| Citation: | Uganda. 24134155 Staff Sergeant Brendan Laffan, RMP. Citation: For outstanding leadership, personal example, tactical skill and calm direction of the RMP CP team serving in Kampala in January 1986. Leader, Close Protection Team, British High Commission, Kampala, Uganda. 25 January 1986.Citation: There was fierce fighting in Kampala on 23-26 January 1986 when National Resistance Army troops defeated more numerous forces defending the city, and installed a new government. O On 24 January members of the Royal Military Police Close Protection Team, led by Staff Sergeant Laffan, who were on duty protecting British personnel, came under fire from looting soldiers who had just murdered a civilian in a nearby house. The Team promptly engaged and drove off those responsible. at 10.45 hours on 25 January five soldiers broke into and fired shots inside the house next to that occupied by the Deputy High commission and five other High Commission staff. One of the Team was on guard. These five soldiers, intent on looting, then attempted to enter the Deputy High Commissioner's house, opening fire with at least one automatic weapon. The RMP Team member returned fire and held them off. The soldiers, unable to close, then engaged the Deputy High Commissioners house with rocket propelled grenades as well as with automatic weapons. The Deputy High Commissioner reported by radio to the High Commissioner and to the Quick Reaction Squad of four men, again led by Staff Sergeant Laffan, who were on standby 1 1/1 kilometres away. Staff Sergeant Laffan immediately sought the obtained the High Commissioner's authority to attempt a rescue. Under his direction the Quad promptly drove to the Deputy High Commissioner's house coming under heavy small arms and rocket fire as they arrived. Staff Sergeant Laffan immediately dismounted two of his team to cover the front gate and led his other team member in a left flanking attack to secure higher ground, killing, as they moved forward, one of those attacking the Deputy High Commissioner's house. With almost no ammunition left, but having achieved a lull, Staff Sergeant Laffan then coordinated the withdrawal by vehicle of all the staff under a combination of small arms fire and smoke, leaving two members of his team to secure this move. Immediately after seeing the High Commission staff to safety he then returned to the scene of the fighting to withdraw the other members of the team. Like the remainder of his team Staff Sergeant Laffan knew in advance that a rescue would be hazardous, especially as confused fighting was nearing the area. Staff Sergeant Laffan unhesitatingly risked his own life in the performance of his duty, exposing himself to fire frequently to secure the area. he achieved the rescue against superior numbers and despite being engaged by rocket and rifle fire throughout the incident. Staff Sergeant Laffan, who was responsible for bringing his Team to a high state of efficiency, led from the font throughout the action. His personal example, tactical skill and calm direction of the squad while under fire was largely responsible for saving British citizens from death or injury and is in the highest traditions of the Army.Recommended by: High Commissioner, Kampala. Maj. Gen. British Military Mission Kampala. General, C in C, UKLF. |
