For Hero in Afghanistan, just another "day at the office"

Mother thought hero soldier son worked in office

Michael Smith

From The Sunday Times March 21, 2010


Lance Bombardier Gary Prout who risked his life three times under Taliban gunfire in Afghanistan.


THE mother of a soldier decorated for bravery in Afghanistan had thought he was working in an office until she found out he had won an honour second only to the Victoria Cross.

This weekend it was announced that Lance Bombardier Gary Prout had been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. He was one of more than 150 servicemen and women who were honoured.

Prout risked his life three times in quick succession when his patrol was caught in a vicious firefight with the Taliban.

Heather, his mother, said: “He kept it from me that he was actually on the front line ... He had already done one tour. I thought he worked in an office.”

Prout, 27, from Lisburn, Co Antrim, won his medal for what the citation described as “the most incredible courage”. It added: “It was a miracle he was not killed.”


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Mother thought hero soldier son worked in office