An 'Operation Herrick' Q.C.V.S. Group of Five to Company Intelligence Marine, Lance Corporal T.

An 'Operation Herrick' Q.C.V.S. Group of Five to Company Intelligence Marine, Lance Corporal T. Harrison, 40 Commando, Royal MarinesGeneral Service 1962-2007, one clasp, Northern Ireland (Mne T Harrison PO58382B RM); Iraq 2003-11, one clasp, 19 Mat to 28 Apr 2003 (Mne T Harrison PO58382B RM); Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, one clasp, Afghanistan, with Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service Oak Leaves (Mne T Harrison PO58382B RM); Jubilee 2012; Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 2011 (LCpl T Harrison RM PO58382B), light contact marks, nearly extremely fine, mounted as originally worn, with the following related items:- Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service Certificate, named to 'Lance Corporal Thomas Harrison Royal Marines- Named box of issue for the QCVS emblems, with two additional emblems- The recipient's Award of British Military Parachute Wings Certificate, dated 28.10.2008- The recipient's Royal Marines green beret- Two identity tags, and the recipient's somewhat damaged hip flask (5) Q.C.V.S. London Gazette 4.10.2013 Acting Lance Corporal Thomas Harrison, Royal Marines, P058382B'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013.'The Recommendation, dated 24.3.2013, states: 'Lance Corporal Harrison has been the Company Intelligence Marine for the Nahr-e Saraj Operations Company (South) on Operation Herrick 17. With no command or specialist intelligence training he has provided his Company with a refined intelligence product that has shaped the way it operated. His input has been well above what could reasonably be expected from a man of his rank.Leading a team of fellow marines, Harrison focussed on the collation, analysis, and exploitation of intelligence in support of operations across a particularly complex area of Helmand Province. Despite only holding the substantive rank of Marine, and having received no formal command training, his capacity to forge team ethos and lead detailed second and third order analysis was truly exceptional. With a mandate that extended to include both governed and ungoverned space, and the contested area of Torghai where some of the tour's heaviest fighting took place, Harrison understood and clarified long standing complex tribal tensions and dynamic local accommodations. Employed in a high readiness Operations Company role he routinely worked against the clock, flourishing in the highly charged environment, and he effectively shaped the Company's ground manoeuvre plans. Selflessly working extremely long hours Harrison, with no previous intelligence experience, stood out above other company intelligence specialists and he outshone both non-commissioned and commissioned officers. Passionately committed to the success of the campaign he ensured that fellow marines were launched on operations armed with the very best possible understanding of the threat that they faced, often deep into defended insurgent territory, and against the most tenacious and determined foe. He achieved this by energetic and thorough application to often mundane tasks. His analysis and advice made a tangible difference to Company operations.I have never before encountered an intelligence specialist with Harrison's ability to translate and communicate the most complex threats in a way that can be understood by even the youngest and most inexperienced Marine. Ultimately, his briefings directly shaped the way that the marines of the Company confronted threats and I have no doubt that his capacity to articulate the context of these threats saved lives. Throughout a demanding tour he was an indispensable member of the Company planning team and, despite his junior rank, his counsel and expertise were always sought. A huge character, Harrison's contribution was not restricted to a planning role and he constantly hunted opportunities to deploy o