THE widow of a soldier has spoken of her pride at his posthumous military honour for heroism in Afghanistan.

Mother-of-three Leeanne Brownson, from Bishop Auckland, said it was an immense honour to find out that Corporal Lee Brownson, 30, had been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC), eight months after he died in an explosion while leading a night patrol in Sangin in January.

Mrs Brownson, who was married to Cpl Brownson for ten years, was speaking in public for the first time since the birth of their son, Lee- Junior, in June, who Cpl Brownson never had the chance to see.

Mrs Brownson said: “I was over the moon when I found out about the award; not for me, but for him. I am so proud.

“He thoroughly deserves the recognition for what he did and for doing the job that he loved so much.”

She also admitted to feeling mixed emotions about the honour, which is granted in recognition of gallantry during operations against the enemy.

She said: “It is bittersweet.

“It feels good that Lee has got the award, but it feels bitter that he is not here to receive it himself.”

Cpl Brownson was one of 131 servicemen and women honoured in the most recent Operational Awards List, released yesterday.

They included Sapper Jonathan Horner, 20, from Stockton, who was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service, and Cpl Brownson’s commanding officer, Nick Kitson, who received the Distinguished Service Order.

Mrs Brownson said the medal was something for their three children – Ginalee, ten, Morgan, five, and fourmonth- old Lee-Junior – to appreciate when they were older.

Former comrades and close friends of Cpl Brownson also spoke of their pride at his posthumous recognition.

Cpl Stewart Yates, who served with Cpl Brownson in the 3 Rifles battalion for ten years, said: “The word hero gets used a lot, but the CGC shows to the world just how heroic he really was.

“I am honoured to have known Lee and worked with him. I think his tour is complete now.”

Cpl Kevin Ball, who served alongside Cpl Brownson in Afghanistan, said: “His acts of heroism were immense.

“Everyone in the battalion aspired to be like him because he was just so good at his job and he knew everything about the Army.

“He was an amazing character, a great man, a great soldier and a great friend. We all miss him very much.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Brownson spoke of the joy brought to the family by the arrival of Lee-Junior, who was named after his father.

She said: “The girls are doing really well and love their brother to bits. He is a very happy, placid baby.

“I don’t think I will ever come to terms with what happened, but I have to carry on for the kids.”

Mrs Brownson received the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll in July, which are given to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel who have died on operations.

She chose to wait until 3 Rifles battalion were home from the tour in Afghanistan before receiving them at the TA Centre, in Bishop Auckland, where Cpl Brownson experienced his first taste of the military in his mid-teens.

She proudly donned the inscribed emblem while attending the 3 Rifles parade in Darlington earlier this month, when members of the battalion were granted the freedom of the borough.

Soldier honoured for brave leadership

A SOLDIER who led his men into a gun battle with the Taliban despite being wounded has been honoured.

Lance Sergeant Nathan Owen, from Seaham, County Durham, was Mentioned in Despatches, after saving the lives of a number of his men when they came under attack in the insurgent-held village of Torghai, in Helmand Province.

The 26-year-old was wounded when his foot patrol came under heavy fire from machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.

Despite his injuries, he took control of his section and directed their fire at the enemy, then relayed details of the attack back over the radio before staggering back to the front to control the fire fight.

Only after the fighting was under control did he collapse and was evacuated for medical care.

Lance Sgt Owen, of the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards, was among 131 servicemen and women named in the latest Operational Honours and Awards list.

His citation read: “Despite suffering most painful injuries during the initial contact, Lance Sgt Owen responded with aggression and courage to ensure that the remainder of his section survived unscathed.

“Seeing the danger facing them, Lance Sgt OwenOwen disregarded his own injuries and focused his men on winning the fire fight, showing the utmost professionalism in doing so.”

Lance Sgt Owen, who is married to Kate and has a daughter, Ria Emily, said: “It was a shock first of all. I didn’t think I would get one, due to only having done my job. I just tried to control the situation by keeping the enemy’s heads down and looking after my lads.”

Commendations for air base personnel

SEVEN servicemen based at an RAF base in the region have received military awards in recognition of their service to the country.

The personnel from RAF Leeming, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, learnt of their awards.

Those following are receiving a Joint Commander’s Commendation in recognition of their service:

● Corporal Ronald Parker, 30, from Middlesbrough;

● Captain Kristian Haagensen, 26, from Whitley Bay;

● Flight Lieutenant Thomas Brown, 30, from Nottingham;

● Acting Flight Lieutenant Emma Dutton, 24, from Barnet;

● Acting Sargeant Lee Chafer, 29, from Plymouth;

● Corporal Ryan Whincop, age 29 from Essex.

Also, Corporal Robert Tordoff, 29m from West Yorkshire, received a Mention in Despatches (MID) for displaying gallantry during service in Afghanistan.

The Joint Commander’s Commendation is awarded to personnel involved on operations who have shown particular dedication and commitment to their role and in the support of their peers.

The MID is awarded by order of the sovereign and is the oldest form of recognition of gallantry within the UK Armed Forces.

Since 1993, the Mention in Despatches has been reserved for gallantry during active operations.

Wing Commander Pete Squires, acting station com mander for RAF Leeming, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see service personnel at RAF Leeming recognised for their outstanding efforts in support of the operations in Afghanistan.”