Corporal Andrew Braines from Peterborough has been awarded a Commander’s Coin by Brigadier Julian Free as 4 Mechanized Brigade enter their final days of Op TELIC 11.

The 26-year-old Royal Signals junior non-commissioned officer, formally trained as a radio systems operator tradesman, took on the role of information systems engineer for the duration of tour.

He was given the extra responsibility of corporal prior to deploying and in fact stepped into the role of a sergeant, a rank higher

He led a team of experts who maintained a specialised military computer network in support of the high-tech Multi-National Divisional Headquarters in Basra.

Corporal Braines’ citation called him a “dedicated achiever who led and administered his department with the utmost professionalism and maturity”.

It also noted his “impenetrable positive attitude” and called him a “pillar of reliability” despite the fact that he was acting out of trade, two ranks up and with limited manpower. Corporal Braines said he was extremely proud to have been recognised for his contribution.

He said: “The heat and the long hours get to you after a while, but being on tour allows us to put our hard training into practice and our leadership skills to the test.”

Corporal Braines, who is attached to 204 Signal Squadron looks forward to returning to his home unit, 3 (UK) Division and Signal Regiment, and his family and friends.

Corporal Braines joined the Army 1998 after his final year at Saint Guthlacs High School in Crowland.