Saddleworth Soldier Honoured By Duke

Sgt Lee Metcalfe receives his award from the Duke of Kent. (all pictures: Ministry of Defence)

A soldier from Saddleworth has been presented with a medal recognising his long service and good conduct in the Army. Sgt Lee Metcalfe, who’s 32, has served for 15 years.

Sgt Metcalfe is a member of the Germany-based 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The battalion’s Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Kent, made the presentation at a ceremony earlier this month.

Lee, who went to Saddleworth School before joining up in 1995, has served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

In a statement sent to Saddleworth News by the Ministry of Defence, he commented: “I have done fifteen years of continuous service. It’s a bit of a milestone in my career receiving this award and is an achievement I am really proud of. My biggest achievement was ending up in the Sergeant’s mess. I would be nice to eventually commission as an officer.”

Sgt Metcalfe added: “I have had a good career; I enjoyed my tour in Northern Ireland. Afghanistan was also a really good challenge – I was a mortar section commander attached to 5 Rifles in Sangin.”

Lee is married to Paula, who is from Northern Ireland, and they have a son called Jack. His parents David and Debbie live in Oldham.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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