Introduction of a Medal for British Soldiers Injured in Combat
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Davin Baines MP.
Re: Introduction of a Medal for British Soldiers Injured in Combat
Dear Minister,
I am writing to urge the Government to support the campaign of my constituent Corporal Andy Reid MBE to establish an official medal to recognise British service personnel who have been wounded or injured while serving on active duty.
In October 2009, Corporal Andy Reid MBE stepped on a Taliban improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Injured so badly that it was thought he would not survive, he defied the odds to the extent that, within a month, he was able to meet up with members of his patrol again. Since then, as a triple amputee, he has gone on to carry out many arduous challenges to raise money for charity and give back to the associations that helped him and his family through difficult times.
Through his Standing Tall Foundation, Andy continues to provide invaluable support to injured service personnel and their families, demonstrating remarkable dedication to those who have served and also to the wider community.
Currently, UK service personnel who are wounded in active service receive no formal medal or honour to reflect the profound physical and mental sacrifices they have made in defence of our country. While the Elizabeth Cross appropriately recognises the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, there is no equivalent recognition for those who bear the wounds of their service. This stands in stark contrast to our international allies: the United States awards the Purple Heart, and India presents the Wound Medal or Parakram Padak to those injured in conflict.
Andy understands intimately the sacrifices made by our armed forces and is leading the charge for this vital recognition. As Andy eloquently states: "For many injured soldiers that bit of recognition in the form of a medal for
the mental and physical sacrifices they have made would give them that real boost they might need – a thank you from the nation that might just pull them out of that dark place and move forward with their lives towards a better future."
This medal would provide something instantly recognisable to the general population – a visible acknowledgement that this individual has paid a sacrifice for their safety and the safety of the nation.
My colleagues and I look forward to your response and to working with you on this important matter.
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Davin Baines MP.