"Corporal Shaun Jardine CGC at Al Uzayr, Maysan Province, Iraq, 9th August 2003 "

by David Rowlands

Image Size 58 x 38 cm

On the morning of 9th August 2003, Corporal Shaun Jardine led a patrol of 1st Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers near the Al Uzayr security base in Iraq's southern province of Maysan, when they were engaged by two enemy positions. Under intense Iraqi machine gun fire, Corporal Jardine ordered his team to provide covering fire while he assaulted the first of three enemy positions single-handedly, killing two of the enemy and capturing their weapons. He then engaged and suppressed the second enemy position while calling his men to join him. The third enemy position was engaged but the remaining gunmen fled.

Corporal Jardine's quick thinking and total disregard for his own safety helped prevent casualties among his own team and other flanking units. His heroic actions earned him the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (Britain's highest award for gallantry after the Victoria Cross). The citation for his award praised his courage and inspirational leadership.

I visited the battalion to interview Corporal Jardine and his comrades. He told me he was not wearing his helmet on that patrol because it was too hot.