From left: Sergeant Alwyn Stevens, Sergeant Robert McClurg and Lance Corporal Jone Toge

Three heroic soldiers from a north Shropshire barracks made history today when they became its first to be awarded the military’s second highest medal from the same tour of duty.

Sergeant Robert McClurg, Corporal Alwyn Stevens and Lance Corporal Jone Toge were awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for bravery fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan’s war-torn Helmand province.

They were among 18 based with the 500-strong Royal Irish Regiment at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, to receive awards.

Sergeant Stephen McConnell, 32, was awarded the Military Cross.

Nationally more than 150 servicemen were honoured for their gallantry.

Ministry of Defence bosses today praised the three based in Shropshire, saying Lance Corporal Toge, 27, used “superhuman strength” to save four comrades when they came under AK-47 and grenade fire.

He and his platoon took on 20 Taliban fighters after his commanding officer was incapacitated and led the patrol to safety.

An Army report said: “He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, disregarding his own safety to keep the squad going forward.” The Fijian-born soldier was also blown “six feet in the air” when Taliban fighters bombarded the platoon with 10 RPGs.

He then gave first aid to injured comrades and “with supreme strength and selflessness extracted them from the killing area”.

Corporal Stevens, 30, led a platoon into a three-hour battle against insurgents while Sergeant McConnell managed to save lives by picking off Taliban fighters hiding in a compound where civilians were trapped.

The regiment’s haul also includes two further Military Crosses, two Queen’s commendations and 10 mention in dispatches.

Captain Brian Johnston said: “Morale is sky high and to be awarded in this way does a lot for the soldiers and the regiment. People from Market Drayton and all over Shropshire have been so supportive and looked after our families and sent parcels.”

By Tom Johannsen