Medal is tribute to soldier’s bravery (From Warrington Guardian)

Elizabeth Cross medal is tribute to bravery of fallen soldier Daniel Wade

4:00pm Friday 27th April 2012 in News

THE family of a fallen Latchford soldier have been presented with a commemorative medal to celebrate his bravery.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll was handed to relatives of five 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment soldiers who were killed after an explosion in Afghanistan last month.

Private Daniel Wade, who was aged 20 and looking forward to becoming a father, was on a security patrol with Corporal Jake Hartley, Private Anton Frampton, Private Christopher Kershaw, Private Daniel Wilford and Sergeant Nigel Coupe of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment when their vehicle was struck.

Lieutenant Colonel David O’Kelly, regimental secretary of The Yorkshire Regiment, said: “This was a very poignant occasion, touched with both pride and sadness.

“The presentation of the Elizabeth Cross is a fitting way of showing an enduring debt to those who gave their lives fighting for our security and freedom.

“We, as a regiment and nation, owe much to these soldiers but we also owe a great debt to their families.

“I know that the families of these soldiers will wear the Elizabeth Cross with immense pride.”

Mayor of Warrington Clr Mike Biggin made the trip to Huddersfield to present Daniel’s family with the medal, which was created to recognise the families of Armed Forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of terrorism.

He said: “It was a privilege to attend this event to honour Daniel and his comrades in this special way and to present his family with the medal in recognition of the personal sacrifice he has made.

“We owe them all a debt of gratitude and they will always remain close to our hearts.”

Friends of the Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School pupil have rallied around to support his family and unborn baby and named a star after him.

A date for his funeral is yet to be set.