Soldier decorated for bravery

Bombardier Helen Burnley, 29, helped to pull out a trapped crewmember from the Puma helicopter, as smoke poured from the exhausts and fuel leaked from the engine.

Ms Burnley, who serves in the Royal Artillery regiment and her section of Army students were on a training day in which Pumas were being used when one of the helicopters crashed at Catterick on April 19 last year.

She evacuated students and stayed behind to free the air loadmaster, whose legs were trapped underneath the wreckage.

The accident investigator said: " It was clear that the loadmaster was trapped and if prompt action had not been taken, his survival could not have been guaranteed.

"It was an extremely hazardous situation and the aircraft could have caught fire at any moment. Without hesitation and with no regard for her own safety Bombardier Burnley dug with her bare hands in an attempt to release the loadmaster's legs."

She was soon joined by the platoon sergeant and the two managed to release the man's legs. Ms Burnley realised he had major leg injuries and acted promptly by making some make shift splints to immobilise his legs.

By this time her students had been airlifted to Northallerton Hospital but she insisted on being re-united with them to check their condition.

Her mother, Ann Burnley, of Starbeck Road, Eastmoor, Wakefield, said: "Helen called me after the crash. When we heard what Helen had done to get everyone out of the helicopter we were so proud of her. She just thought of everybody else and acted instinctively.

An Army spokesman said: "Bombardier Burnley's conduct was selfless and courageous throughout and her actions were far above those which could be expected from someone of her rank and experience, and she strongly merits an award in recognition of her bravery."

Ms Burnley, who operates as a surveyor, has served in Bosnia, Cyprus, Germany and the UK receives a gallantry Commander in Chiefs 's commendation.