St Lucian is Carmen’s Young Soldier of the Year

Private Lucius Edward RLC, a St Lucian who enlisted in the British Army in 2006, served as a driver in Iraq 2007 – 2008, before retraining and deploying to Iraq again in 2010, where he was also Squadron PT instructor.  He conducted high-threat combat logistic patrols to Kuwait and the Al Faw peninsula, facing small arms fire and an IED strike against his vehicle.

Volunteering for Operation Certain Shield, he conducted dismounted border patrols with the Ist Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s battlegroup. As 2 i/c his section, he delivered a demanding PT regime, fought logistic support across Central Helmand, then deployed with 1st Battalion Scots Guards, delivering logistic moves against determined enemy action in Lashkah Gah and Nad-E-Ali with charisma and boundless enthusiasm. He provided peerless motivation, his professionalism unparalleled in his regiment — a multi-talented, dedicated and selfless logistician.

At present Edward is listed as Lance Corporal Edward Physical Training Instructor in the Logistics Support Regiment in Hers Majesty Forces. He was honored by Her Majesty Princess Anne with a plaque and medal of honor as 2011 Carmen’s Young Soldier of the year. Five months before this, he was also awarded a commendation from the head of operations in Afghanistan for my outstanding job in battle.

Originally from Cas-en-bas, Gros Islet, Edward lived with his mother, Agatha Edward, dad, Lucius Gregory Edward and Sister, Gennie Edward. He graduated from the Castries Comprehensive School in 2003 with aspirations of becoming a pathologist. These dreams he says led him to join the British Army.

“Before joining the Army, I worked as an apprentice with Dr Stephen King at the Ezra Laboratory (Victoria Hospital) for Two years,” Edward told the STAR. While doing my apprenticeship I met my future wife, Zuki Pilgrim-Edward. After eight years, we decided to move forward and got married in 2010. Now, we live together in the United Kingdom. This award is only the beginning of the goals I plan on fulfilling with the support of my family and friends.”