Miniature Medals

The group of seven miniature dress medals worn by Warrant Officer Class 2 S. G. Jardine, 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, later The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, E.II.R.; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland; Iraq 2003-11; Operational Service Medal 2000, for Afghanistan, 1 clasp, Afghanistan; Jubilee 2012; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 2011; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army, mounted as originally worn, nearly extremely fine (7) £300-£400 --- C.G.C. London Gazette 23 April 2004: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st April to 30th September 2003.’ The original recommendation states: ‘Corporal Jardine was commanding a Fire Team employed as the Immediate Quick Reaction Force for the Al Uzayr Security Force Base in Maysan Province on the morning of Saturday 9th August 2003. At 0815hrs a prolonged and intense mix of Heavy Machine Gun and small arms fire was heard 300m to the north of the base and Corporal Jardine and his fire team deployed to investigate. Corporal Jardine and his team advanced North on foot until they were engaged by two enemy positions 100 metres to their West. The first was occupied by three men armed with automatic rifles, the second by a Heavy Machine Gun. Corporal Jardine immediately ordered his team into what limited cover was available. Simultaneously, other elements of the Al Uzayr Multiple, which had also deployed came under fire to the South. Realising that no reinforcements were available and assessing that his team’s position was becoming untenable, Corporal Jardine decided to take the offensive. Corporal Jardine ordered the remainder of his team to provide covering fire, and despite intense and accurate HMG fire, assaulted the first position alone, killing two of the enemy and capturing their weapons. The third enemy fled in the face of his determined action. Corporal Jardine then proceeded to suppress the depth machine gun position, whilst calling forward the remainder of his own team to join him. At this point a third enemy position was identified to him by the Platoon Commander. Corporal Jardine’s team located this position and proceeded to lay down fire on both positions, allowing the remainder of the Multiple to move forward. At this point the enemy disengaged from the action and withdrew to the North. Corporal Jardine’s quick thinking and total disregard for his own safety undoubtedly served to prevent casualties amongst his own team and the remainder of the Multiple. His courage and inspirational leadership in the face of a determined enemy attack deserve recognition.’ Sold together with an original letter of congratulation from Brigadier (retd) Frank Coutts, dated 24 April 2004. For the recipient’s full size awards, see Lot 139.