Steven's Ongoing

Steven’s Ongoing Story

For those of you that read ‘Steven's Story’ on the website I thought you might like to know how he’s getting on.

In November 2011 and while Lyn & I had a short break with friends in Cornwall we went to 42 Commando Royal Marines medal parade. On the news you may have seen the men marching through Plymouth. In the afternoon, and in pouring rain they returned to their base at Bickleigh Barracks.

Each company had set up a bar in the in the gymnasium for friends and families. There we met Steven who had been released from Headley Court for the medals parade and the subsequent Remembrance Day parade. He looked remarkably well considering the injuries he had sustained. He told me that was the third time he’d been blown up, but the first he’d been hit. The scarring down his right arm, which was all we could see, was horrendous and will probably stay with him for the rest of his life.

We also met his wife who was lovely. She was excited at the prospect of staying with him, in the barracks over the weekend. I think she said it was the first time that they had some time together since he’d been flown home.

Later that afternoon the medals ceremony was held on the astro turf, their name for their parade ground area. The Elizabeth Cross was awarded to the next of kin of seven soldiers killed in action. The Brigade Commander’s Coin was awarded to 10 soldiers who had gone above and beyond the standard expected of them during the units deployment to Afghanistan. The Operational Service Medal was then awarded to those soldiers who had served in Afghanistan.

Throughout all of this the rain lashed down covering many people’s feet but hardly anyone left for the shelter of the gymnasium. Finally the parade marched off, dispersed and rejoined families back in the Gym.

We had a last chat with Steven and his wife, wished them all the best and headed back to our cottage outside Helstone. Steven will return to Headley Court after the weekend to continue his treatment. I understand the main concern now is that shrapnel still lodged in his body might move around causing further damage. Steven's future as a Royal Marine Commando is uncertain at this time.

Mike (Over Easy) Baker