Soldier is honoured 22 years after death

Jul 30 2010 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

A NORTH East soldier killed in a bomb blast while on duty in Northern Ireland more than 20 years ago was last night remembered at a special ceremony in Northumberland.

Private Richard Greener was just 21 when he died in the explosion in 1988.

The soldier, from Whitley Bay, was among eight British troops killed in an attack on a coach which was travelling on the Ballygawley to Omagh road in August 1988.

Now, more than two decades after his death, his family have been awarded the Elizabeth Cross in his honour.

Pte Greener’s father Michael, mother Dorothy and twin sister Susan visited Alnwick Castle, where the Duchess of Northumberland, the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, presented them with the medal.

The Elizabeth Cross was created last year to recognise the sacrifice of armed forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism.

Retired Mr Greener, 72, of Station Cottages, Seghill, Northumberland, said: “I think that families that have lost someone deserve this, but it is also an honour to receive.

“We were given the Elizabeth Cross and two scrolls, one for us and one for Susan.

“We already have Richard’s General Service Medal from Northern Ireland and we will display the Elizabeth Cross alongside that.” The Elizabeth Cross, the first medal bearing the name of a reigning monarch to be created since 1940, was yesterday awarded to 10 families. Bereaved relatives travelled from as far away as Birmingham and Kent to attend the service.

The most recent military deaths to be marked were those of three members of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who were killed in friendly fire, or a ‘blue on blue’ incident, during the Gulf War in 1991.

A soldier who was killed in 1951 was also commemorated at the service. After receiving the honour from the Duchess, the Greeners met other bereaved families at a reception held at the castle.

Since the launch of the Elizabeth Cross, families have been able to apply for the medal – a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath – in recognition for their loss.

Speaking last year, the Queen said she hoped it would give “further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our country”.