Arundel helicopter pilot decorated by the Queen

A ROYAL Navy helicopter pilot was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross by the Queen yesterday (Thursday, October 30).

By The Newsroom

Published 31st Oct 2008, 10:24 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:04 BST

Lieutenant Nichol James Emslie Benzie, 34, from Arundel, twice braved ferocious enemy fire, on successive days, to save the lives of British troops wounded in Afghanistan, while serving in the country's Helmand province, in November 2007.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the highest award specifically for flying duties."

Lt Benzie's citation stated that in recovering seriously injured casualties in the most demanding environmental conditions, and in the face of intense enemy activity, he had shown exceptional courage, inspirational leadership and flying ability of the highest order.

* For the full story, see next week's Littlehampton Gazette, on sale Thursday.

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