QUEEN’S ROYAL HUSSARS SERGEANT MAJOR JAMES SMITH, AGED 34, WARNDON VILLAGES, WORCESTER – RECEIVING THE LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL (LSGC) FOR 16 YEARS IMPECCABLE SERVICE
“I currently work at the Worcester careers office. I was recruited through that same office 16 years ago and took my oath here.

“For me, I knew I was going to join the Army even from school.

Worcester is very pro- Forces.

“I marched through here myself a few years ago and there are a lot of friends and family who live around this area.

“My parents Robert and Julia and my son Archie will be watching the parade and seeing me receive the medal today.

“This is a proud moment. My wife Ruth also serves in the Army as a nurse, so, unfortunately she couldn’t get the time off.

“I leave for Germany soon so this will be quite a nice end to my time here.

“I’ve worked quite closely with the mayor’s office so to receive my medal here is nice.

“The parade means a lot because we’re based in Germany and we don’t have a massive view of what’s going on here.

“It's wonderful to see the level of appreciation.”

MERCIAN REGIMENT PTE STEVEN BRADLEY, 22, REDDITCH – RECEIVING THE Afghanistan OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL
“I’ve just done my first tour of Afghanistan. I’m quite honoured to be receiving my medal today. I feel like I’ve done something for my country and my family.

“I signed up in 2009 and while in Afghanistan I was a rifleman with my checkpoint conducting routine patrols everyday. We were there to secure the population.

“The parade should be good. There should be a lot of people there. I think it’s good people are taking the time out their day.”

PTE KARL LEWIS, 22, REDDITCH – RECEIVING THE AFGHANISTAN OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL
“This was my first tour and at first, I didn’t know what to expect, but I soon got into the swing of things.”I thought about joining the Army when I was at school.

I went to live a little first and then I was at college for two years but I couldn’t get a job.

“I’ve got so much out of the Army – I’ve made the best of friends.

“I feel honoured to be receiving the medal today and taking part in the parade.

“It feels good that everyone’s cheering us on.”