Army chief vows to clear name

A Shropshire army chief has vowed to clear his name after he was arrested and quizzed by military police investigating the way bravery medals were awarded.

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Freely, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment based at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, was interviewed on Wednesday.

He was released without charge, his solicitor Alex Tribick said today.

Mr Tribick said Lt Col Freely, 43, was deeply concerned that he should be linked in any way to claims of "dishonourable conduct" and said he has vowed to clear his name.

It comes after an official military investigation was launched when it was alleged that a medal was awarded based on an "overblown" citation.

Major Robert Armstrong, from the Royal Artillery, was detained by Royal Military Police last Friday and interviewed under caution.

Major Armstrong was att-ached with the 1st battalion The Royal Irish Regiment in Helmand, Afghanistan, last year. The 35-year-old was awarded a Military Cross in March this year for "consistent bravery and inspirational leadership".

The investigation is thought to be the first of its kind in more than 300 years of British military history.

Mr Tribick said the allegations of fraud and neglect of duty against Lt Col Freely were outrageous.

Mr Tribick said: "I can confirm that Lt Col Freely met with SIB military police and was interviewed by agreement under caution.

"He has co-operated fully with the investigation, giving extensive and detailed accounts of his involvement in the awards procedure and allied matters.

"As a result of this new intelligence, the SIB will doubtless conduct further inquiries, both in the UK and Helmand Province.

"But he is gravely concerned that this investigation should not detract from acts of gallantry that receive recognition, or the professionalism and bravery routinely shown by soldiers in Afghanistan."

No-one was available from the MoD to comment today.

By Abigail Bates