Soldier sets sights high
Published Date:
17 April 2008
By Staff Copy
A YOUNG soldier from Castleford has claimed a special honour for being the top student on a gruelling army course.
L Cpl James Hopkins, 19, received the prestigious “Cornish cane” during a parade at his barracks in Paderborn, north Germany, for excelling in a six-week promotion test of fitness, combat leadership and section management.
The soldier with armoured infantry unit The 5th Battalion The Rifles, said: “It’s been hard work spending six weeks in the field but I think my sniper background has helped.”
The Cornish cane is dedicated to soldier Cpl Matthew Cornish, who died while serving in Iraq in 2006.
Captain Dhan Gurung, course officer, said L Cpl Hopkins was the first soldier to be awarded the cane.
He added: “We chose the top student on the basis of his all-round performance.
“He was an exemplary winner.”
The full article contains 146 words and appears in Ponte and Cas Express newspaper.
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Last Updated:
15 April 2008 2:34 PM
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Source:
Ponte and Cas Express
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Location:
Pontefract & Castleford
