Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Lance-Corporal A. S. Douglas, The Highlanders, who was mortally wounded by a sniper in Iraq, and died of his wounds on 30 January 2006, the 99th British Serviceman to die in the Iraq War

N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, 1 clasp, Kosovo, unnamed as issued; N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, 1 clasp, Non-Article 5, unnamed as issued; Iraq 2003-11, no clasp (25124440 LCpl A S Douglas Hldrs) mounted court-style, extremely fine (3) £700-£900

Allan Stewart Douglas was born in Aberdeen on 2 May 1983 and attested for The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) in October 2000, aged 17. After initial training, he joined Delta Company of the 1st Battalion The Highlanders, and the following year he was deployed on peace-keeping duties in Kosovo. In 2003 he embarked on a second peace-keeping tour, this time to Bosnia, before moving with the Battalion to Fallingbostel in Germany the following year, where he completed a Physical Training Instructor’s Course, which he passed with credit.

Douglas was promoted Lance Corporal in July 2005 and deployed to Iraq as part of the 7th Armoured Brigade in October 2005 with Delta Company, 1st Battalion The Highlanders as part of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Battle Group. In January 2006, whilst on a routine patrol in Al Amarah, he was shot by a sniper and mortally wounded. Despite the best efforts of his comrades and the medical teams, he died of his wounds shortly thereafter on 30 January 2006. He was the 99th British Serviceman to die in the Iraq War.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel James Hopkinson, said:
‘Lance Corporal Allan Douglas was extremely well liked by all who knew him, especially his comrades in the Mortar Platoon. He displayed all the qualities of professionalism, drive and humour that make a Scottish soldier. He was bright in character and an intelligent man who threw himself at his job with vigour. His recent promotion to Lance Corporal was a surprise to him but not to us who knew him. He was a very capable soldier and had a great deal of potential.
His enthusiasm and comradeship were obvious in all that he did, but especially in the gymnasium. He was happiest there, and the job of physical training instructor for the company saw him blossom into a capable Lance Corporal. He was most content when taking lessons and putting his fellow Highlanders through their paces. Allan carried this enthusiasm over to his work in Iraq.
Allan was the perfect soldier for service in Iraq. Chosen to serve in Delta Company Headquarters because of his own self-discipline and reliability he was a natural soldier: fit, trustworthy and at ease in often difficult situations where he never seemed to get down or become tired. He had a tremendous style, in the true tradition of the Scottish soldier, with the Iraqis whether they were policemen, civilians or children and with his winning smile he soon had them on his side. Allan was a natural team player who always looked out for others, was quick with a joke, but above all else was professional and dedicated to his task. He made a true difference in Iraq. It is telling that since this sad incident a great many Iraqis, both civilian leaders and members of the security forces have called to pass on their condolences. Allan made an impact in their lives that it will be hard to match.
Lance Corporal Douglas was not only a comrade but was a friend to many. He will be sorely missed by those who were privileged to serve with him.’

Douglas’s body was repatriated to the U.K. and was buried with full military honours at Dyce Cemetery, Aberdeen.

Sold with extensive copied research including a number of photographic images of the recipient which, for copyright reasons, we are unable to reproduce here.