Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Gunner A. L. Sykes, Royal Horse Artillery

Iraq 2003-11, 1 clasp, 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003 (25061607 Gnr A L Sykes RA); Jubilee 2002, unnamed as issued, mounted court-style as worn, extremely fine (2) £140-£180

A. L. Sykes served with the Royal Artillery from 1997 to 2003. He successfully completed a junior leadership course in the United Kingdom, his testimonial noting: ‘he has demonstrated a cool, level headed approach to problem solving, an ability to mix easily with people from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures, and above all a professional approach to getting the job done.’

Initially sent to Germany and Canada, Sykes took part in the liberation of Iraq and was employed as the turret operator and loader of a 470tonne AS90 self-propelled howitzer. He was given the specific responsibility of checking and loading munitions, using target data computers and receiving and deciphering messages, often whilst ‘suffering from sleep deprivation and over sustained periods’. Described as a resourceful individual, Sykes was discharged from 3rd Royal Horse Artillery on 15 September 2003.

Sold with the recipient’s original testimonial of service and four photographs from Iraq, including one of Gunner Sykes and another of his howitzer in action.