Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Northern Ireland Q.G.M., M.I.D. pair awarded to Sergeant Kevin Southart, The Parachute Regiment

Queen’s Gallantry Medal (24261253 Cpl. Kevin Southart, Para.) with case of issue; General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland, with M.I.D. oak leaf (24261253 Pte., Para.) nearly extremely fine (2) £4000-5000

See Colour Plate VI

Q.G.M. London Gazette 21 October 1980: ‘In recognition of service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st February 1980 to 30th April 1980.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 21 March 1978: ‘In recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st Aufust 1977 to 31st October 1977.’

The following information was given to the vendor by the recipient in 1995: Sergeant Southart joined the army in 1971 and served in Northern Ireland with 3 Para in 1974, and subsequently served almost seven years in the province, many of them in an undercover roll with 14 Intelligence Company, arguably a more clandestine unit than the SAS. He was serving with 14 Int Coy at the time of winning both his awards. His Q.G.M. was awarded for the undercover operations leading up to the murder of Richard Westmacott, the SAS Captain killed on 2 May 1980, his award being announced in the same Gazette as Westmacott’s posthumous Military Cross.