George Cross gazetted for Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence announced on 30 October 2003 more than 300 honours for servicemen and women who served on Operation Telic, the British contribution to the war in Iraq. They included a George Cross, awarded to Trooper Christopher Finney of the Blues and Royals.

After his troop of Scimitar armoured vehicles was struck by US A-10s in Iraq in a friendly fire attack, Trooper Chris Finney risked his life pulling his colleague Andy Tudball from the turret of his burning tank. He then returned to the burning Scimitar, full of fuel and ammunition to radio in a situation report to his commanding officer. He was carrying Cp1 Tudball to safety when the A-10 aircraft made a second pass, firing their multi-barrel GAU-8A 30mm cannon at the British patrol, this time seriously injuring him. Nonetheless, he went to rescue a crewman trapped in another tank but he was unable to pull him out of his burning turret before the intense heat drove him back

On 28 March 2003, D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment were probing forward along the Shatt Al Arab waterway, north of Basrah. some thirty kilometres ahead of the main force of 16 Air Assault Brigade. In exposed desert. their mission was to find and interdict the numerically vastly superior, and better equipped, Iraqi 6th Armoured Division.

Chris Finney's squadron of Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicles crossed the al-Hammar canal at first light on the morning of March 27, a week into the war in Iraq.

His citation for the GC reads in full:

   Trooper Finney, a young armoured vehicle driver with less than a
   year's service, was driving the leading Scimitar vehicle of his
   troop, which had been at the forefront of action against enemy
   armour for several hours. In the early afternoon, the two leading
   vehicles paused beside a levee to allow the troop leader to assess
   fully the situation in front. Without warning, they were engaged by
   a pair of Coalition Forces ground attack aircraft. Both vehicles
   were hit and caught fire, and ammunition began exploding inside the
   turrets. Trooper Finney managed to get out of his driving position
   and was on the way towards cover when he noticed that his vehicle's
   grinner was trapped in the turret. He then climbed onto the fiercely
   burning vehicle, at the same time placing himself at risk from enemy
   fire, as well as fire from the aircraft should they return. Despite
   the smoke and flames and exploding ammunition, he managed to haul
   out the injured gunner, get him off the vehicle, and move him to a
   safer position not far away, where he bandaged his wounds.

   The troop officer, in the other Scimitar, had been wounded and there
   were no senior ranks to take control. Despite his relative
   inexperience, the shock of the attack and the all-too-obvious risk
   to himself, Trooper Finney recognised the need to inform his
   headquarters of the situation. He therefore broke cover, returned to
   his vehicle which was still burning, and calmly and concisely sent a
   lucid situation report by radio. He then returned to the injured
   gunner and began helping him towards a Spartan vehicle of the Royal
   Engineers which had moved forward to assist.

   At this point, Trooper Finney noticed that both the aircraft were
   lining up for a second attack. Notwithstanding the impending danger,
   he continued to help his injured comrade towards the safety of the
   Spartan vehicle. Both aircraft fired their cannon and Trooper Finney
   was wounded in the buttocks and legs, and the gunner in the head.
   Despite his wounds, Trooper Finney succeeded in getting the gunner
   to the waiting Spartan. Then, seeing that the driver of the second
   Scimitar was still in the burning vehicle, Trooper Finney determined
   to rescue him as well. Despite his wounds and the continuing danger
   from exploding ammunition, he valiantly attempted to climb up onto
   the vehicle, but was beaten back by the combination of heat, smoke
   and exploding ammunition. He collapsed exhausted a short distance
   from the vehicle, and was recovered by the crew of the Royal
   Engineers' Spartan.

   During these attacks and their horrifying aftermath, Trooper Finney
   displayed clear-headed courage and devotion to his comrades which
   was out of all proportion to his age and experience. Acting with
   complete disregard for his own safety even when wounded, his bravery
   was of the highest order throughout.

His parents gave the following statement:

   Chris has been interested in the Army from an early age, and while
   we were surprised when he decided to join, we have always been
   extremely proud of him and his achievements. The award of the George
   Cross does not in any way alter the pride that we, as parents, feel
   for our son. However, after the anxiety of seeng him depart for the
   Gulf, return, and recover from his injuries, we could not be more
   delighted for him that his courage and determination has attracted
   such spectacular recognition.