Melksham brothers receive military medals from Prince of Wales

TWO brothers from Melksham have both been awarded medals by the Prince of Wales for their efforts during Operation Herrick in Afghanistan recently.

Captain Christopher Clover and Lieutenant Johnny Clover are soldiers in The Royal Dragoon Guards and they were honoured at a ceremony at Clarence House by Prince Charles who is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.

The Melksham brothers marched with the rest of their regiment from Wellington Barracks to Clarence House  where they were presented their operational medals. The Prince of Wales took the time afterwards to meet with families of the troops and with the soldiers themselves whilst the soldiers were able to relax and enjoy food and refreshments.

During Operation Herrick the bulk of the Royal Dragoon Guards were responsible for training and mentoring of the Afghan uniformed police with one squadron assigned to Warthog group who supported  most of the ground operations during their six-month deployment.

Lt Johnny Clover said, “It was my first medals parade and HRH had asked how the training had gone mentoring Afghan Police so I replied that it was very good. It was my first tour and it was brilliant to go and experience a massively different culture.  I found working with the Afghan Police very enjoyable.  It was very interesting.”

Johnny and Christopher’s father Keith Clover said, “We are very proud of both of them and what they have achieved. At the same time there was some challenging points because it can be bad enough having one child out in Afghanistan but we had to contend with two, but luckily they both returned home safe.

“The day at Clarence House with Prince Charles was a very special day. To watch them march through the streets and receive the recognition from even members of the public walking by meant a lot and I think helped them realise what they have achieved.”