British soldier killed in Afghanistan awarded Victoria Cross

British Army Lance Corporal James Ashworth, aged 23, was killed in action during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters last year, on 13th June.

During the battle, L-Cpl Ashworth, who was leading a platoon of soldiers fighting their way through compounds in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, was cut off from his unit. Killing three enemy fighters, L-Cpl Ashworth had put himself in the front line of fire to draw the enemy from other soldiers in his unit.

He died when a grenade was launched and exploded next to him.

His actions, and an incredible last stand that followed, persuaded senior officers to recommend him for the Victoria Cross.

The Victoria Cross - the highest military award in the UK - is given for 'most conspicuous bravery'. Only ten have been awarded since World War Two and only one other awarded during the Afghanistan War.

Read the full story at The Daily Mail