An RAF chaplain who helped repatriate more than 50 British and Afghan personnel and civilians during a three-month tour of duty in Afghanistan has been awarded an MBE.

The extraordinary work of the Reverend Dr (Wing Commander) Giles Legood during a three-month tour of duty in Afghanistan was revealed during a ceremony at the Honourable Artillery Company in London.

The, 46-year-old, who lives in Maidstone also gave spiritual help to Scottish units after three members died in action, and to Georgian soldiers dealing with a terrorist attack which resulted in more than 50 casualties in one day.

Padre Legood also gave spiritual help to Scottish units which had suffered three deaths in action and six servicemen wounded, and to Georgian Army personnel dealing with a terrorist attack which resulted in more than 50 casualties in one day.

He worked closely with the hospital’s medical, nursing and support staff, helping the injured and giving emotional support to staff and visitors during the tour between April and July last year.

He said: “It is humbling to receive this award which is, in part, public recognition for the work of all military chaplains, which, so often, goes on behind-the-scenes.

“It was a privilege to serve alongside the team at Bastion Hospital, who are regularly exposed to horrific scenes of suffering but work tirelessly to save lives whether they are British, from Coalition Forces, or Afghan.”

Air Vice-Marshal Edward Stringer, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, who attended the event, said: “Our airmen and women make a vital contribution to operations across the globe. I am immensely proud that these personnel have been commended for their actions, which were first class and in the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force."