Westergate man gets King's badge award

Matthew Hedley was selected for the King's Badge by his superior officers because of his all-round ability during the gruelling time.

The badge dates from a visit to the marines by King George V in 1918. He directed that his royal cypher, surrounded by a laurel wreath, would be known as the King's Badge and would be awarded to the best member of the senior recruit squad.

The badge is presented only when a recruit is believed to be worthy of the honour. It is worn on his left shoulder throughout his military career.

Matthew (20) was also named as the best in PT among his peers and given the Diamond Award for his abilities.

Of the 52 who started the training, only 15 survived its rigorous methods designed to enable them to cope with conditions anywhere in the world.

Matthew's proud family watched his passing out parade at the Marines' commando base in Lympstone, Devon.

He is a former pupil of Bartons Infant School in North Bersted and Westergate Community School.

He joined the marines last May and followed his passing out parade by starting an HGV driving course in Hull. He will follow this by going to Taunton where he will be based.

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