What cost the Queen's Shilling - part 2.

They are all exceptionally brave, and deserve our deepest admiration.

From the citation, I wonder if the late Cpl Brelsford was a bit hard done by getting 'only' the MC? Reading, he seems to have the vital ingredient of 'without any thought of his own safety' to be considered as showing 'conspicuous gallantry' (VC territory).

Corporal Craig Brelsford, of The Mercian Regiment, is posthumously awarded the Military Cross for his involvement in the same engagement as Lieutenant Cupples. When tasked to assist Lieutenant Cupples's section in evacuating four casualties from a killing area with Taliban firing positions on two sides, Brelsford quickly assessed the situation. He placed himself between the enemy and the casualties and created a protective screen for them. Whilst providing inspiration and encouragement to some very frightened young soldiers, he was critically injured but he continued to command his men. Only once he was in the safety of a Viking vehicle did he stop, and sadly he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Brelsford displayed leadership, professional skill and courage of the very highest order.

It is probably the case that the difference between an MC and a VC will be determined by who witnessed the events and the strength of the written submission. It is very difficult to judge who should get what and there will always be someone who is unintentionally unjustly treated.

Surely the Military Cross, is not only ...

George