A soldier at Catterick Garrison has been recognised for saving a civilian’s life after using his Army training and quick thinking to respond to a medical emergency.
Private Dan Montgomery rejoined the Army through the MPGS to provide stability for his son, while continuing to serve the nation.
As an MPGS soldier at Catterick Garrison, Dan is responsible for securing Defence establishments, providing an armed security presence, and acting as a first responder when incidents occur.
Private (Pte) Dan Montgomery, who serves in the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), was awarded the Catterick Garrison Commander’s Commendation after coming to the aid of a woman who became seriously ill while driving.
The 33-year-old, originally from Rotherham, was travelling between camps when he noticed a vehicle parked at the roadside with its hazard lights on. After initially checking on the driver, who reassured him she was fine, he later passed the same location again and became concerned when the vehicle had not moved. Trusting his instincts, he stopped for a second time and found the woman in severe distress at the wheel.
Without hesitation, he called emergency services, contacted the casualty’s family, moved her to a safer location away from a busy road and remained with her for more than two hours, relaying vital information to call handlers until ambulance crews arrived.
Reflecting on the incident, Pte Montgomery said: “I think in the Army we have a moral obligation to stop and help people and ask if they’re ok. The training does take over. It prepared me to manage so many things at once while under pressure and keep calm in the chaos.”
Several days after the incident, the casualty personally contacted him and thanked him over a coffee.
Pte Montgomery joined the Army in 2012 and previously served with the Royal Dragoon Guards. Now serving with the MPGS at Catterick Garrison, he plays Army rugby alongside his military duties protecting Defence establishments and providing specialist security expertise.
His route to the MPGS was shaped by his family. He left the Army for eight months to pursue a civilian logistics career after recognising the impact frequent deployments and exercises were having on his son, Oliver, who is autistic. However, he soon realised military service remained his passion and rejoined through the MPGS, a move that allowed him to continue serving while providing greater stability at home.
Oliver, now 10, struggled with long periods away from his father. Pte Montgomery said:
“Oliver really hated me going away. With his diagnosis, he needs me to be present. He loves it now that I can always be there for him, take him to school in the morning and, with my job in MPGS, he can see me every day, which is just what he needs.”
Receiving the commendation came as a surprise: “I appreciated being noticed by the Commander and bringing the Army into a good light, but I really didn’t expect to get a commendation. I did it because I wanted to help her, not because I wanted the recognition.”
The Garrison Commander praised Pte Montgomery’s actions, highlighting how he had demonstrated the Army’s core values through his professionalism, compassion and willingness to act when someone needed help.
Pte Montgomery added: “If you’re in a position and are able to help somebody, you should. If everybody helped each other a bit more, the world would be a better place.”
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