A TYNESIDE soldier who prevented a tragedy by ordering a ceasefire when he spotted Afghan insurgents using children as human shields has been made an MBE in recognition of his bravery.

Major Martin Hedley, of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, felt a bullet strike his rucksack during the battle, but ordered his men to stop shooting so as to protect the lives of children who were in the firing line.

Major Hedley, 32, from Gateshead, volunteered to serve in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion The Rifles last year on what was his second tour there.

He had been commanding an eight-man team two miles from the nearest British support when he found himself leading an Afghan Company of more than 100 men which had just seen their commander killed in battle.

The following day, he led some of the Afghan soldiers into enemy territory where they came across insurgents firing from behind children. He said: “We are well trained to fire with the protection of the civilian population in mind, this is key to achieving success in Afghanistan.

“The benefits of targeting an insurgent are outweighed by the risk of wounding or killing a civilian.”

On six other occasions Major Hedley and his men were caught in ambushes, and they found themselves under fire on almost every patrol they made.

Also honoured was a soldier from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who showed courage in rescuing an injured comrade under fire in Afghanistan and has been awarded a Mention in Despatches.

Serjeant Lee Slater, 31, of The Rifles, was leading a patrol in the dangerous Bowri desert during July when his men came under fire as they spoke with a local farmer.

One soldier was struck in the leg and fell to the ground. Immediately the rest of the patrol dived for cover.

The casualty, though alive, could not move and it was clear someone would need to retrieve him, but Serjeant Slater and his men knew the insurgent was waiting for just such a rescue attempt so he could claim more victims.

Despite the risks, Serjeant Slater dragged the casualty to cover 20 metres away in what was described as a “Herculean effort”.

He said: “After that I went straight into the evacuation drill, the guys were very well trained and did themselves proud in getting the best medical care to the casualty. It was a real team effort.”