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Marine who threw himself on exploding grenade to protect comrades awarded George Cross
Last updated at 01:00am on 24.07.08
A Royal Marine who threw himself on to an exploding grenade to save the lives of his comrades is to receive the George Cross.
Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher stepped on a trip-wire which triggered the device during a night raid on a Taliban compound in Afghanistan.
Realising that three other members of his patrol would be killed if he did not act, he launched himself forward to smother the explosion, managing to twist on to his back to let his rucksack take the full force of the blast.
Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher with his shredded rucksack. Having stepped on a trip-wire he threw himself on to the device allowing the rucksack to bear the brunt of the explosion and thereby save the lives of three colleagues
The explosion hurled him across the compound leaving him stunned, bleeding profusely from the nose and almost deaf.
His rucksack was shredded and burning shrapnel from the kit he had been carrying was scattered around the area, with pieces found embedded in his helmet and body armour.
Miraculously the 24-year-old Marine survived and within minutes was on his feet, refusing evacuation and demanding to be allowed to stay with the patrol. He helped set an ambush and shot dead a Taliban insurgent in the ensuing gunfight.
Lance Cpl Croucher recalled later: 'I thought, "I've set this bloody thing off and I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect the others".
'The lads behind me would have caught a lot. I'm very tight with the other three guys. There's been a few times when they've saved my bacon.
'I figured that if I could keep my torso and head intact I'd probably survive any other injuries - although I fully expected to lose a limb.'
The George Cross ranks alongside the Victoria Cross as the highest medal for valour.
The VC is awarded for outstanding bravery 'in the face of the enemy' and is often regarded as more prestigious, although the GC recognises the same level of gallantry in cases where no enemy is present.
Reader views (9)
I agree with Peter Haldane. Matthew Croucher should have been awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroism.
In the case in the First World war, the soldier was awarded the VC posthumously for falling on a live grenade which had been accidentally dropped by a fellow soldier shortly before going over the top on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. He wasn't under fire and the grenade was one of ours accidentally dropped. Matthew Croucher's bravery on the other hand was directly as a result of enemy action (it was an enemy grenade designed to kill him or his colleagues) and his bravery is equally worthy of the VC. It devalues the award if equal acts of heroism no longer qualify for the VC. I fear that there was a political decision not to award him the VC
- John Bridgman, London
Like they say out west, "This is a man to ride the river with". I would like to think there are many more like him. I surely wish him the best and I know his parents are proud.
- A Paul, West Palm Beach,Fl.
That's one hard bloke.
Awesome
- Kedge, marlboro wilts
I hope there has been no political monkeying about with this award (so as to imply that the current Afghan conflict as not really a war, but just a little local peace-keeping operation). An identical act by an Irish soldier in the trenches the First World War was recognised by the award of a VC.
- Peter Haldane, London
This is a true British soldier! And I agree with Phil, he should have been awarded the Victoria cross for his heroism.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK
I salute you sir, you are what Great Britain used to be about and you are a hero. I wish that I could meet you and shake your hand. It is rare in these disturbing times of chaos and mayhem to come upon an act of such selflessness, I wish you well and stay safe.
- Morris Robertson Ex British Merchant Navy Officer, Temagami, On. Canada
Should have been the Victoria Cross.
- Phil Jones, London UK
Wow! My knight in shiny khaki pants and he's yummy too!
- Aria, South London
Congratulations Lance Cpl Croucher.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK
