Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, received a posthumous mention in dispatches (From The Northern Echo)

Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, received a posthumous mention in dispatches

8:27am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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AN Army mine detector operator who died trying to save an injured comrade has been honoured for his heroism.

Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, received a posthumous mention in dispatches for saving numerous lives and preventing countless serious injuries to troops in Afghanistan.

Rfn Wild, from Easington Colliery, County Durham, was one of almost 150 service personnel to be recognised yesterday for their actions in Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign tours last year.

He died along with Captain Mark Hale when a bomb exploded in Helmand Province in August last year.

The pair were trying to carry Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, from Haxby, near York, to a helicopter landing zone, after he had been injured in an explosion.

Rfn Wild, of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, had been in the Army for two years and was looking forward to coming home on leave only days later.

Rfn Wild’s role was operating a mine detector at the head of patrols, which experts said was one of the most dangerous jobs in Afghanistan.

His citation described him as utterly selfless to the last and an extraordinary, modest young man.

It read: “He never wavered from his task, even when mentally and physically exhausted. He took great pride in his ability to keep his patrol safe and able to continue with their tasks.”

Lieutenant Colonel Bill Wright, his commanding officer, said yesterday: “It is tragic that this award is posthumous, but we hope that it will be some solace to his family that he died a hero and that he has now been formally recognised for his outstanding courage.”

Other soldiers based in the region were also commended.

Lieutenant William Hignett was awarded a Military Cross.

Lt Hignett’s platoon discovered more than 44 explosive devices in three months, yet hardly suffered a casualty.

His citation read: “For six gruelling months, his actions have been characterised by distinction and a startling gallantry against a ruthless enemy.

“His inspiring leadership has been extraordinary and he has never wavered.”

Lt Hignett now serves with 1st Infantry Training Battalion at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC), Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

Two other soldiers serving at the ITC were honoured.

Sergeant Andrew Peter Mc- Nulty, also from 1st Infantry Training Battalion, received a mention in dispatches.

The commendation was for two incidents in Afghanistan, where he risked his life to save others.

In the first, he free-wheeled his broken-down vehicle between enemy insurgents and a supply convoy after the vehicles came under fire.

In the second, he dived into a swollen river to pull two colleagues free from an overturned vehicle.

Sgt McNulty directed the soldiers to remove their body armour and performed “a near Herculean feat and pulled them both clear through a very small space”, his citation said.

Lieutenant Charles James Richard Fraser-Sampson, from 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, at the ITC, received a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

Medic Private Charlotte Butler, who serves with the Mercian Regiment, at Gaza Barracks, Catterick Garrison, was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.