Afghan hero to auction off war medals

One of the most decorated soldiers of the modern era is to auction off his medals to pay for his children’s futures.

Sergeant Major John Thompson has fought off enemy forces in Afghanistan and Iraq and has been repeatedly recognised for his bravery in combat and for saving the lives of his comrades.

The Royal Marine Commando now plans to sell all seven of his medals, including a rare Afghanistan 2007 Battle of the Sluice Gate Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) – an honour one level down from a Victoria Cross.

Auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb estimates their worth to be between £120,000 and £140,000.

The 43-year-old veteran, who now lives in Barnstable, said: “I’m a single parent of a six, eight and a 21-year-old and the money will enable me to provide the best opportunities for them as they grow up.

“Being a father is the most important role I’ve ever had, which I didn’t fully appreciate when I was running around Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m doing this for them.

“Initially when I thought about selling them I felt quite anxious but ultimately I’m quite content to sell them because I know they’ll stay in a cherished collection.

“At the end of the day, the greatest thing for me is not the medals, it is that my children know their daddy is a hero.”

Sgt Maj Thompson, who was born in Dunfermline, Fife, but has lived most of his life in Devon, joined the Royal Marines in 1998.

After training as a Heavy Weapons Anti Tanks operator he joined the 40 Commando Royal Marines and was deployed to Northern Ireland in 2000.

In 2003, he received a Mentioned in Despatches medal for exceptional gallantry after he rescued colleagues in his Delta Company who had become surrounded by enemy forces at Al Yahudia, Iraq.

He was then given the CGC after his entire company was ambushed by the Taliban in Habibollah Kalay, in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, in January 2007.

During the prolonged battle, when ammunition was running low, Sgt Maj Thompson stayed in the killing area and opened fire on five separate enemy points, making himself the focus of the shooting and allowing his team to dismount.

He suffered burst eardrums in the process due how close he was to the RPG and machine gun fire, but his “selfless and courageous actions” led the company to win the firefight.

Recalling the two actions, he said: “They were the greatest moments of exhilaration and extreme adrenaline that I will ever have.”

The medals will go on sale on December 8, along with a host of other items including Sgt Maj Thompson’s unpublished memoir.

HONOUR: Dunfermline-born John Thompson when he received his CGC medal.