| |
« Click on Picture to
Return » |
|
|
 |
|
Lance Bombardier Gary Prout CGC goes to the aid of his fallen comrade
Early on 14th March 2009, Lance Bombardier Prout deployed with a patrol to probe the Taliban’s forward defences in the settlement of Yatimchay. He was part of the Fire Support Team (FST), with 9 Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh Regiment. Yatimchay had developed as the enemy front line south of Musa Qal’eh following the winter months. The insurgents had heavily fortified the compounds with well concealed firing positions, rat-runs and a significant number of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along all the likely approach routes. It was the most dangerous terrain within the Company’s Area of Operations and every patrol would expect to come under effective and sustained insurgent attack.
Some hours later the patrol had cleared through several compounds. There had been several sightings of significant, suspicious movement. As Lance Bombardier Prout and the FST provided cover from a compound roof, Lance Corporal Harkett moved forward across open ground but was engulfed by a large explosion, and blown up in full view of the entire platoon. This triggered a highly aggressive ambush, with the patrol engaged from numerous firing points by accurate small arms and RPGs from a range of no more than 100 metres. With the platoon pinned down and under sustained and withering fire, Prout removed his day-sack containing the radio and instantly made towards the casualty, without heed for his own safety. As the rest of the platoon took cover, he climbed down from the exposed roof in full view to the enemy. Ignoring the risks to his own life, including the threat of secondary IEDs, he crossed the 75 metres of open ground to reach the casualty. The enemy saw Prout administering immediate first aid and re-focused their fire onto him. Despite this, he dragged his mortally wounded comrade across the open ground to safety. Having ascertained that Harkett was in the hands of the platoon medic, Prout braved the incoming fire when returning to the compound roof in order to be in the best position to call for artillery fire. For the next two hours the platoon endured the most intense contact of the Company’s tour. Prout steadfastly co-ordinated artillery and air support, enabling the platoon to extract without further loss of life.
For the duration of this action, Lance Bombardier Prout consciously risked his life on three separate occasions, and it was a miracle he himself was not killed. For displaying the greatest courage which goes beyond that normally expected of an NCO in the face of the enemy, he was later awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
I went to interview Gary, a member of 52 (Niagara) Battery Royal Artillery, and he gave me the greatest help in ensuring the accuracy of this painting.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: 19th Regiment Royal Artillery
Price(s): £70
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
