12 February 2001
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following award of The Queen’s Gallantry Medal and for the publication in The London Gazette of the names shown below as having received an expression of Commendation for Bravery.
Queen’s Gallantry Medal
Christopher Malone Howes (deceased)
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
Paul Fletcher
Ghulam Muhammad
Stephen John Oxford
Khaled Shaheenziada
Notes for Editors
The full citation for The Queen’s Gallantry Medal is attached. More information about this award and fuller details of the Commendations can be obtained as follows: Howes - South East Asia Dept, FCO (Tel no: 020 7270 2441) Fletcher, Oxford and Shaheenziada - Home Office Press Office (Tel no: 020 7273 4545)
Queen’s Gallantry Medal
Christopher Malone HOWES (Deceased). Civilian.
For his actions in negotiating the release of Mines Advisory Group personnel in a hostage situation in Cambodia. Christopher Howes was a member of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), working in Cambodia to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance, managing a de-mining team comprising more than 20 staff. On the morning of 26th March 1996, his team was preparing to start clearance work in a village in the province of Siem Reap. As they commenced their activities, a group of 30 armed Khmer Rouge guerillas emerged from the nearby forest. The team were surrounded and, under the threat of armed force, ordered to their vehicles. They were driven to the end of a dirt track where the vehicles were stripped of equipment. Mr Howes was then told by the Khmer Rouge leader to return to MAG for ransom money. Talking through his interpreter, he refused, pledging to remain with his team and urging their release. The situation was already dangerous and difficult, and tensions increased further when a number of de-miners managed to escape. Mr Howes continued his efforts to urge the guerrillas to release the other team members and eventually they agreed. However, the guerrillas kept Mr Howes and his interpreter hostage and two days later the interpreter was killed. Mr Howes was taken to the Khmer Rouge headquarters where he was held for several days before being shot dead on the orders of the Khmer Rouge General.
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
Paul Fletcher. Civilian.
For saving the life of a young boy who had fallen into a flooded river drain.
Ghulam Muhammad. Civilian.
For his actions in preventing armed intruders from gaining entry to a private property.
Stephen John Oxford. Fire-fighter, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
For services in rescuing a man who was trapped in an aggregate hopper of a stone crushing facility at a quarry.
Khaled Shaheenziada. Civilian.
For his persistence in intervening to prevent an assault on a member of the public by a group of youths.
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