AN OFFICER based at the Caver Barracks in Wimbish will be awarded an MBE for his exemplary leadership and contribution to saving lives whilst serving in Afghanistan. During his six month tour of duty, Major Eldon Millar, 35, of 33 Royal Engineer Regiment

AN OFFICER based at the Caver Barracks in Wimbish will be awarded an MBE for his exemplary leadership and contribution to saving lives whilst serving in Afghanistan.

During his six month tour of duty, Major Eldon Millar, 35, of 33 Royal Engineer Regiment (EOD), took difficult decisions on life or death situations almost daily.

As the officer commanding the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group during the most technically complex and frenetic battle period Helmand province had witnessed, the team dealt with over 1500 roadside bombs - more than double the amount than on any previous operation.

He is credited with driving forward the counter IED (improvised explosive device) campaign with his tireless efforts, earning him the respect of all the commanding officers he worked with.

Despite the deliberate and immensely dangerous nature of their task, the frequent and seemingly inevitable injuries, morale amongst his team was rarely anything other than "remarkable" notes his citation. It states that this was due to his personal actions and his outstanding leadership.

Even before he left for Afghanistan he was acutely aware of the dangers and was determined that the Task Force troops would have the best possible preparation and training. He therefore set up a comprehensive education and training programme around the units to increase their understanding of the threat, the tactical techniques and procedures of how to deal with IEDs.

This undoubtedly saved lives.

The latest operational honours and awards list, which includes 160 personnel, is for the period April to September 2009.