Interesting story on the BBC news today concerning Iraq.

An army officer awarded a gallantry medal has been arrested as part of an probe into claims that honours may have been based on false battle write-ups.

Maj Robert Armstrong, 35, of the Royal Artillery, was detained by military police officers on Friday so that he could be interviewed under caution.

He received a Military Cross for "consistent bravery and inspirational leadership" in Afghanistan in March.

It is thought to be the first such inquiry in British military history.

As well as arresting Maj Armstrong, the Royal Military Police is investigating all the gallantry medals awarded to his regiment.

Thorough investigation

Maj Armstrong was attached to the 1st battalion The Royal Irish Regiment in Helmand in 2008.


Part of his medal citation said: "While mentoring the Afghan National Army vehicle patrol Armstrong showed consistent bravery and inspirational leadership.

"As a result of his calm leadership under fire, losses were prevented and the lives of those injured were saved."

But another soldier now claims that citation was "overblown".

This year 177 honours were announced for Iraq and Afghanistan.