| Surname: | Gerrard |
| Initials: | P |
| Rank: | Corporal |
| Army Number: | 24622097 |
| Notes: | RMP. Paul Gerrard. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct (London Gazette: 51002 Page: 9287 July 20, 1987) |
| Citation: | Uganda. 24622097 Corporal Paul Gerrard,Close Protection Team, British High Commission, Kampala. RMP. 25 Jan 1986. Citation: For his courage, devotion to duty and military skills in responding to a serious threat to lives of civilians in Kampala in January 1986.Citation: There was fierce fighting in Kampala between 23 - 26 January 1986 when 2,500 National Resistance Army troops defeated more numerous forces defending the city, and installed a new Government. On 24 January members of the Royal Military Police Protection Team were shot at by looting soldiers who had just murdered a civilian in a nearby house. At 10.45 hrs on 25 January 5 soldiers broke into and fired shots within a house next to that occupied by the Deputy High Commissioner. and 5 other High Commission staff where Corporal Gerrard was on guard. 5 soldiers then attempted to enter the Deputy High Commissioner's house. One opened fire with an automatic weapon. Corporal Gerrard returned fire. The soldiers then attacked the deputy High Commissioner's house with Rocket Propelled Grenades as well as automatic weapons. Corporal Gerrard stood this attack off while the Deputy High Commissioner reported by radio to the High Commissioner and to the Quick Reaction Squad (Staff Sergeant Laffan, Corporal Jones, Corporal Wood and Corporal Moore) on standby at a house 1 1/2 kilometres away. Staff Sergeant Laffan immediately sought and obtained the High Commissioner's authority to attempt a rescue. The Squad promptly drove to the Deputy High Commissioner's house coming under heavy small arms fire, and dispersed their attackers killing one. other soldiers then fired on the Squad for an adjoining garden. The Squad silenced this fire. The Squad then entered the Deputy High Commissioner's garden again coming under fire from a different quarter, and silenced this opposition after a 10 minute fire fight. The Squad then evacuated all inside the house to relative safety under cover of smoke. In the rescue, which lasted 30 minutes, Corporal Gerrard and the Quick Reaction squad expended 550 rounds, preventing at least two opposing Rocket Propelled Grenade teams for scoring hits on the Deputy High Commissioner's house or the vehicles used in the rescue. All involved knew in advance that a rescue would be hazardous, especially since confused fighting between the opposing armies was nearing the area. The unhesitating courage, devotion to duty and skill of all the Royal Military Policemen engaged in carrying out this rescue saved those under attack from death or injury. Corporal Gerrard's prompt reaction to the attack upon those he was guarding, and his readiness alone and unsupported to expose himself to fire to prevent the attackers from approaching closer or scoring hits with their Rocket Propelled Grenades kept his charges safe until the Quick Reaction Squad arrived, and it is a credit to his Service.Recommended by: British High Commissioner, Kampala. Maj. Gen. British Military Mission, Kampala. Gen. C in C UKLF. |