Soldiers will get bravery medals

Three soldiers from a north Shropshire-based Army regiment were due to receive bravery medals at Buckingham Palace today.

The 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment soldiers were set to receive military crosses – two levels down from the Victoria Cross – for bravery in Afghanistan.

Captain Graham Rainey, Colour Sergeant Steven McConnell and Ranger Alan Owens were set to receive the medals.

Captain Rainey was set to receive his military cross for actions north of Musa Kala. Colour Sergeant McConnell was set to receive his for actions while serving with Ranger Company in Sangin and Ranger Owens was due to get his for operations near the Kajaki Dam.

They will follow in the footsteps of three other soldiers from the Tern Hill-based regiment. Corporal Robert McClurg, Acting Sergeant Alwyn Stevens and Lance Corporal Jone Toge received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross – one level down from the Victoria Cross.

Their citations were scrutinised and cleared after their senior officer Major Robert Armstrong was arrested for allegedly "grossly exaggerating" his own heroics in Afghanistan.

Major Armstrong, of the Royal Artillery, was attached to The Royal Irish Regiment in southern Afghanistan last year.

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Freely, commanding officer, was questioned and released without charge.