LONDON.- The Military Cross and medals awarded to Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Corporal Mark Ward are set to be auctioned in London in November. His seven medals, together with his original combat helmet and uniforms are to be sold by Spink & Son in London on the 24th November.

His Military Cross, the third-highest Decoration for Gallantry in the face of the enemy was awarded during his tour operating in a remote and hostile section of Helmand Province, Afghanistan during 2010. Whilst a Section Commander he showed ‘…outstanding gallantry and leadership’ when he ‘…demonstrated conspicuous courage and inspirational leadership in the face of the enemy whilst repeatedly salvaging deteriorating situations, saving the lives of his men.’

On one occasion in 2010, a member of his patrol was killed by an improvised explosive device, following which he ‘…calmly climbed out of the ditch into a hail of bullets and rockets and fired a Light-Anti Structures Missile at the Taliban gun nest.’

Ward was born in Stockport and is the fifth generation of his family to serve the local regiment, Ward serving The Mercian Regiment. He was presented his Military Cross by H.M. The Queen in 2011, also having the honour of presenting the 2011 FA CUP TROPHY to the Manchester City Captain, the team he has supported his entire life.

A letter received from Prince Charles, included in the auction also gives Ward praise: “I particularly wanted to drop you a line to say how thrilled I was to learn of this award and to send to you my HEARTFELT congratulations…it is clear that your repeated acts of selfless leadership and gallantry were absolutely crucial in preventing loss of life to your comrades, and indeed, saved the lives of others…you are also an immense credit to this country of ours”

The medals carry a pre-Sale estimate of £12,000-14,000 and Auctioneer Marcus Budgen said: “The outstanding gallantry shown by Corporal Ward in Helmand Province make these items extremely rare. We are honoured to have the duty to offer his superb Group of medals, which together with all the original supporting documentation and items make these particularly important. We are confident that strong bidding will be required to secure these important medals.”