News
TRH present medals to the Parachute Regiment in Colchester
2nd December 2008
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today presented operational medals to Paratroopers who have returned from Afghanistan at The Parachute Regiment's base in Colchester .
The Prince, who has been Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment since 1977, received the salute and first presented medals to soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty.
The most badly injured was Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, from Worcester, who lost both legs and an arm fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
L/Cpl Neathway, a member of 2 Para, achieved his ambition to stand to receive his medal from The Prince.
More than 500 paratroopers received Afghanistan campaign medals at the ceremony and in a speech The Prince, told troops how "proud" he is of his regiment.
The Prince said to the gathered troops: “Now I know you faced suicide bombers, IEDs of all descriptions, RPGs, mines, small arms and indirect fire of every conceivable kinds.
“The fact that you put up with all of this and more is, I think, remarkable testimony not only to your training - which I hope has stood you in such good stead - but for that unquenchable Parachute Regiment spirit which is so admired the world over.
”I also wanted to pay particular tribute to those of you who were wounded - many severely and some of whom I have seen - those who have lost limbs, who again display such an incredible degree of resilience and determination to overcome their injuries in the course of duty.
“Again they set us an incredible example of fortitude and determination. My God, we owe them an immense debt of gratitude as well for what they have endured on our behalf.”
He also spoke of the sacrifices made by soldiers and families and said that he understood what it was like to have a relative fighting overseas, after his son Prince Harry fought in Afghanistan earlier this year.
Troops from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Parachute Regiment saw action in Afghanistan this summer.
Thirty-three British troops, or troops attached to British forces, died and more than 150 were hurt and 13 of those were Paratroopers.
L/Cpl Neathway, a member of 2 Para, was hurt when a roadside booby trap exploded in July. He said: "I knew how badly I was hurt, but I knew I'd be okay because my mates would get me out."
He said it had been a goal to stand to receive the medal and then walk a few yards to nearby chairs reserved for wounded soldiers.
"It was a bit of a milestone for me," he said. "One of my goals was to stand to receive the medal, then walk to the chair. It wasn't hard to do but it was hard to be able to do. It's taken me two months of hard work - it probably should have taken longer."
He added: "Now I just want to crack on. My next goal will be to get back to work."
His father Alan, 57, a builder, was among relatives watching the ceremony. "It was very emotional seeing him stand up," said Mr Neathway. "I was very proud. He's just an amazing kid."
Click here to read The Prince's speech.