A Dundee and Fife minister who gave hope to Afghanistan-bound soldiers reeling from the loss of comrades has been made an MBE.
The Rev John Duncan was preparing to leave for the war-torn country with the 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment when six soldiers were killed by a Taliban bomb which destroyed their Warrior armoured vehicle.
He was given the honour by Prince William at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his service as military chaplain in Afghanistan and on UN tour last year with the Black Watch in Cyprus.
Mr Duncan, 60, originally from Dundee, is now minister at St Athernase Church, in Leuchars, having retired from his role as padre after 15 years in March.
His award was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
He said: “I was completely and utterly surprised, but it was a pleasant surprise. Prince William pinned the medal on my chest.
“It is a memory which will remain etched in my mind. It was an emotional occasion — me, this laddie from Dundee, getting this medal.”
Just weeks before his departure to Afghanistan in 2012, Mr Duncan led a service at Minster Church of St Denys in Warminster, at which respects were paid to the dead and deploying soldiers seen off.
Five of the soldiers killed were from the Yorkshire regiment and one from the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Hundreds of people waving Union Jacks lined the streets as soldiers marched through the Wiltshire town.
Mr Duncan, who lives in Balmullo, said: “It was probably the most difficult service I have ever preached and ever will.
“I don’t think I will ever be in similar circumstances where I will have to preach to soldiers going to war where six of their comrades were killed in action.”
The regiment’s tour of duty was one of heavy losses, with nine soldiers killed altogether.
Mr Duncan’s job was to provide spiritual support and guidance and help to keep morale up among the soldiers during a difficult period.
Several years ago The Courier told how he had learned to ride a quad – nicknamed the God Quad – before a previous deployment to Helmand province.
Mr Duncan was minister in Glasgow and Burntisland before he joined the army in 2001.
He served around the world, including Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, Jordan, the Falklands, Canada and Northern Ireland.
