Three Canterbury-based soldiers have been awarded the Military Cross for bravery and courage whilst fighting in Afghanistan.

The trio, all from the 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 Scots), have been rewarded for their contribution to the fight against Taliban forces in the country.

Major Nick Calder, 35, was honoured for his conduct during the recent deployment in Musa Qal'eh with the Delta Company, which he commanded.

The area where the Delta Company was based was flanked by large concentrations of enemy fighters and as the only light infantry in the area, it was responsible for the task of patrolling the surrounding Green Zone.

During battles with the enemy the Major was described as "constantly demonstrating the utmost physical courage".

Major Calder was recently appointed Deputy Chief of Staff at 2(SE) Brigade at Folkestone.

~ Audio: Major Nick Calder speaks about the heat of battle >>>

Second Lieutenant Alexander Barclay, 23, was working with the Afghan National Army (ANA) during a joint patrol when they came under fire from a Taliban ambush.

He successfully guided his platoon through the first ambush and then braved four more when he went to help others missing at the original ambush site.

He was shot in the leg - but still managed to get his team safely back to base.

2nd Lt Barclay said: "The deployment was a very busy time for us and I’m very proud to be awarded this medal."

Corporal Shaun Whitehead, 24, has been honoured for his work as a member of Major Calder's Delta Company, during deployment last year on Operation Herrick in Musa Qal'eh.

He has been praised for "exhibiting the highest standards of professionalism, leadership and courage" during battles with the Taliban.

On one day in August, Corporal Whitehead Corporal Whitehead led his command of eight soldiers in an attack on the Taliban, charging up a canal bank into an open area in full view of the enemy, leading his section in a successul attack on the enemy.

Cpl Whitehead said: "I'm overjoyed and shocked, It’s an amazing award which was only achieved with the help of my platoon and company."

The Military Cross is a decoration given in recognition of "acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land".

5 Scots are based at Canterbury's Howe Barracks.

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