A former Commanding Officer of The Black Watch has been awarded a Distinguished Service Order for his leadership in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Fenton (43), of 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), is among 106 personnel named in the army’s latest operational honours and awards list.
The former Dundee High School pupil is joined on the list by Sergeant Daniel Buist (37), from Arbroath, and Colour Sergeant Ian Smith (32), from Cowdenbeath, who were both recognised for extraordinary bravery.
Lt Col Fenton commanded the largest combined force in Helmand Province during the six-month tour from October last year, responsible for more than 1,500 troops during Operation HERRICK 15.
Operating in the Nad e-Ali district, the Carnoustie father-of-one worked with Afghan leaders to quicken transition for security to the Afghan forces and coordinated a series of conflicts with insurgents.
His citation reveals that casualties were reduced by 50% during the tour despite levels of violence rising by 23%, compared to the previous summer fighting season.
Leading by example, Lt Col Fenton was frequently exposed to direct fire and improvised explosive device (IED) threat during the tour and was often ahead of the forward line of his own troops.
He said: ”Our achievements were down to the selfless dedication of an outstanding battalion headquarters team led by Major Harry Clark, the inspirational leadership of the junior commanders who showed immense restraint in the face of the enemy in order to protect the local people, and the gritty determination of the Jocks facing danger on a daily basis, every one giving their all to help the Afghan forces take responsibility for security.
”That lasting Afghan-led security continues to thrive in Nad e-Ali is testament to their superb efforts, and I am absolutely delighted that those efforts are further recognised today in the award of five Mention in Despatches (MiD), and nine Joint Commanders Commendations earned by the men and women of Combined Force Nad e-Ali.”
The awards are for actions during the period September 2011 to March 31.
Sergeant Buist of 3 Scots received a Mention in Despatches (MiD) after putting himself in the line of fire in November, when he led his men through ground heavily-seeded with IEDs.
The platoon was patrolling as part of a route clearance operation when it was attacked by machine gun fire and grenades.
Standing up to draw fire, he allowed his men to extract to better cover before leading them to breach enemy lines and secure a buffer zone around Loy Mandeh.
His citation states that his leadership won the tactical battle on the day and set the pattern of success that was to follow.
Colour Sergeant Smith, also of 3 Scots, foiled an enemy ambush during the tour.
The former Beath High School pupil, who lives with his partner Karla Rae, was conducting a patrol to the east of Checkpoint Brekna when his patrol was attacked several times.
He stood up from a position of cover and, with another soldier, manoeuvred more than 300 metres across uncleared ground under enemy fire before coordinating a controlled fighting withdrawal.
His citation states that his personal risk was instrumental to regaining control of a desperate situation.