Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare modern campaign service group of three awarded to Private A. J. Tindale, Sniper Platoon, The Parachute Regiment

General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (25084770 Pte., Para.); Operational Service Medal 2000, for Sierra Leone, with rosette (25084770 Pte., Para.); Iraq 2003, 1 clasp, 19 Mar. to 28 Apr. 2003 (25084770 Pte., Para.), all in their original named card boxes of issue, that for the Operational Service Medal confirming ‘silver rose emblem’ entitlement, virtually as issued (3) £4000-5000

Adam James Tindale enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at Durham in August 1998, his official Record of Service verifying his entitlement to the above described awards, and attachment to the Sniper Platoon:

‘Private Tindale enlisted in the Army in August 1998. He chose to join The Parachute Regiment, and completed the demanding selection course and training which was conducted over a number of phases spanning several months. The training that he encountered was both mentally and physically challenging. Working as a team member he had to show not only initiative but also leadership potential.

He successfully completed his training and joined the 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, initially serving as a Rifleman within a Rifle Company, and later with the Sniper Platoon. He has served on operations in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and the Gulf; and taken part in training in Kenya, Kuwait and various parts of Great Britain.

Working in the Sniper Platoon, Private Tindale developed great self discipline and patience mastering the different techniques required to be an effective sniper. Skills that demonstrate his ability to master difficult techniques over time. Furthermore, he showed that he could cope well under situations of pressure, maintaining both concentration and a good sense of judgement’ (Extract taken from his Record of Service Testimonial - copies included).

Tindale’s entitlement to the Operational Service Medal for Sierra Leone, with rosette, stemmed from his part in “Operation Barras”, a British initiative to try and free 11 men of the Royal Irish Regiment who had been seized on 25 August 2000 by the rebel group known as the “West Side Boys”. A few days later five of the hostages were released, but on 10 September a major assault was mounted to free the remainder, our forces comprising 150 men of The Parachute Regiment and elements of the Special Forces. In the ensuing 10-hour engagement, one S.A.S. Trooper was killed and 11 other soldiers wounded, but the Royal Irish Regiment captives were safely released. The rebel leader, Foday Kallay, was captured, so too many of his followers, and 25 members of the “West Side Boys” killed.

Only those members of the Parachute Regiment or the Special Forces that took part in Operation Barras qualified for the silver rosette on the Sierra Leone Operational Service Medal. Tindale was discharged at Connaught Barracks, Dover in April 2004.