Sergeant Saiasi Nuku VONO, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

The bravery of a Fijian NCO who went to the aid of nine colleagues caught in a fatal roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan has been recognised.

Sgt Saiasi Nuku Vono, of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots) has been awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

His citation says he had shown “inspirational leadership” following the explosion in Helmand Province.

36 year old Sgt Vono was on his way back to base after a patrol in the District of Helmand, when an improvised explosive device (IED) was triggered by a Mastiff vehicle.

The vehicle was behind Sgt Vono’s vehicle and the blast caused serious injuries to all nine of the soldiers it was carrying.

Three of them were later confirmed as having been killed in action.