Royal Marine Reserve Lance Cpl Matthew Croucher receives his George Cross at Buckingham Palace, London.
TWO Birmingham councillors sparked a storm of protest – after refusing to take part in a standing ovation for a Midland George Cross hero.
More than 100 Birmingham City Council members put aside their political differences to honour Afghanistan veteran Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher with the ovation at their monthly meeting.
But Respect Party councillors Salma Yaqoob and Mohammed Ishtiaq sparked furious anger by remaining seated.
Coun John Lines (Con, Bartley Green) stormed: “They should be ashamed of themselves. This was not the time or place to stage an anti-war protest – this man risked his life for his comrades.
“I was happy to give this hero a standing ovation and I have invited him to be guest of honour when we open new houses for ex-military personnel later this year.”
Coun Peter Douglas Osborn (Con, Weoley) added: “As far as I am concerned it is no longer the Respect Party, but the disrespect party.”
L/Cpl Croucher, from Solihull, won the George Cross after throwing himself on an exploding grenade to save the lives of his patrol in Helmand Province in 2008. His rucksack bore the brunt of the blast and was destroyed and his body armour was pitted with shrapnel but, miraculously, the soldier, now aged 27, escaped with only a nosebleed.
One thought on “Birmingham Councillors Snub Solihull War Hero (1)”
I have come to realize that if we really look deeper, we’ll come to the realization that there is no single person in this world that doesn’t feel sad, dejected, depressed and frustrated. But the ability to handle, control and tame our mind into a positive thinking galaxy is what defines the strong and the capable. Thanks so much for this post.
One thought on “Birmingham Councillors Snub Solihull War Hero (1)”
I have come to realize that if we really look deeper, we’ll come to the realization that there is no single person in this world that doesn’t feel sad, dejected, depressed and frustrated. But the ability to handle, control and tame our mind into a positive thinking galaxy is what defines the strong and the capable. Thanks so much for this post.