Sapper Adam Oxley earned his Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service for tirelessly delivering vital force protection
A soldier who protected millions of pounds worth of military stock in Afghanistan has been awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.
Sapper Adam Oxley, of Teesville, earned his QCVS for tirelessly delivering vital force protection during his tour of Afghanistan.
Adam, of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), worked as the Resources Yard Commander within Task Force Helmand.
A role usually fulfilled by a more senior soldier, the 24-year-old was in charge of stock worth millions of pounds and his ability to deliver force protection measures, especially to forward patrol bases, was crucial.
On one occasion, an attack by insurgents on a patrol base destroyed a 60m section of perimeter wall, but Sapper Oxley worked through the night to organise the preparation and dispatch of material and equipment so the wall could be quickly repaired and reinforced.
He was also responsible for reconditioning and upgrading sangars - temporary fortified positions - for use in other parts of the country. This was vital work that saved both time and money, as new sangars would have had to be shipped from the UK at considerable cost.
He said: “This award means a lot to me but it is totally unexpected as I don’t think I did anything extraordinary on tour. I was covering a sergeant’s job for a long period, but I had experience and confidence from my first Afghan tour and the support of a hard-working team.
“When the wall was breached, it was a real rush job to sort out what was needed to repair it and fly it forward as quickly as possible. I was working in the relative safety of Camp Bastion and you feel obliged to put the extra effort in to make sure soldiers out in more dangerous places are protected.”
Adam’s citation notes his “relentless drive” and adds: “He has demonstrated a maturity and capacity well beyond his rank which has allowed him to develop engineer logistics and broker vital links between TFH and the Joint Force Support (Afghanistan).”
Spr Oxley went to Gillbrook Academy and has been on two tours of Afghanistan since joining the Army in 2009. His brother, Private Paul Oxley, is also in the Army, serving with 1st Military Working Dog Regiment at Sennelager in Germany.
The QCVS recognises meritorious service during, or in support of, operations. His award was among 117 made principally for actions during the period March to September 2013 during Operation Herrick 18.
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