Christopher Finney
Christopher Finney GC (born 23 May 1984) is a British soldier. He is best known for receiving the rare George Cross because of his actions in the Iraq War.[1]
Early life[change | change source]
Finney was born in Brussels, Belgium. He grew up in Marple, Greater Manchester. His family moved to Wimborne in Dorset where he joined the Dorset Army Cadet Force at the age of 13.[2]
Soldier[change | change source]
In 2000, he joined the British Army. In 2002, he became part of the Household Cavalry Regiment at Windsor. His name was recommended the George Cross because of bravery under attack from a pair of American aircraft in a friendly fire event.[3]
Notice of the award was published in the London Gazette on 30 October 2003.[1] He became one of the very few living holders of the George Cross.[4]
George Cross citation[change | change source]
Hughes' George Cross recognized his conduct in frontline fighting in Iraq in 2003. He showed "clearheaded courage and devotion to his comrades which was out of all proportion to his age and experience. Acting with complete disregard for his own safety even when wounded,".[1]
Hughes received his decoration from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.[5] The words of Hughes' citation explain:
On 28 March 2003, D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment were probing forward along the Shatt Al Arab waterway, north of Basrah, some thirty kilometres ahead of the main force of 16 Air Assault Brigade. In exposed desert, their mission was to find and interdict the numerically vastly superior, and better equipped, Iraqi 6th Armoured Division.
Trooper Finney, a young armoured vehicle driver with less than a year's service, was driving the leading Scimitar vehicle of his troop, which had been at the forefront of action against enemy armour for several hours. In the early afternoon, the two leading vehicles paused beside a levee to allow the troop leader to assess fully the situation in front. Without warning, they were engaged by a pair of Coalition Forces ground attack aircraft. Both vehicles were hit and caught fire, and ammunition began exploding inside the turrets. Trooper Finney managed to get out of his driving position and was on the way towards cover when he noticed that his vehicle's gunner was trapped in the turret. He then climbed onto the fiercely burning vehicle, at the same time placing himself at risk from enemy fire, as well as fire from the aircraft should they return. Despite the smoke and flames and exploding ammunition, he managed to haul out the injured gunner, get him off the vehicle, and move him to a safer position not far away, where he bandaged his wounds.
The troop officer, in the other Scimitar, had been wounded and there were no senior ranks to take control. Despite his relative inexperience, the shock of the attack and the all-too-obvious risk to himself, Trooper Finney recognised the need to inform his headquarters of the situation. He therefore broke cover, returned to his vehicle which was still burning, and calmly and concisely sent a lucid situation report by radio. He then returned to the injured gunner and began helping him towards a Spartan vehicle of the Royal Engineers which had moved forward to assist.
At this point, Trooper Finney noticed that both the aircraft were lining up for a second attack. Notwithstanding the impending danger, he continued to help his injured comrade towards the safety of the Spartan vehicle. Both aircraft fired their cannon and Trooper Finney was wounded in the buttocks and legs, and the gunner in the head. Despite his wounds, Trooper Finney succeeded in getting the gunner to the waiting Spartan. Then, seeing that the driver of the second Scimitar was still in the burning vehicle, Trooper Finney determined to rescue him as well. Despite his wounds and the continuing danger from exploding ammunition, he valiantly attempted to climb up onto the vehicle, but was beaten back by the combination of heat, smoke and exploding ammunition. He collapsed exhausted a short distance from the vehicle, and was recovered by the crew of the Royal Engineers' Spartan.
During these attacks and their horrifying aftermath, Trooper Finney displayed clear-headed courage and devotion to his comrades which was out of all proportion to his age and experience. Acting with complete disregard for his own safety even when wounded, his bravery was of the highest order throughout.[3]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The London Gazette, No. 57100, p. 1, 30 October 2003; Eckersall, Faith. "How George Cross winner Chris is helping fellow heroes," Doreset Echo. 12 December 2009; retrieved 2012-12-17.
- ↑ Gillian, Audrey. "I've been betrayed by this Government, says Iraq War hero who won George Cross but now works in a call centre," Daily Mail, 1 November 2009; retrieved 2012-12-17.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Trooper Chris Finney, The Blues and Royals, George Cross," at National Archives; retrieved 2012-12-17.
- ↑ "27th Reunion of Victoria Cross and George Cross holders" at VictoriaCross.org; Hardman, Robert. "The heroes given a front-row seat at the royal party," Daily Mail (UK). May 30, 2012: excerpt, "... all 28 living holders of the Victoria Cross or the George Cross ...."; retrieved 2012-12-17.
- ↑ "Teenage hero gets bravery medal," BBC. 25 February 2010; retrieved 2012-12-17.
Other websites[change | change source]
- George Cross recipients Archived 2018-09-09 at the Wayback Machine