Top Army reservist Richard has stomach for front-line
RICHARD Appleby has proved he’s got the stomach’ for working under fire rescuing and treating badly wounded soldiers and civilians. The doctor specialising in digestive medicine is just back from Afghanistan—to be voted London’s Territorial Army Reservist of the Year’
RICHARD Appleby has proved he’s got the stomach’ for working under fire rescuing and treating badly wounded soldiers and civilians.
The doctor specialising in digestive medicine is just back from Afghanistan—to be voted London’s Territorial Army Reservist of the Year.’
The 29-year-old gastroenterologist’s day job is normally looking after patients at a London hospital.
But in the evenings and weekends, he is in uniform as a captain in East London’s Territorials.
He has been a member of the Mile End TA unit for six years.
COBRA WINNER
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Capt Appleby received the title and Cobra Trophy at the Greater London Reserve Forces Association’s AGM in recognition of his “outstanding achievement over the past 12 months” and dedication to Mile End’s D Squadron and 256 City of London Field Hospital.
He began an extraordinary year, first with the British Army Antarctic Expedition, then two back-to-back tours on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He experienced front-line medical support at Inkerman forward operating base in Afghanistan where he spent most of his last tour of duty.
RESCUING CASUALTIES
His military and medical skills were tested to the limit treating and evacuating casualties, some badly wounded, from among the civilian population as well as his Army colleagues.
His commander, Col Peter Gilbert, said: “Richard’s medicine and operational medical support makes him a worthy recipient of the Volunteer Reservist of the Year’ title.”
The awards were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer, who spoke of the Territorials as “London’s very special sons and daughters.”
