General Service Medal clasp Northern Ireland with M.I.D. Oakleaf (24500911 LCPL G CRUIKSHANKS BW); Jubilee Medal QEII 2002; Meritorious Service Medal QEII (24500911 WO1 G CRUIKSHANKS BW); Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (24500911 SSGT G CRUIKSHANKS BW); Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal bar Regular Army (24500911 SSGT G CRUIKSHANKS BW)
Gordon Cruikshanks was born in 1961. He attested for service with the Black Watch in 1980 and was initially posted to Germany with his battalion. On his return he was deployed to Northern Ireland on a number of occasions. It was during one of these tours that he Mentioned in Dispatches. The circumstances were described in his own words as follows:
"Whilst on a four and a half month operational tour in South Armagh I was carrying out the duties as a Cpl team commander with my company which was based at Crossmaglen, South Armagh. On the 21st January 1986 whilst on a routine rural foot patrol in the Milltown Bridge area, my team came under heavy and concentrated fire from the IRA who were, as it transpires, on a hill approx 300 meters away behind a dry stone wall. They numbered 7 gunmen and engaged my team of four with the combined firepower of 5 x assorted automatic rifles and 2 x M60 machine guns.
I took control of the situation ordering my men to take cover and return fire as we were in danger of sustaining multiple casualties owing to the immense weight of firepower used against us. We returned fire and during the firefight I sent a contact report in between engaging the enemy and gave all necessary info to our Ops room and coordinated the deployment etc. of backup troops when they arrived on the scene. I did not feel that I did anything to warrant the award other than doing what I was paid for but the citation (not enclosed as I don't have it) mentioned inspirational leadership and calmness under fire? The terrorists fired 320 round at us and we returned 118. The IRA claimed to have hit two of my men (not true). I apologise if this appears Rambo-ish but I thought it was the best way to convey why I was awarded the MID."
Rising steadily through the ranks Cruikshanks was also awarded the GOC Commendation for NI 1898/91 for outstanding service. His final deployment was as RSM 51st Highland in Perth, Scotland. He was awarded the MSM in 2003 and retired the following year - 2004. He is employed by the Local Authority in Scone, Perthshire.
Included with the medals are an original colour photo of Cruikshanks in WOI uniform along with the original GOC Commendation and MID certificate.
