A Shropshire soldier who led his platoon through enemy fire in Afghanistan has been honoured for his bravery.

Second Lieutenant Jamie Fraser, 25, was deployed in the southern region of Afghanistan last year. The former Shrewsbury School pupil, who joined the Army just 18 months ago, helped his platoon to secure a riverside area after coming under fire.

Lt Fraser, from Shrewsbury, said: “We were on an operation in a multi-national taskforce in Helmand Province in a breaking platoon heading towards Hyderabad.

“We were there for three weeks pushing through, facing assaults daily. Every area of Afghanistan is different but the enemy in Hyderabad appeared to be more fierce than in other areas.”

Last July Lt Fraser’s platoon was sent to secure an area around a river crossing. They came under intense fire from guns and rocket propelled grenades and had to get out of their armoured vehicles under heavy fire.

Lt Fraser led his platoon through the fire to clear a series of enemy strongholds, and when an attempt to force entry into one enemy position failed, he crossed the open ground under fire to ensure that the assault was successful.

He said: “It was the first time I experienced close combat. I was nervous but excited because I got to lead my platoon in a situation I’d been trained for. The training just took over.”

The commendation praised his “inspiring leadership and courageous personal example” and said: “If his platoon had not been successful in defeating this well-prepared and well-defended enemy of similar size and capabilities to his own unit, the whole operation could have faltered before it had really begun.

“Fraser’s courage and leadership in the most demanding and difficult of circumstances, and over a prolonged period, were outstanding and inspirational.”

Lt Fraser said he was proud and honoured to have received the commendation, awarded at the discretion of the Joint Force Commander.