A former Royal Marine who lives near Loch Lomond is selling his medals to help build a homestead retreat.

Brad 'Bugsy' Malone, 37, left the service in 2018 after 16 years and is selling his Conspicuous Gallantry Cross that was awarded after his role in Operation Herrick IX in Afghanistan.

There, he was involved three times in Helmand Province in 2008 when he was section commander with 45 Commando.

Noonans will offer the cross along with orders and decorations and militaria on July 26. It is estimated at £100,000 to £140,000.

He plans to use the money from the sale to build a homestead or retreat in the Highlands for like-minded soliders to use and experience a new way of life.

Helensburgh Advertiser:

Brad was born in Northumberland but now lives near Loch Lomond and joined the Marines at the age of 16.

When he was given the cross at Buckingham Palace in 2009, he proposed to his girlfriend.

Mark Quayle, medal specialist (associate director) Noonans, said: “The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross was instituted in 1993 following the review of the British Honours System and is awarded ‘in recognition of an act or acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy and his gallantry award ranks second only to the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the face of the enemy. To date 60 have been awarded.”

Helensburgh Advertiser:

Brad was part of Zulu Company at the Forward Operating Base ‘Gibraltar’ in Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

The base was described by the Taliban as the ‘mouth of hell’, or the ‘devil’s place.’ Brad distinguished himself on no less than three occasions while on patrols, including: leading a bayonet charge to repel an ambush; rescuing his pinned down troop sergeant from the ‘Killing Ground’ and lastly when on the receiving end of an IED-initiated ambush. In a final incident in December 2008, he was blown off his feet but organised the evacuation of casualities and called in artillery and air support while under fire.