BRAVE servicemen at RAF Odiham have won an outstanding number of medals for their courage in the conflict in Afghanistan.

Three members of 18 Squadron have been told they are to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) - the highest number of such honours awarded to any squadron at a single time since the end of the Second World War.

And to congratulate the airmen on their remarkable feat, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy - the RAF's most senior officer - flew into RAF Odiham on Friday aboard a Chinook helicopter.

He spoke at length with the three RAF personnel, from 1310 Flight of 18 Squadron, about the news that they had been chosen by the Queen to receive one of the highest medals awarded for bravery during combat.

Four others, from the same flight, are to receive a Mention in Dispatches (MiD) for their gallantry.

Sir Glenn said: "First of all, congratulations. I think it is a real reflection of the risks everybody is taking.

"If you look back over some of the operations we have done in the past - the First World War, Kosovo - and what we have done in Afghanistan, we have not seen this number of honours given to one squadron."

The squadron, which operates Chinook helicopters, will return to Afghanistan in February to continue and Sir Glenn offered a few words of encouragement.

"You all know that you are doing an absolutely vital job in supporting the guys on the ground and I know you will carry on exactly the same as you have been doing. It's a difficult theatre but we have people with commitment who display courage and bravery."

The three awarded the DFC include Flight Lieutenant Chris Hasler, 26, a Chinook pilot. He led a formation of aircraft into a Taliban stronghold to resupply and rescue casualties last July.

On another occasion, Flt Lt Hasler landed troops while under fire, with inches to spare between the helicopter rotors and buildings.

He told The Gazette about the moment he found out he was to be honoured.

"It was more scary than when I did it," he said.

"This big air marshal called me up and said you have got the DFC'. I was completely shocked and couldn't speak for 15 minutes or so. I can't really remember what he said after that."

Flight Lieutenant Craig Wilson, 31, was the pilot of a Chinook in the Helmand Province.

DFC factfile

  • The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's RAF and other services.
  • It was previously awarded to officers in other Commonwealth countries.
  • The honour was established on June 3, 1918, shortly after the formation of the Royal Air Force.
  • The cross is a cross flory and is just over two-inches wide.
  • The ribbon was originally white with purple broad horizontal stripes, but changed in 1919 to the current white with purple broad diagonal stripes.
  • During the Second World War, 20,354 DFCs were awarded - the most of any award.
  • Television presenter Raymond Baxter, who died last September, served in the RAF in the Second World War and was awarded a DFC for his bravery.

Last June, he rescued soldiers with life-threatening injuries twice in one night, even though he had been out there for just a few weeks and had very little experience of night flying.

Flt Lt Wilson flew at 150ft, landing near a stranded patrol under attack.

The Chinook had barely enough fuel to remain airborne.

An RAF statement said his "extreme and persistent courage" saved two seriously wounded men.

Flt Lt Wilson said it was a team effort, adding: "I suppose really it's sort of bitter sweet as it's very nice to receive an award, but it's for everybody. You can't do it on your own, but it just happened to be my name that was put forward. It takes four people to fly a Chinook."

Royal Marine Major Mark Hammond, 39, was also awarded the DFC but, due to personal reasons, was not present for Sir Glenn's visit.

Last September, Maj Hammond, who was attached to 18 Squadron on an exchange, was involved in three separate casualty evacuations in one night. His citation says he showed leadership, superior flying skills and inspirational command of his crew - each time while under fire.

In one instance, despite knowing the destination was under attack from the Taliban, Maj Hammond landed near to an injured soldier, but had to abort when fighting became more aggressive. Back at base, it was found that four rounds had hit the aircraft, but Maj Hammond took another Chinook back and managed to save the soldier.

Sergeant Daniel Baxter, 27, a Chinook loadmaster, will receive the MiD for his bravery in Sangin when he returned fire to suppress the enemy while a seriously-injured soldier was airlifted to safety.

Sergeant Graham Jones, 32, a Chinook crewman, has been honoured for going beyond his duties by leaving the aircraft in order to fire at the enemy in the heartland of the Taliban so that a quadbike rider could make his getaway on the ground.

The officer commanding the 1310 Flight of Chinooks, Squadron Leader Michael Woods, 39, will also receive the MiD for leading high-risk missions in Afghanistan last summer.

He said: "Really the whole flight did a fantastic job and we are really honoured to be recognised for that."

Lieutenant Nichol Benzie, 32, will also receive a MiD for his gallantry.

Further demonstrations of bravery in Afghanistan of Sergeant Samuel Hannant, 28, and Sergeant Darrell Harding, 37, both of 18 Squadron, and Flight Sergeant Andrew Welham-Jones and Flight Lieutenant Glen Militis, of 27 Squadron, will be recognised with a Joint Commander's Commendation (JCC).