Elizabeth Cross medal honour for soldiers’ families

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll have been presented to the family of Corporal Jake Hartley who died in Afghanistan last month.

Cpl Hartley’s family and relatives of Private Anton Frampton, Pte Christopher Kershaw, Pte Daniel Wade and Pte Daniel Wilford were given the medals on Friday.

The soldiers, of the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, were killed on Tuesday March 6 when their Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Sergeant Nigel Coupe of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment was also killed in the explosion.

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Cpl Hartley grew-up in Dewsbury and was hugely popular in the town.

The families of the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment received the commemorative medal from Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, during a dignified ceremony at Huddersfield Town Hall.

The Elizabeth Cross award was created to provide national recognition to the families of Armed Forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of terrorism.

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) David O’Kelly, Regimental Secretary of The Yorkshire Regiment said: “This is a very poignant occasion, touched with both pride and sadness. The presentation of the Elizabeth Cross is a fitting way of showing an enduring debt to those who gave their lives fighting for our security and freedom.”

Funeral details are expected to be confirmed this week.

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