A Suffolk-based soldier has been awarded a military honour for delivering force protection in Afghanistan.

Sapper Adam Oxley, of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), based at Rock Barracks, Woodbridge, received the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS) for his work as the Resources Yard Commander within Task Force Helmand (TFH).

A role usually fulfilled by a more senior soldier, the 24-year-old, from Teesville, was in charge of stock worth millions of pounds. His ability to deliver force protection measures has been acknowledged as crucial.

On one occasion, an attack by insurgents on a patrol base caused the destruction of a 60-metre section of perimeter wall. Spr Oxley worked through the night to organise the preparation and dispatch of material and equipment so the wall could be quickly repaired and reinforced.

He was also responsible for reconditioning and upgrading temporary fortifications that would otherwise be shipped at cost from the UK.

Spr Oxley said: “This award means a lot to me but it is totally unexpected as I don’t think I did anything extraordinary on tour. I was covering a sergeant’s job for a long period, but I had experience and confidence from my first Afghan tour and the support of a hard-working team.

“When the wall was breached it was a real rush job to sort out what was needed to repair it and fly it forward as quickly as possible. I was working in the relative safety of Camp Bastion and you feel obliged to put the extra effort in to make sure soldiers out in more dangerous places are protected.”

Spr Oxley’s citation reads: “Oxley’s relentless drive, often working through the night to get the best out of those he commands, has in large part ensured the continued success of the Force Protection Engineering operations. He has demonstrated a maturity and capacity well beyond his rank which has allowed him to develop engineer logistics and broker vital links between TFH and the Joint Force Support (Afghanistan).”

Spr Oxley went to Gillbrook Academy and has been on two tours of Afghanistan with 23 Engineer Regiment since joining the Army in 2009. His brother, Private Paul Oxley, serves with 1st Military Working Dog Regiment at Sennelager in Germany.

The QCVS recognises meritorious service during, or in support of, operations.

Spr Oxley’s honour was one of 117 given to personnel this week.