Corporal Mallalieu receives Queen's Commendation for bravery

Queen's Commendation Citation
Whilst on duty on 19 July 2004, in the Visiting Aircraft Servicing Section at Basrah Air Station in Southern Iraq, Junior Technician Mallalieu witnessed a Royal Air Force Puma helicopter crash on one of the dispersals. Having witnessed the accident, he immediately went to the scene to assist. On arrival at the scene of the crash, he rapidly assessed the situation. Quickly realising that the lives of the aircrew trapped in the burning wreckage were in grave danger, he acted without hesitation. With complete disregard for personal safety, Junior Technician Mallalieu courageously ventured into the burning wreckage, his only concern being the preservation of the crew’s lives. His brave, selfless actions contributed directly to the rescue of two of the three crewmembers; sadly, the third perished in the flames, despite repeated rescue attempts. As an Armourer, Junior Technician Mallalieu was well aware of the inherent dangers of the situation, as the aircraft was fully loaded with small arms and flares. However, regardless of the imminent danger to his own life, he acted with urgency and courage to rescue the doomed aircraft’s crew; to which action those involved undoubtedly owe their lives. On that unforgettable day, Junior Technician Mallalieu showed himself to be an airman with the ability to make instant decisions in the face of an emergency. His example of courage, selflessness and gallantry exemplify the highest tradition of a fighting service. In recognition of this outstanding act of personal bravery, Junior Technician Mallalieu is awarded The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

Story by Sue Skinner - EDP - 1 March 2006
A desperate race against time to save three men trapped inside the burning wreckage of a crashed RAF helicopter - and an act of selfless and outstanding bravery.

It may sound like the scenario for a nail-biting climax to a blockbuster movie, but this was the real life and death drama played out on an air base in Iraq, with a Norfolk airman as the hero of the hour.

In imminent danger and showing complete disregard for his own safety, Darren Mallalieu embarked on a daring rescue and saved two of the men.

And at RAF Marham today his actions were officially recognised with the presentation of the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

The incident happened at the Basra Air Station in southern Iraq in July 2004, when the Puma helicopter was returning from carrying out a task in support of coalition forces.

Corporal Mallalieu, then ranked as a Junior Technician, saw the crash and, with another serviceman, immediately went to help.

The aircraft was ablaze, having caught fire shortly after coming to rest, and ammunition and flares were exploding from the wreckage.

The two survivors suffered serious burns but their crew member perished in the flames, despite repeated attempts to get him out.

An investigation by a board of inquiry later concluded that the accident had been caused by the helicopter's “inappropriate” downwind approach to landing.

Corporal Mallalieu, 39, who was on deployment from RAF Cottesmore in Leicestershire at the time and now serves as an armourer with the Tactical Armament Squadron at Marham, said he had been surprised to receive the award.

Joined today by proud members of his family, including his nine-year-old son, Harry, he said: “To me there was nothing heroic in it.

“I was just intending to get them out and that was it - it was all I had in my mind. I would not stand back and see anybody die.”

But the glowing citation accompanying the award told a different story.

It said: “On that unforgettable day, Junior Technician Mallalieu showed himself to be an airman with the ability to make instant decisions in the face of an emergency.

“His example of courage, selflessness and gallantry exemplify the highest tradition of a fighting service.”

And Marham's commanding officer, Group Capt Phil Osborn, said Corp Mallalieu would have been well aware of the dangers.

“This was not an unthinking act,” he said. “It's the act of somebody who knew well what was going on and still put themselves in harm's way.”

Corporal Mallalieu, who was also presented with a medal for service in Afghanistan, was among a number of station personnel receiving commendations and awards for long service yesterday.

His younger sister, Donna Peaks, from London, said it was an emotional occasion.

“We are very proud of him and not surprised, because that's the type of man he is,” she said. “He's really good in a crisis.

“We were just glad he was safe, as well.”



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