LIVESTOCK and horses were not the only ones to receive awards for being the best of the best at the Great Yorkshire Show as a Yorkshire Regiment soldier was presented with an award for best soldier.
Private Matthew Gilmartin, 24, was today presented with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society Cup by society chairman Simon Theakston.
It is the third year the society’s cup has been presented to the best soldier in 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment.
Pte Gilmartin, from Bradford, has recently returned from operations in Afghanistan as a dismounted Rifleman, and has qualified as a Marksman in an annual combat test, one of the greatest honours for a Rifleman.
He said: “There are so many guys who could have got this trophy, but I’m really honoured they picked me.
“I know my mum will be really proud.”
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Garner, 1st Battalion Commanding Officer, said: “Pte Gilmartin’s professional understanding and performance is impressive. Such has been his work rate and natural talent he has often out-performed qualified Junior Non-Commissioned Officers doing their job.”
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