Honour for Afghanistan battlegroup chief

The commanding officer of a battlegroup which lost more soldiers than any other regiment during the conflict in Afghanistan has been honoured for his leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, of The 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was given the Distinguished Service Order for "indomitable" leadership in "the most hostile of circumstances".

The battlegroup lost 30 soldiers during a six-month tour of duty between October 2009 and April 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Kitson twice survived explosions during the campaign in Sangin, in Helmand Province.

He set "an example of dogged determination that inspired all those beneath him", his commendation said.

Some 17 soldiers from the battlegroup, which includes B Company of The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots), were also honoured in the Operational Honours List.