Garry honoured for hunting insurgents

AN Oldham soldier who led a 30-man platoon in successfully hunting down insurgents in Iraq has been honoured with a military award.

Sgt Garry Tarbuck (34) served in Iraq in June, 2008, on his third six-month tour with 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1 RRF).

He has now been awarded a Joint Commander’s Commendation in recognition of leading his men through a very successful tour of duty.

Sgt Tarbuck and his men conducted daily patrols by foot, boat, in helicopters, on quad bikes or in their Warrior light-tanks.

They also worked on the border of Iran, training Iraqi security forces, often in temperatures of up to 125F.

But their main role was hunting insurgent teams who were trying to attack the British base at Basra Airport.

Although they were attacked around 100 times at the start of the tour, their hard work meant that attacks had virtually stopped by the time they left.

Modest Sgt Tarbuck said: “It was hard work but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was really proud to have the chance to lead such a great, hard-working bunch of lads, but I never expected to receive an award!”

His commanding officer, Lt Col Jim Landon, said: “Sgt Tarbuck played a key role in Iraq and should be justifiably proud of his commendation. He fully demonstrated the professionalism, determination and enthusiasm required to be a Fusilier.”

Sgt Tarbuck, who attended South Chadderton School, has been around the world since joining the Army, including visiting Kenya, Belize, Denmark, Germany, Bosnia and Canada.

He has also learned to live in the jungle, paraglide, ski, scuba dive and climb with the Fusiliers.

Garry is now based in Tidworth, Wiltshire, and has also been promoted to colour sergeant.

The First Fusiliers are spending the next year or so training towards future deployments, however members of the battalion are also now returning from Afghanistan, where they have been supporting 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.