by Nathan Rao

A soldier has been presented with one of the highest awards that can be given to a member of the armed services.

Cpl Mike Kirkham-Ingram, 33, of the 32 Engineer Regiment, has been awarded the Royal British Legion Badge in Gold award which is usually reserved for legion members who have given at least eight years’ service.

Cpl Kirkham-Ingram, from Sheerness, is on a three-year tour of duty in Germany, stationed in Hohne, and at the end of last year was deployed to Basra.

He realised that Remembrance Sunday would fall during his visit and as an experienced standard bearer, asked the legion branch in Hohne if he could take their standard with him.

They agreed and he took it stashed in a plastic drain pipe.

What he did not know was that the legion had also decided to launch its annual Poppy Appeal from Basra while he was there, and having the standard with him, and with his experience, he was called upon to take part in the launch parade.

At a recent legion district conference, Cpl Kirkham-Ingram, a former Cheyne Middle School and Mister College student, was taking part in the standard bearers’ competition and to his surprise was presented with the badge to recognise his contribution to the success of the launch.

One of the first calls he made was to his proud mum Janice McKenzie.

She said: "I was really pleased for him, and very proud. He takes his standard bearing very seriously.

"He has been in the Army since he was 17 and so I am used to him being away, I do miss him though and it is always nivce to see him when he comes back."

Before going to Germany, Cpl Kirkham-Ingram was standard bearer for the legion’s Queenborough branch.