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Lt James Adamson talks
about the incident for which he was honoured

An Army officer based in Canterbury has been awarded
the Military Cross for his “supreme physical courage” and “calm
leadership” in combat.

Lt James Adamson, 24, then a platoon commander with The Royal
Regiment of Scotland, made a bayonet charge against enemy forces
that saved the lives of soldiers while on tour in Afghanistan.

He had already been awarded a Mention in Dispatches - the oldest
form of
recognition for gallantry within the UK Armed Forces - in the
previous operational honours list in March for his bravery in that
country.

Shortly after the incident that earned him the mention, during a
mission to secure a strategically important district centre on
October 7, 2008, Lt Adamson’s platoon came into repeated contact
with the enemy.

The sections became separated as they secured the compounds
taken.

“My sections were static but too far apart for my liking,”
said Lt Adamson.

“I was positioned with the mortar fire controller and the
interpreter to the north, 100 metres from each, between two
sections which is a long way in the Green Zone.”

As they moved up a shallow stream to link up with one of the
sections, two enemy fighters emerged five metres in front of them
firing a machine gun.

Lieut Adamson shouldered his weapon and as the mortar fire
controller fired he made a bayonet charge towards the enemy.

His citation reads: “Adamson’s leadership throughout the day was
exceptional. His actions neutralised an enemy flanking attack that
could have resulted in his platoon taking casualties.

"Adamson’s supreme physical courage, combined with the calm
leadership he continued to display after such a traumatic and
bloody experience, was of the very highest order.

“They set the greatest possible example to the Company and had an
inspirational effect on his men for the final hard remaining weeks
of the tour. Adamson’s actions on this day are deserving of the
highest official recognition.”

Lt Adamson said: “I was acting on auto-pilot more than
anything.

"The nature of the terrain and conflict there means it is more
natural that platoon commanders see action now rather than stand
back and command.”

Lt Adamson was educated on the Isle of Mann and commissioned into
the Army as an officer in August 2007.

He is a Company Second in Command with his battalion, which is
based in Canterbury.