An army commander who was brought up in Norfolk is recommending a young female medic for a gallantry medal after she saved the life of a senior colleague in Iraq.
An army commander who was brought up in Norfolk is recommending a young female medic for a gallantry medal after she saved the life of a senior colleague in Iraq.
Lt Col David Labouchere, whose parents John and Mary live at North Elmham, near Dereham, is in charge of the Queen's Royal Hussars.
Among his troops is Pte Michelle Norris, 19, who is on her first tour of duty and risked fierce sniper fire as she climbed onto the top of a Warrior armoured vehicle to help the sergeant to safety after he was wounded in the head.
A bullet from an AK47 rifle ripped through her rucksack as she was targeted from five different positions.
But she carried on the brave rescue and managed to get the sergeant to military hospital.
Lt Col Labouchere, 43, is recommending the 5ft medic from the Midlands for a top award for gallantry - and if his advice is followed, she would become the first female soldier to be decorated for bravery in Iraq.
He said: “Pte Norris acted completely selflessly and, in the face of great danger, concentrated on her job and saved someone else's life.”
Lt Col Labouchere is follow-ing in the footsteps of his grandfather Peter Labouch-ere, who commanded the same regiment, then known as the 3rd King's Own Hussars.
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