Kim Hughes (British Army soldier)


Kim Spencer Hughes, GC is a British Army bomb disposal expert who was awarded the George Cross as a staff sergeant for gallant acts carried out in the Afghanistan conflict. Hughes made safe 119 improvised explosive devices on his tour of Afghanistan. The citation was presented to Hughes by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup on 18 March 2010 in a ceremony in the City of London. The posthumous award of the GC to Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid was announced at the same time. The awarded was gazetted on 19 March 2010.
His citation states that he carried out "the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan".

Early life

Hughes was born in Germany, where his father was serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and returned to England in 1985. He lived in Weston-super-Mare until 1988 when he moved to Telford. There he was educated at Thomas Telford School.

Medals

Kim Hughes has received the following medals:

RibbonDescriptionNotes
George Cross
  • 19 March 2010
General Service Medal
  • With Northern Ireland Clasp
    • NATO Medal
  • With Yugoslavia Clasp and Rotation Numeral '2'
    • Iraq Medal
    Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan
  • With Afghanistan Clasp
    • Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
  • 2002
  • UK Version of this Medal
    • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
  • 2012
  • UK Version of this Medal
    • Accumulated Campaign Service Medal
    Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • With Clasp "REGULAR ARMY"

    • Appearances

    Because Hughes makes appearances in behalf of the Ministry of Defence he is expected to appear in appropriate uniform, such as mess dress and service dress. Hughes was featured on UK television during the process of creating these uniforms.