Sheffield reservist soldier becomes first to win York Medal since Captain Sir Tom Moore

Sergeant Chris Clarke, of the 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (4 YORKS), was awarded the regimental prize, given for meritorious service, for his contribution to his unit throughout 2019 and 2020.

The Manchester-raised serviceman, who administers a platoon in Sheffield, was congratulated by Brigadier Andrew Jackson CBE, the departing Regimental Colonel.

Brigadier Jackson wrote: “Sergeant Clarke has shown exemplary commitment to the Army Reserve this year, committing many working days, the vast majority of which have been in the field.

“He actively looks for opportunities for arduous challenges and shows high levels of commitment in executing them.”

The senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO), who is a probationary firefighter in civilian life, has been a talisman for his troops over the past few years, performing with distinction whilst training allies in Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Brigadier Jackson continued: “Sergeant Clarke was an invaluable asset on Exercise VIKING STAR in Denmark [in 2019]. He outshone his peers, providing diligent administrative support to the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) and moral support to all troops.”

The soldier, who has also been involved in Army efforts to support the NHS fight against Covid-19, becomes the first recipient of the York Medal since it was awarded to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore last year.

4 YORKS is an Army Reserve infantry unit based across Yorkshire and most of its personnel balance part-time military work with full-time jobs or studies.

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