A Redcap from JHQ has received a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Operational Honours List.  Cpl Andrew Griffin, of 101 Provost Company RMP, spent six months in Afghanistan, mentoring the Afghan National Police in Sangin province and providing close protection to the Brigade Commander.  In November last year, whilst in Sangin, the vehicle in which he was travelling rolled off a bridge, landing upside down in the river below.

“I was on top cover, along with another guy, a Royal Engineer, LCpl Jake Alderton” explained Andrew.  “The vehicle was submerged.  At first I didn’t know if anyone else had got out.  It was dark but I was lucky enough to end up near the door so I just started grabbing people to get them out.  I pulled out the dog handler and his dog and he said there was some one still left inside.  I went underwater to look.  I found Jake, who was trapped by the vehicle but sadly he was already dead and I couldn’t pull him out”.

Another soldier and an interpreter sustained injuries that required their evacuation by helicopter to the field hospital in Camp Bastion. In total, Andrew helped 7 of his fellow passengers to safety.  “I didn’t think much about it” he said.  “I just knew some one had to act and that I was the first person out”. 

Following some well earned post-tour leave, Andrew is now back at work in JHQ and will officially receive his QCB at an award ceremony later in the year.