THE Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus has been honoured by the defence secretary as she heads back to the UK after supporting the fight against Ebola.

The RFA ship was deployed to Sierra Leone from Falmouth in September. Her task was to provide vital aviation support and medical capability to the Department for International Development-led effort against Ebola.

The ship’s three Merlin helicopters and detachment of Royal Marines helped deliver much-needed equipment, supplies and food packages to remote areas of Sierra Leone over six months.

In recognition of her contribution to operations in Sierra Leone and deployments spanning back to 1982, the defence secretary has awarded Argus an Admiralty Board Letter of Commendation.

The commendation is extremely rare. The last similar award was made in 1939 to the family of Captain Edward Kennedy, who was killed when his ship HMS Rawalpindi was sunk following heroic action against the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. It is believed that this is the first time this award has been granted to an operational unit.

During her time in Sierra Leone Argus has made a significant contribution to the UK’s effort to halt the spread of Ebola. She has helped to establish the crucial medical treatment centres and has provided vital transport capability allowing medical workers to reach the areas most affected by the disease and by providing medical reassurance to the British personnel deployed to the region.

While Argus departs Sierra Leone, the UK mission is far from over. The UK remains committed to the fight against Ebola and with the return of RFA Argus, the number of military personnel in Sierra Leone will be at around 300. This contribution is made up of command and control, logisticians, planners and medics. Argus’ capabilities have been transferred to other agencies which are well placed to take on the roles.

IN REMEMBRANCE

THE following are being specially remembered at Bradford Cathedral this week: Sydney Wilson, Lewis Winder, Thomas Windle, George Norman Winter, William Womack, Francis Owen Wood, Cyril Wood, Sydney Wood, Stanley Lawrence Wood, Donald Wood, Joe Wormald, Sydney Worsman, Jack Worsnop, Vincent Henry Wright, Ernest Edward Wright, Jack Wright, Charles Harold Wright, Wilfred Walsh, William Edward Young.

DIARY DATES

Today, The Royal Naval Association meets at 20.00hrs at Feversham Street Sea Cadets HQ.

Monday, The Royal British Legion, Thornton Branch, meets at 19.45hrs at Thornton Conservative Club.

Tuesday, The Yorkshire Volunteers Association meets at 19.30hrs at Keighley Drill Hall, The Royal British Legion, Bradford Central Branch, meets at 13.00hrs at City Hall.