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Date Published: 13/10/2021
ARCHIVED - British soldier from Murcia hailed as hero by Spanish military
The Spanish-speaking soldier, who has lived in Murcia for around two decades, helped almost 200 refugees from Afghanistan escape to Spain
A British soldier who was raised in Los Belones, Cartagena, has been hailed as a hero after helping to rescue between 150 and 200 Afghan citizens who were bound for Spain.
Private Harry Dear, of the 16 Air Assault Brigade, was told by members of the Spanish GEO force that Afghans who had collaborated with Spain and who were supposed to be evacuated to the Torrejón refugee camp in Madrid were at risk of having to stay in Afghanistan, as Spanish forces couldn’t reach them.
The Spanish officers explained that they weren’t able to access checkpoint areas controlled by British and US forces, meaning that they had no way of contacting and rescuing their Afghan collaborators. Thanks to his unique position as a Spanish speaking British soldier, Harry worked tirelessly for four nights locating refugees bound for Spain and accompanying them to their flights.
When asked how many people he shepherded out of the danger zone, Harry was unsure: “Probably around 150 to 200,” he replied, mentioning that during the first night alone he located and helped 76 people.
Spanish officials have since said that they wish to award the Brit with a Cruz del Mérito Militar, which is Spain’s third highest gallantry medal.
Image: 16 Air Assault Brigade
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