Queen Elizabeth's nine bravery awards

06 January 2009

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth has issued nine medals in recognition of bravery.

Among those honoured was Detective Constable Steve Oake, 40, who was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his efforts during a 2003 raid in Crumpsall, Manchester.

The policeman was killed after being stabbed eight times by armed Algerian terrorist Kamel Bourgass - who was involved in a plan to poison Britain with deadly ricin - as he wrestled him to the ground.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy added: The public and his colleagues have always supported Stephen being given an award

Steve's widow Lesley said she and the couple's three teenage children were delighted he had been recognised.

Lesley said: "This is great news. We are extremely proud our much-loved Steve's sacrificial act of bravery has resulted in this award."

"We accept this award not only on behalf of Steve but in recognition too, of the bravery of the many officers that were involved on that day."

The Queen's Gallantry Medal is granted for gallantry of an exceptional order and recognises selfless, brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or the arrest of dangerous criminals.

In 2006, the Home Office rejected calls for the brave policeman to be awarded the George Cross.Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy added: "The public and his colleagues have always supported Stephen being given an award."An unnamed detective sergeant who was also on the scene and was stabbed in the arm as he attempted to assist Oake was awarded a Queen's Commendation for Bravery.David Duguid was given a Queen's Gallantry Medal for his actions during the attack on an airstrip in Yemen in 2007, where he repeatedly attempted to stop a gunman.The same accolade went to 48-year-old Kevin Francis for his composure in saving a pilot from a burning plane in September 2006.Two police constables from West Mercia Constabulary - which covers Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire - were also awarded Queen's Commendations for Bravery for their actions in tackling a gunman.Civilians Adrian Heili and Lee Hunt received the same award for their actions following the terrorist bomb attack at London's Edgware Road underground station in July 2005.Finally, Inspector Andrew Galbraith of the Police Service of Northern Ireland was awarded a Queen's Commendation for Bravery for the way he dealt with a public order incident in Belfast.

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