FOUR members of the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, based at Connaught Barracks in Dover, have been named in the latest Operational Honours List.

Sgt Gordon Robertson receives the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for service in Al Majar Al Kabir in Iraq.

The citation described his bravery when his vehicles were destroyed by rocket-propelled grenades and how he and his men held out for 45 minutes in a nearby building with the enemy only 20 metres away.

Some fighters even tried to batter their way through the wall of the building to attack the soldiers.

Efforts by the Air Reaction Force to extract the Paras were beaten off by heavy machine gun fire but eventually Sgt Robertson was able to lead his men to safety.

The citation concludes that Sgt Robertson displayed bravery and leadership of the highest order. He consistently placed himself in extreme danger and showed no concern for his personal safety.

Lt Ross Kennedy and Corporal John Dolton are both mentioned in Despatches for their services in Al Majar Al Kabir.

A fourth member of the Parachute Regiment, Major James Loden, unusually receives an American award, the Bronze Star Medal, for services in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The citation states that he upheld the finest traditions of the American and British paratrooper and reflected great credit on himself.