
LCpl Daniels instructed the driver to keep the patient still and ensure his airways remained open. He collected first aid equipment from the Garrison while contacting the emergency services, quickly applied first field dressings to control the patient’s rapid loss of blood. Emergency services confirmed that his intervention was vital to the patient’s survival. Only later did LCpl Daniels discover that the patient was a fellow soldier.
Inspiring Others
Private Fin Doherty, 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, Catterick, was named winner of the Inspiring Others award.
Pte Doherty was six years old when his brother JJ, 19, was killed in action in Afghanistan. He wanted to join the Parachute Regiment in his brother’s honour and signed up as soon as he was old enough to enlist. He said: “I couldn’t think of a better job than doing something that I think matters, especially for something my brother laid down his life for.”
In the summer of 2019 Pte Doherty completed basic training at Army Foundation College Harrogate. On passing out he was awarded Junior Regimental Sgt Major, an honorary rank given to the best recruit in the college. In this role he took charge of the 700-strong parade of junior soldiers as they marched off the square at the end of the parade.
He has subsequently completed P-Company, being presented with his brother’s maroon beret at the end of test week.
Overcoming Adversity
Awarded to an individual who has overcome personal adversity in any area of their life, including those who have overcome injury in conflict to those who have overcome any kind of adversity, whether that be an underprivileged background, or disability, to go on to exceptional service.
In 2009, category winner, Army veteran Craig Monaghan was wounded in Afghanistan as part of a company which suffered the most casualties of the conflict (C Company, 2 Rifles). He was medically discharged two years later.
He tried to take his own life several times but has since striven to rebuild his life. He competed in the Warrior Games in 2017 and became the first soldier wounded in Afghanistan to represent his country in Rugby Union, playing for England’s deaf team. He now works with Sale Sharks, helping veterans transition to civilian life and find stable employment, homes and occupations.
He has also supported a mental health programme delivering inspirational training to companies and schools across the North West.
Now in their twelfth year, the Millies were first created during the height of the UK’s involvement in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, and nominations for individuals and units were sought for ten categories.
Army nominations were put forward for all ten categories, which saw stiff competition from the other two services, cadets and veterans, with Army personnel and units shortlisted in each.
To find out more the Milles winners: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10911300/sun-military-awards-winners-2020/