Armed Forces personnel who took part in the evacuation of more than 15,000 people from Afghanistan in August 2021 are set to receive a new medal recognising their efforts, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
Personnel will receive the existing Operational Service Medal Afghanistan, featuring a new clasp reading 'Operation Pitting', recognising their contribution to the evacuation of Afghan and British nationals.
More than 15,000 people were evacuated by personnel from across the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, during the effort.
Personnel will receive the existing Operational Service Medal Afghanistan, featuring a new clasp reading 'Operation Pitting'
Pictured: A full flight of 265 people supported by members of the UK Armed Forces on board an evacuation flight out of Kabul airport, Afghanistan in August 2021
More than 15,000 people were evacuated by personnel from across the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, during the effort
Approximately 600 soldiers were deployed to Kabul airport, providing food, water, and medical assistance to evacuees after the Taliban took control of the country.
Evacuees were flown out of Kabul by the Royal Air Force in what Defence Secretary Ben Wallace described as 'the largest British evacuation since the Second World War'.
One flight set a new record for the highest number of people carried in an RAF C-17 aircraft, at 439.
The Prime Minister said: 'I'm delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has given permission for a special medal to be awarded to all those who deployed to Kabul, to honour their heroism in the face of extreme adversity.
'Operation Pitting will go down as one of the great achievements of our UK Armed Services and their civilian counterparts in the post-war era.
'The whole country can be immensely proud of their tireless work to
