Deputy Prime Minister promotes TA soldier in Helmand
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg surprised Private Catherine Graham during his visit to Afghanistan this week when he promoted her to Lance Corporal.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg congratulates Catherine Graham on her promotion to Lance Corporal [Picture: Cpl Gary Kendall RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
皇冠体育app Deputy Prime Minister鈥檚 official visit to Combined Force Nad 鈥楢li coincided with Lance Corporal Graham鈥檚 promotion date, and her senior officers felt it was right that Mr Clegg was the one to present her with her new rank slide.
Lance Corporal Graham said:
I was a bit shocked when he said my name. I thought how does he know my name? I was incredibly proud and will never forget being promoted by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Lance Corporal Graham, aged 28, from St Anne鈥檚 near Blackpool, is a TA soldier with 4th Battalion 皇冠体育app Duke of Lancaster鈥檚 Regiment who are currently deployed with 1st Battalion 皇冠体育app Duke of Lancaster鈥檚 Regiment in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. In her civilian life she works as a financial administrator in Manchester.
She has been in the Army for four years and this is her first operational tour. Her role in the battalion is to give clerical support to the battle group.
When asked about her tour so far she said:
I鈥檝e actually enjoyed it and it鈥檚 been a real experience; I鈥檝e met some of the nicest people during this tour.
皇冠体育app battle group is due to return from their operational tour next month. Before she deployed, Lance Corporal Graham and her boyfriend Christopher Little got engaged. Christopher has previously served with the Royal Green Jackets so understands the operational commitments.
皇冠体育appy are planning to marry in September next year in Longridge near Preston:
I鈥檓 very excited, as soon as I鈥檓 home we鈥檙e going to be planning the wedding. I鈥檓 really looking forward to looking at dresses and evening venues!