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restore and consolidate all apparently relevant MC precedent material in one section (it is not particularly needed in the lede), and tag previously uncited info
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'''Kate Louise Nesbitt''' [[Military Cross|MC]] (born c.1988) is the first female member of the British [[Royal Navy]], and the second woman in the [[British Armed Forces]], to be awarded the [[Military Cross]] (MC). She is the first member of the Royal Navy below [[Warrant Officer]] rank to be awarded the Military Cross after the abolition of the [[Military Medal]] in 1993 and the extension of the Military Cross to all ranks. She is also the first member of the Royal Navy to win the MC since the [[Second World War]] (and possibly since the [[First World War]]). Nesbitt, a Navy [[medic]] from [[Plymouth]], was awarded the MC for actions in [[Afghanistan]] during March 2009.
'''Kate Louise Nesbitt''' [[Military Cross|MC]] (born c.1988) is the first female member of the British [[Royal Navy]], and the second woman in the [[British Armed Forces]], to be awarded the [[Military Cross]] (MC). Nesbitt, a Navy [[medic]] from [[Plymouth]], was awarded the MC for actions in [[Afghanistan]] during March 2009.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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Nesbitt was deployed to Afghanistan for six months between October 2008 and March 2009 as part of the ongoing [[Operation Herrick]], the British contribution to the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]] which began in 2001.<ref name=TheHerald11Sep2009MCForPlymouthMedic/> With the rank of [[Able Seaman]] Class 1, Nesbitt was a [[Medical Assistant (Royal Navy)|Medical Assisant]] attached to [[3 Commando Brigade]], working in close support of C Company, 1st Battalion [[The Rifles]] (1 RIFLES).<ref name=RoyalNavyNewsMedicalAssistantToReceiveMC/><ref name=BBC11Sep2009NavyWomanAwardedMC/> (The Royal Navy provides the medical support to 3 Commando Brigade, who are normally based in Plymouth).<ref name=BBC27Nov2009NavyWomanCollectsAward/>).
Nesbitt was deployed to Afghanistan for six months between October 2008 and March 2009 as part of the ongoing [[Operation Herrick]], the British contribution to the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]] which began in 2001.<ref name=TheHerald11Sep2009MCForPlymouthMedic/> With the rank of [[Able Seaman]] Class 1, Nesbitt was a [[Medical Assistant (Royal Navy)|Medical Assisant]] attached to [[3 Commando Brigade]], working in close support of C Company, 1st Battalion [[The Rifles]] (1 RIFLES).<ref name=RoyalNavyNewsMedicalAssistantToReceiveMC/><ref name=BBC11Sep2009NavyWomanAwardedMC/> (The Royal Navy provides the medical support to 3 Commando Brigade, who are normally based in Plymouth).<ref name=BBC27Nov2009NavyWomanCollectsAward/>).

For her performance in the Afghanistan tour, including during an ambush on 12 March, Nesbitt became the first female member of the Royal Navy, and the second woman in the British Armed Forces, to be awarded the Military Cross (MC), after Private [[Michelle Norris]] of the [[Royal Army Medical Corps]], who received the MC for action in [[Iraq]] in 2006.<ref name=BBC11Sep2009NavyWomanAwardedMC/>


On her return from Afghanistan, Nesbitt was working in the Surgical Assessment Unit at the Military Hospital Unit in [[Derriford Hospital]], Plymouth.<ref name=UKPA27Nov2009ProudestDay/> ([[Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit|MDHU]] Derriford<ref name=RoyalNavyNewsMedicalAssistantToReceiveMC/>)
On her return from Afghanistan, Nesbitt was working in the Surgical Assessment Unit at the Military Hospital Unit in [[Derriford Hospital]], Plymouth.<ref name=UKPA27Nov2009ProudestDay/> ([[Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit|MDHU]] Derriford<ref name=RoyalNavyNewsMedicalAssistantToReceiveMC/>)


==Military Cross==
==Military Cross==
===Military Cross===
[[File:Military Cross.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The Military Cross]]
[[File:Military Cross.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The Military Cross]]
The Military Cross is awarded to any rank of the [[British Army|Army]], [[Royal Navy|Navy]], [[Royal Marines|Marines]] and [[Royal Air Force|Air Force]] "in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land".<ref name=MODMilitaryCross/> For her performance in the Afghanistan tour, including during an ambush on 12 March, Nesbitt became the first female member of the Royal Navy, and the second woman in the British Armed Forces, to be awarded the Military Cross (MC), after Private [[Michelle Norris]] of the [[Royal Army Medical Corps]], who received the MC for action in [[Iraq]] in 2006.<ref name=BBC11Sep2009NavyWomanAwardedMC/> After the abolition of the [[Military Medal]] in 1993, the Military Cross was extended to all ranks, and thus, Nesbitt is also the first member of the Royal Navy below [[Warrant Officer]] rank to be awarded the Military Cross.{{citation-needed|date=November 2009}} Nesbit is also the first member of the Royal Navy to win the MC since the [[Second World War]] (and possibly since the [[First World War]]).{{citation-needed|date=November 2009}}

===Taliban ambush===
===Taliban ambush===
The primary action for which Nesbitt received the Military Cross was for acts during a Taliban ambush. On 12 March 2009, Nesbitt administered emergency medical treatment under fire from [[Taliban insurgency|Taliban forces]], which saved the life of [[Lance_Corporal#United_Kingdom|Lance Corporal]] John List, a 22-year-old soldier of 1st Battalion, [[The Rifles]] (1 RIFLES), from [[Holsworthy, Devon]].<ref name=TheSun14Sep2009ImTheSoldier/><ref name=BBC11Sep2009NavyWomanAwardedMC/><ref name=TheHerald11Sep2009MCForPlymouthMedic/>
The primary action for which Nesbitt received the Military Cross was for acts during a Taliban ambush. On 12 March 2009, Nesbitt administered emergency medical treatment under fire from [[Taliban insurgency|Taliban forces]], which saved the life of [[Lance_Corporal#United_Kingdom|Lance Corporal]] John List, a 22-year-old soldier of 1st Battalion, [[The Rifles]] (1 RIFLES), from [[Holsworthy, Devon]].<ref name=TheSun14Sep2009ImTheSoldier/><ref name=BBC11Sep2009NavyWomanAwardedMC/><ref name=TheHerald11Sep2009MCForPlymouthMedic/>
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<ref name=MODMilitaryCross>{{cite web
|url=http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/defencefor/veterans/medals/militarycrossmc.htm
|title=Military Cross (MC)
|publisher=Ministry of Defence
|work=www.mod.uk - Medals
|date=undated
|accessdate=2009-11-27
|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5lbJSBXa9
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Revision as of 20:52, 28 November 2009

Able Seaman Nesbitt
AllegianceBritish
Service/branchRoyal Navy
Years of service2005-ongoing
RankAble Seaman Class 1
UnitMDHU Derriford, Plymouth
Battles/warsWar in Afghanistan (2008-9)
AwardsMilitary Cross

Kate Louise Nesbitt MC (born c.1988) is the first female member of the British Royal Navy, and the second woman in the British Armed Forces, to be awarded the Military Cross (MC). Nesbitt, a Navy medic from Plymouth, was awarded the MC for actions in Afghanistan during March 2009.

Personal life

Kate Louise Nesbitt[1] is 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m) tall and from Whitleigh in Plymouth, Devon.[2] She was educated in Sir John Hunt Community College in Whitleigh[3]. Belonging to a military family, her father Clive Nesbitt is a former Royal Marine Colour Sergeant, having served for 22 years.[4][3] As of 2009, she had two brothers in the military, one serving aboard HMS Ocean, the other undergoing medical training with the Royal Marines.[4] Also by 2009, one of her brothers Dan Nesbitt, had served in Iraq twice.[3] She was 20 years old in March 2009 when her MC winning action occured,[3] and had turned 21 by the time award was announced in September.[5]

Military career

Kate Nesbitt joined the Royal Navy in 2005.[4] She passed a Military Prehospital Emergency Care course run by the charity British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) at the Royal Marines base in Arbroath in Scotland.[6] After medical training, she served at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, followed by a posting aboard the Type 42 destroyer HMS Nottingham.[4]

Nesbitt was deployed to Afghanistan for six months between October 2008 and March 2009 as part of the ongoing Operation Herrick, the British contribution to the War in Afghanistan which began in 2001.[3] With the rank of Able Seaman Class 1, Nesbitt was a Medical Assisant attached to 3 Commando Brigade, working in close support of C Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES).[4][5] (The Royal Navy provides the medical support to 3 Commando Brigade, who are normally based in Plymouth).[7]).

On her return from Afghanistan, Nesbitt was working in the Surgical Assessment Unit at the Military Hospital Unit in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.[2] (MDHU Derriford[4])

Military Cross

Military Cross

The Military Cross

The Military Cross is awarded to any rank of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force "in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land".[8] For her performance in the Afghanistan tour, including during an ambush on 12 March, Nesbitt became the first female member of the Royal Navy, and the second woman in the British Armed Forces, to be awarded the Military Cross (MC), after Private Michelle Norris of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who received the MC for action in Iraq in 2006.[5] After the abolition of the Military Medal in 1993, the Military Cross was extended to all ranks, and thus, Nesbitt is also the first member of the Royal Navy below Warrant Officer rank to be awarded the Military Cross.[citation needed] Nesbit is also the first member of the Royal Navy to win the MC since the Second World War (and possibly since the First World War).[citation needed]

Taliban ambush

The primary action for which Nesbitt received the Military Cross was for acts during a Taliban ambush. On 12 March 2009, Nesbitt administered emergency medical treatment under fire from Taliban forces, which saved the life of Lance Corporal John List, a 22-year-old soldier of 1st Battalion, The Rifles (1 RIFLES), from Holsworthy, Devon.[9][5][3]

On that day, LCpl List's unit was undertaking a five-day operation in Marjah district, Helmand Province, securing the area for the forthcoming Afghan elections.[3][7][5] In the mid-afternoon, during a Taliban ambush and ensuing gun-battle, L/Cpl List was shot in the neck.[3][7][5] Nesbitt, on being informed by radio of a 'man down' and the location, ran 60 to 70 metres under fire and found L/Cpl List struggling to breathe, as the bullet had gone through his top lip, ruptured his jaw and come out of his neck.[3] She administered aid for around 45 minutes, stemming the blood loss, and providing him with another airway.[3] During treatment they were subject to gun and rocket fire from the Taliban forces.[5][7] L/Cpl List said of the incident, "I felt the impact go through my jaw, and the next thing I knew I was on my back. I thought that was it. Kate appeared from nowhere, reassuring me everything would be ok".[9] L/Cpl List was later airlifted to hospital by Merlin helicopter.[3]

Nesbitt returned from Afghanistan three weeks after the ambush, at the end of her tour.[3] Nesbitt next met LCpl List back in England in May 2009, at a medals parade for 1 RIFLES at their Chepstow barracks, the first time he was able to speak, and thank Nesbitt.[3]

Award

The news of Nesbitt's award was first announced on 11 September 2009.[1][5] Both LCpl List and Nesbitt attended the Devon Festival of Remembrance at the University of Exeter on 5 November 2009.[10] Nesbitt also read the citation during the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday 7 November 2009.[11]

Nesbitt was presented with her Military Cross by Prince Charles on 27 November 2009 at Buckingham Palace.[7] Nesbitt's citation read:

Nesbitt's actions throughout a series of offensive operations were exemplary; under fire and under pressure her commitment and courage were inspirational and made the difference between life and death. She performed in the highest traditions of her service.[3]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b "Military Cross, Royal Navy. 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009". Online copy of Gazette Issue 59182 Supplement No. 1. London Gazette. 2009-09-11. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b "'Proudest day' for award winner". Press Association. 2009-11-27. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Military Cross for Plymouth woman medic". The Herald (Plymouth). Daily Mail and General Trust. 2009-09-11. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Navy Medical Assistant to Receive the Military Cross". www.royalnavy.mod.uk > Operations and Support > Global Operations > Operations in Afghanistan > News. Royal Navy. undated. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "Navy woman awarded Military Cross". BBC News. 2009-09-11. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  6. ^ "BASICS Education trains Military lifesaver". www.basics.org.uk - > Press. British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS). undated. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e "Navy woman collects bravery award". BBC News. 2009-11-27. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  8. ^ "Military Cross (MC)". www.mod.uk - Medals. Ministry of Defence. undated. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ a b "I'm the soldier hero Kate saved". The Sun. 2009-09-14. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  10. ^ "Festival to focus on Afghanistan". BBC News. 2009-11-05. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  11. ^ "Queen attends remembrance event". BBC News. 2009-11-07. Archived from the original on 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
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