Christopher Finney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Finney
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|---|---|
| Born | 23 May 1984 Brussels, Belgium |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 2000–2009 |
| Rank | Lance-Corporal of Horse |
| Unit | Blues and Royals |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | George Cross |
Christopher Finney (born 23 May 1984) is a former British soldier. He was awarded the George Cross medal for his amazing bravery. This happened during the 2003 invasion of Iraq when his vehicle was accidentally attacked by friendly forces.
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Early Life and Joining the Army
Christopher Finney grew up in Marple, near Stockport, England. Later, his family moved to Wimborne in Dorset.
He joined the British Army in September 2000 when he was just 15 years old. He first joined the Coldstream Guards. But during his training, he decided to move to the Blues and Royals regiment. He spent a year at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. After finishing his training, he joined his regiment in Windsor in January 2002. Soon after, he went with his squadron to Iraq.
Bravery in the Iraq War
On 28 March 2003, Christopher Finney was driving a military vehicle called a Scimitar. They were near Basra in Iraq. Suddenly, two American planes accidentally attacked his vehicle. This is called a "friendly fire" incident, meaning soldiers are accidentally attacked by their own side.
Finney managed to escape from his burning vehicle. But he quickly realized his gunner was stuck inside. He bravely went back into the burning vehicle to rescue his friend. After getting his gunner out, he saw that all his friends were hurt. So, he went back into the vehicle a second time to tell his headquarters what was happening.
Even while the planes attacked again, hitting Finney in his back and legs, he helped his wounded gunner to safety. Then, showing incredible courage, he went back a third time! He tried to rescue the injured driver of another burning vehicle.
His bravery was truly remarkable. He acted with complete disregard for his own safety, even when he was wounded. He showed amazing courage and care for his friends.
The George Cross Award
On 31 October 2003, Christopher Finney was awarded the George Cross (GC). This is a very special medal given for extreme bravery. It is for acts of courage that happen when you are not directly fighting the enemy. Christopher Finney became the youngest soldier in the British Armed Forces to receive this award.
Some people thought he might get the Victoria Cross. This is the highest military award in Britain. However, the Victoria Cross is given for bravery "in the face of the enemy." Since Christopher Finney was attacked by friendly forces, he received the George Cross instead.
Queen Elizabeth II presented the award to Christopher Finney at Buckingham Palace on 25 February 2004.
He also received a special award at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2004 for his heroism. After recovering from his injuries, Finney continued to serve in the army. He was promoted to lance-corporal of horse.
Life After the Army
After leaving the army, Christopher Finney continued to be involved in important work. He became the Chairman of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. This group helps people who have received these very special bravery medals.
In 2022, he took on this important role. Because of this, he was chosen to take part in the coronation of King Charles III. He was one of four people who presented the King to the crowd at Westminster Abbey during the ceremony. This showed his continued service and dedication.
