Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bravery award for soldier who defused 93 IEDs

Matthew Cooper,Press Association
Thursday 25 March 2010 06:20 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A bomb disposal expert is to receive the Queen's Gallantry Medal after defusing a record number of devices during a tour of Afghanistan.

Captain Wayne Owers, who will receive the honour later this year, tackled a total of 93 improvised explosive devices during a six-month tour from March to August last year.

A citation released by the Ministry of Defence stated that Capt Owers, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, had enabled countless missions to succeed and "saved innumerable lives" while serving with The Royal Logistic Corps.

The citation read: "Captain Owers operated with every battle group and the Brigade Reconnaissance Force during a phenomenally intense period.

"He has rendered safe and exploited 93 IEDs - the greatest quantity ever dealt with in a single operational tour by a British operator.

"Such courage and resolute determination to complete tasks irrespective of the risk to his life has been inspirational and served to instil real confidence in commanders and subordinates alike."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in