| Citation: New Year Honours. 24137629 Warrant Officer 2 Bernard William Virgin, i/c/ 19 (SP) Platoon, RMP. 2 April 1986 - 27 June 1989.
Citation: WO2 Virgin has commanded 19 (Support) Platoon since 2 April 1986. This unit consists of 15 police advanced drivers operating fast pursuit vehicles throughout the Former British Zone of Germany, linked by radion telephone to an operations room in Bielefeld. WO2 Virgin is responsible for the policing and control of the activities of the Soviet Military Liaison Mission to C in C BAOR (SOXMIS) as directed by G2 Sy HQ BAOR. This is an internationally sensitive task requiring great tact and diplomacy while remaining firm but fair in dealing with the aggressively confident Soviet Intelligence officers within the Mission. 19 (Support) Platoon fulfills an essential task which requires detailed personal command and control by WO2 Virgin. He alone is responsible for decision making at incidents involving the mission, without immediate recourse to higher authority, and in a period when East-West relationships have been under scrutiny, the repercussions of making even a minor mistake would be of international significance.
Since 1986 SOXMIS intelligence gathering activities have increased in intensity and WO2 Virgin has frequently been faced with the control of a high speed chase, often at night as a SOXMIS vehicle attempts to evade detention having been found in violation of a Restricted Area. Because of this he has had to work long periods over and above the expected of this high pressure appointment.
WO2 Virgin has over the last 3 years borne enormous responsibility for the intimate control of highly sensitive policing operations. Directly comparable operations in the American and French Zones are commanded by Majors of several years standing.
Of the many Warrant Officers who have held his position WO2 Virgin stands out as a man of singular dedication. WO2 Virgin's command and leadership has been of direct measurable benefit to SOXMIS policing operations and to the welfare of the men and families under his command . By his motivation and commitment he has inspired confidence amongst his subordinates ensuring the maintenance of morale over protracted periods of duty in anti-social hours.
His clear and decisive leadership has greatly enhanced the reputation of his Corps and the Army as reflected to HQ BAOR by the Senior German Police officers of the forces with whom he works.
WO2 Virgin's period in command has been characterised by his exceptional personal commitment to a highly sensitive task which h has fulfilled with outstanding skill. His leadership, is worthy of significant recognition.
Recommended by: Brig. HQ BAOR JHQ Rheindahlen. Maj Gen. C in C BAOR. Gen. Commander in Chief BAOR. |
