Norwich soldier wins top prize
Kim BriscoeA New Costessey soldier has won a top army award after finishing his recruit training.Kim Briscoe
A New Costessey soldier has won a top army award after finishing his recruit training.
Private Sam Ward, 20, has successfully completed the 26-week Combat Infantryman's Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
His platoon commander Lieutenant Will Rackham said: 'Private Ward has been awarded the Soldiers' Soldier prize.
'This prize is awarded to the recruit who his peers think is the best soldier in the platoon.
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'He has shown determination and drive from the very first week and has developed well over the course. He has performed well above the standard expected of a recruit and will surely go on to be an invaluable asset to both his battalion and the army.
'This is a huge pat on the back from his fellow recruits.'
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Private Ward received his award at the pass out parade ceremony at the Infantry Training Centre on February 19.
He was a trainee electrician before deciding to join the army.
He said: 'Joining the army was something I'd always wanted to do.
'It took me a while to get through the recruiting process, but I was determined and my mum kept motivating me.
'Now that it's all over, I can say it was the best six months of my life.
'I wasn't sure I would last the course, never mind win a prize.
'My battalion are already in Afghanistan and I'm gutted I won't be able to join them there.'
After some well-earned leave Private Ward will join his new unit the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment in Pirbright.
