A HAMPSHIRE soldier has received a medal for his work during the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
Captain Philip Rowland, of the Winchester Army Training Regiment, received the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable at a passing out parade this week.
The QCVS, an emblem of silver oak leaves, is a British civilian and military award which recognises meritorious service during or in support of operations.
Capt Rowland recognised for his achievements on Operation Gritrock, the humanitarian relief operation to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.
The training regiment, supported by the Band of the Royal Logistics Corps, hosted a unique passing out parade with more than 110 recruits from four troops.
The parade, which also included qualified nurses, marked the completion of their phase one training after 14 weeks.
And it could be one of the last events to take place at Sir John Moore Barracks.
The site is current of of many under review of the Ministry of Defence.
In a letter sent to Winchester City Council leader Stephen Godfrey last month, Mark Lancaster MP confirmed the full announcement of the Estate Optimisation Strategy would be made in the next few months.
Mr Lancaster’s letter was in response to one sent by Cllr Godfrey earlier in July, to say the council will resist any attempt to sell off the 86-hectare site for housing. The MoD is currently conducting a review of its estate, to reduce the size by 30 per cent.
Photos by Chris Moorhouse
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