AN OFFICER who was honoured for his bravery in Afghanistan told of children at his old school of his life in the Armed Forces.

Colonel Patrick "Patch" Reehal spoke at Oswestry School's annual speech day to coincide with Armed Forces Day.

Col Reehal was appointed an MBE in 2010 after for his service during 10 mission as a major in Helmand Province

Patch, at the time Major Reehal, earned his MBE in 2010 having been the force behind 10 dangerous missions in Helmand Province.

One of the 200-vehicle convoys led by the Royal Logistic Corps soldier saw the patrol survive five roadside bombs and an enemy ambush.

The citation for the honour called Col Reehal "a gifted leader of men". It continued: "His soldiers were inspired by his personal example, charisma and decisive action. There was nothing that they would not do for him.

"There is nobody across the Close Support Logistic Regiment more deserving of lasting, formal recognition than Maj Reehal for his efforts during six months of demanding operational duty."

An Oswestry School spokesman added; "Col Reehal instructed nine Combat Logistic Patrols (CLPs) as commander of 10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, each of which was said to be highly dangerous and vulnerable to enemy attack.

"The majority of the missions involved more than 80 vehicles which needed to make the journey to deliver vital supplies and vehicles to various bases across war-torn Helmand.

"Each operation required around 15 days' preparation. The first lasted four days instead of 18 hours and saw the convoy face five Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strikes.

"They also detected a further 16 IEDs en route and were ambushed. The mission, dubbed Operation Loam 20, made national headlines at the time."

The colonel was joined for the day by his wife, son and parents and took time to show his family his former bedroom in School House boarding house.

He also inspected the school’s cadet contingent and presented the Presidents Cup to Cadet Peter Taylor on behalf of Brian Kilty from the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion Association, with whom the school’s contingent have close links.

The proceedings closed with a contingent photograph and Major Alistair Othen presenting Col Reehal presented with the Oswestry School cadet colours.