THE COMMANDER of Colchester Garrison has been awarded a CBE.

Colonel Gary Wilkinson was recognised for his work in Afghanistan, including during his last tour in 2013/14 when he was Deputy Commander Task Force Helmand.

During the tour he was attacked with IEDs and other weapons but continued to work on operations including on the frontline.

His citation reads: “Wilkinson was the driving force behind the high tempo of base closures in Central Helmand.

“He planned and controlled the move of headquarters.

“His ability to lead the day-to-day coordination of such a complex phase in the campaign was outstanding.”

Col Wilkinson said: “I feel immensely proud and humbled to be recognised for what, to me, was just doing my job.”

Col Wilkinson took charge of Colchester Garrison last year.

He was based at Merville Barracks in Colchester and completed tours of Afghanistan in 2006 and 2008 as part of 7 Parachute Regiment, The Royal Horse Artillery.

He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became commanding officer of Colchester’s 7 Para RHA taking them back to Afghanistan in 2010/11.

He also led the homecoming parade in Colchester in 2011.

See the full story in Friday's Gazette.