This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/8206604.stm
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Widow gets first Elizabeth Cross | Widow gets first Elizabeth Cross |
| (8 minutes later) | |
| The widow of a Nottingham soldier killed in Afghanistan has been presented with the first Elizabeth Cross at his funeral. | The widow of a Nottingham soldier killed in Afghanistan has been presented with the first Elizabeth Cross at his funeral. |
| Warrant officer Sean Upton, 35, was killed in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand Province last month. | Warrant officer Sean Upton, 35, was killed in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand Province last month. |
| Karen Upton was given the medal shortly before the funeral at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. | Karen Upton was given the medal shortly before the funeral at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. |
| It is awarded to next of kin of armed forces personnel killed on active service, in recognition of their loss. | It is awarded to next of kin of armed forces personnel killed on active service, in recognition of their loss. |
| This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940. | This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940. |
| 'Nation's gratitude' | 'Nation's gratitude' |
| Mrs Upton, 32, said: "It is an absolute honour to receive the very first Elizabeth Cross in Her Majesty's name and comforting to feel the support of Queen and Country. | Mrs Upton, 32, said: "It is an absolute honour to receive the very first Elizabeth Cross in Her Majesty's name and comforting to feel the support of Queen and Country. |
| "Sean and I grew up together, were childhood sweethearts and soulmates. He was a loving husband and devoted father." | "Sean and I grew up together, were childhood sweethearts and soulmates. He was a loving husband and devoted father." |
| She added: "I will wear this Elizabeth Cross in his honour with pride and treasure it always." | She added: "I will wear this Elizabeth Cross in his honour with pride and treasure it always." |
| WO Upton had been in the army for 19 years, serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus and Bosnia. | WO Upton had been in the army for 19 years, serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus and Bosnia. |
| Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said: "We as a nation owe much to servicemen like WO Upton, who gave his life fighting for our security and freedom. | Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said: "We as a nation owe much to servicemen like WO Upton, who gave his life fighting for our security and freedom. |
| "But we all also owe a great debt to his family. The presentation of this first Elizabeth Cross in the name of Her Majesty The Queen is a lasting symbol of the entire nation's gratitude and respect." | "But we all also owe a great debt to his family. The presentation of this first Elizabeth Cross in the name of Her Majesty The Queen is a lasting symbol of the entire nation's gratitude and respect." |
| He was one of 22 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan in July - the bloodiest month for British forces since the mission began in October 2001. | He was one of 22 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan in July - the bloodiest month for British forces since the mission began in October 2001. |
| Advertisement | |
| New medal 'will be worn proudly' |