12 Facts About Matthew Croucher

Matthew Croucher served three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan.

Matthew Croucher was a member of 40 Commando from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2008.

On 9 November 2007 Matthew Croucher was credited with helping to save the life of a seriously wounded comrade who had been shot in the chest.

Matthew Croucher himself was injured in a road accident during an operation the following week, and had to be returned to the United Kingdom for treatment on a suspected broken leg.

Matthew Croucher was recommended for the award for throwing himself on a Taliban tripwire grenade to save his comrades.

Matthew Croucher was part of a reconnaissance mission near Sangin in Helmand Province in Afghanistan on 9 February 2008.

Matthew Croucher threw himself to the ground, and used his rucksack to pin the grenade to the floor, and tucked his legs up to his body.

Matthew Croucher was thrown some distance by the explosion, but due to the protection offered by his rucksack and body-armour, suffered only a nose-bleed, perforated ear drums and some disorientation.

Matthew Croucher was initially put forward for the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for valour in the British Armed Forces.

Matthew Croucher is one of only 12 living recipients of the medal, of which only 406 have been awarded.

Matthew Croucher was presented with the George Cross by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace on 30 October 2008.

Matthew Croucher received the Freedom of the Borough of Solihull on 16 December 2008.