World News 31-10-2003 Teenage War Hero Honoured who: 19 year-old Household Cavalry trooper Chris Finney what: To be awarded the George Cross when: snippet: "The supreme gallantry of a 19-year-old soldier who joined the Household Cavalry less than a year before being sent to Iraq will be recognised today," says The Scotsman, "when he becomes the youngest serviceman to be awarded the George Cross." Scimitar driver Chris Finney, who was just 18 at the time, rescued an injured gunner 25 miles north of Basra on Friday March 28th when his armoured reconnaissance vehicle was accidentally attacked by American A-10 warplanes. "Trooper Finney displayed clearheaded courage and devotion to his comrades which was out of all proportion to his age and experience," says the citation for Chris`s medal, quoted in The Mirror. "Acting with complete disregard for his own safety even when wounded, his bravery was of the highest order." "Trooper Finney, from Marple, Greater Manchester, was among 374 servicemen and women honoured for their bravery during the conflict," says Sky News. Among the other honours is an OBE for Colonel Tim Collins, famed for the speech he gave to troops on the eve of battle and infamous for accusations of mistreating Iraqi civilians and POWs, of which he was subsequently cleared. [... more]

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