Queen’s Gallantry Medal 2006
Michael GROVES, Security and Safety Officer, Seabourn Cruise Lines
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
Som Bahadur GURUNG, Gurkha Master-at-Arms, Seabourn Cruise Lines
For their actions repelling pirates who attacked a cruise ship which was cruising off the coast of Somalia.
In November 2005 Michael Groves was woken, shortly before 0600 hours, and called to the deck to investigate two boats which were approaching the ship. He was unarmed. He saw that one boat carried six to seven males armed with rifles and a rocket launcher. He was immediately fired upon but he quickly unwound a high pressure hose and stood in full view of the attackers, aimed the jet at them and they withdrew. In the short respite that followed Mr Groves started to make ready the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD). As he pulled off its cover he came under fire from the second boat. A rocket was fired at Mr Groves, knocking him to the deck and causing injuries to his ears. In spite of this he radioed for assistance to his team of Master-at-Arms. Som Bahadur Gurung, and a colleague, arrived on the deck. Automatic rifle fire continued and a second rocket was launched at the ship. Mr Groves asked for a volunteer to operate one of the two pieces of equipment available to counter the attack. Mr Gurung volunteered to operate the LRAD, whilst Mr Groves returned to the hose. Both were fully exposed to fire from both boats. Mr Gurung ran across the exposed area of deck and reached the LRAD. The rail was of waist height, and the LRAD was mounted on it with no surrounding cover. Mr Gurung then stood to his full height to activate and direct the device to its target. He managed to insert the key in the LRAD, but before he could activate it he was hit by a bullet and shrapnel struck his upper body. He was knocked unconscious. Mr Groves dragged him to safety, returned to the LRAD and directed it towards the boats. The pirates tried to board the ship but Mr Groves continued to operate the LRAD. After about 30 minutes the attack stopped and the boats turned away.
Michael SWINDELLS (deceased), Detective Constable, West Midlands Police
For his actions in apprehending a man wielding a knife.
One afternoon in May 2004 Constable Swindells, and a colleague, were on duty in Aston, Birmingham when they heard that various colleagues were pursuing a man who was brandishing a knife, running through the streets towards a tow path, under the M6 motorway. They both responded immediately. At a point where the tow path narrows several officers were chasing the culprit but had fallen back, and the two officers joined in the pursuit. They soon found themselves at the front of the group where they maintained close contact with the offender. Constable Swindells recognised an opportunity to detain the man and make an arrest. He held a baton above his head and shouted “Stop, Police”. The offender then turned and slashed with his knife which Constable Swindells initially avoided by swaying backwards. But he was not able to step away in time from the full force of a further attack and he was fatally stabbed. The offender was found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
Paul LEIGH, Sergeant, Lancashire Constabulary
Lukmann MULLA, Constable, Lancashire Constabulary
For their actions in dealing with a man wielding a firearm and other explosive devices.
During the early afternoon in July 2005, Constable Mulla and two colleagues attended an address in Rawtenstall, Lancashire to question a man following a complaint of harassment by a local woman. The officers decided that a forced entry was necessary and an enforcer was requested by radio. Sergeant Leigh arrived with the enforcer and Constable Mulla, with his colleague, forced open the door and entered the house. As the first officer approached the foot of the stairs he could see the suspect standing at the top holding a firearm. The man immediately raised the gun and shot the officer and discharged other shots out of the window which damaged vehicles. Both officers retreated and the injured officer collapsed at the side of the house. Sergeant Leigh realised that his colleague was badly injured so he crossed the line of fire to give him support. The suspect then threw two lighted petrol bombs from a rear window which set a shed alight. Sergeant Leigh remained with his fallen colleague and a further two shots were fired. Constable Mulla recognised the need for a first aid kit, which he obtained from a vehicle, and he too crossed through the line of fire to offer more help to the injured officer. After a while the Armed Response Unit arrived, rescued the injured officer and took control. They were attempting a limited entry of the premises when they heard three more shots so they kept the premises under observation. The man and his dog were found dead in the house the following morning.
