Elizabeth Crosses awarded to families of Cyprus personnel

Two Elizabeth Crosses have been awarded to families whose loved ones died in Cyprus in the 1950s.

The Cross is awarded in national recognition of the loss and sacrifice suffered by the families of service personnel killed on operations in the line of duty.

The families of Private Derek Goddard, formerly of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, and Private Douglas Laventure, formerly of the Royal Army Service Corps, were presented with the cross at the Officers Mess at 11 Infantry and Brigade Headquarters South East.

It is the first time the headquarters have hosted the ceremony for more than one family.

Brian Laventure, brother of Private Douglas Laventure, told Forces News: "My brother was posted to Cyprus three months after he started his national service. 

"He was killed by a terrorist.

"Well at long last, after a long period, my brother's death has been recognised through the award of this medal - I'm very humbled and happy that, that has happened."

The Elizabeth Cross was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esquire. 

Beryl Pearce, sister of Private Derek Goddard, said she was only told her brother died "while bathing" but she honoured to receive the award.

"Proud, very honoured to be here today - it's so sad we've got to celebrate these things," she explained.

"Obviously, Derek would be 80 now and it's hard to fathom that he was only 18 when he was killed - I find that hard to comprehend actually."

The Elizabeth Cross, which was introduced in 2009 and along with the cross, families also receive a memorial scroll signed by the Queen. At the time of its inauguration Her Majesty stated:

"As people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect."