News
HRH presents Afghanistan campaign medals to 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment
2nd December 2009
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall welcomed soldiers who have fought in Afghanistan to Sandringham to receive their campaign medals.
The Prince invited servicemen from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, to Sandringham House in Norfolk.
His Royal Highness pinned campaign medals on around 80 members of the battalion, met servicemen wounded during a six-month tour and chatted to relatives of five soldiers killed.
"It was special to come here. Different to having a ceremony at a barracks," said Private Chris Godley, 19, of Nottingham.
"It's a big thing for our families and we appreciated it."
Private Dean Housley, 25, of Heanor, Derbyshire, was back in uniform for the first time since losing part of his left leg when a home-made bomb exploded in Helmand on 8th October.
He lined up in a wheelchair alongside his colleagues as his parents watched with other soldiers' relatives.
The Prince also met Major Stewart Hill, from Nottingham, who is recovering after suffering severe head injuries in an explosion in July. He was accompanied by his wife, Melissa.
"The Prince asked how I was progressing with my recovery," said Pte Housley. "He said he was proud of me."
Pte Housley added: "It was good to be back in uniform and see all my mates again. I will walk again. I'm making a good recovery. I'm just waiting to have my artificial leg fitted."
Major Hill, who has a nine-year-old daughter, Olivia, said he was recovering at home and hoping to return to work. But he said his life had changed.
"I used to be quite fit. I used to love running. I had just started experimenting with triathlons. That was pretty important to me. I don't do that any more," he said.
"I used to play a lot of rugby which I cannot do now. I don't know if I'll be able to play again."
Major Hill said he suffered hearing and balance problems and his personality had changed as a result of his injuries.
"Life has changed," he said. "I can't drive. I have to rely on my wife to do a lot of things."
He added: "I nearly died so I appreciate life now - because I am alive."
Major Hill said his daughter had presented him an ornamental angel while he was unconscious in hospital and the toy was placed behind his bed.
"Apparently when I woke up, I asked where my angel was and was talking about there being an angel watching over me," he said. "I don't know how I knew because I was unconscious when she gave it to me."
The Prince also met one of the youngest Afghan campaign veterans.
Private Matthew Round, of Stourport, Worcestershire, celebrated his 18th birthday in January - two months before leaving for the battle zone.
"You just have to get on with your job. Some people are hairdressers, we're soldiers. You just have to do what you're trained to do," he said.
"I've probably grown up a lot in a short space of time. I saw people die. One of my friends was killed."
He added: "I think people understand what's it like up to a certain point. But not really... I don't think a lot of people understand why we are there. They ask me. My answer is 'I'm a soldier. I do what I'm commanded to do'."