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University of Warwick Lecturer Wins Prestigious Soldier Award

Originally Published 04 May 2004

Territorial Army soldier and Lecturer in Occupational Health at the University of Warwick, Caroline Whittaker, has just received the Royal Red Cross 1st Class for her services in Iraq.

Lieutenant colonel Caroline Whittaker, who serves with Birmingham based 202 Field Hospital, was the Officer Commanding Nursing Squadron in 202 Field Hospital.

She received the award for her leadership and the outstanding care given by her unit last year to casualties including Coalition forces, Iraqi civilians and children.

Lecturer Caroline Whittaker temporarily left her post at Warwick Medical School in March 2003 when she was called up by the Territorial Army.

While serving in Iraq Caroline efficiently commanded a squadron formed of personnel mobilised from all TA Medical Units, and showed strong leadership skills to motivate her personnel onto a cohesive team.

The citation for her award said her understanding of her staff across all ranks showed a caring attitude towards their welfare and that she also displayed the highest standard of nursing in an outstandingly efficient manner.

The Royal Red Cross is only awarded to members of the Nursing Services, and is given “for exceptional devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing duties."

For more information contact: Caroline Whittaker, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Tel: 02920 333 991, Mobile: 07980 870 929 or Jenny Murray, Communications Office, University of Warwick, Tel: 02476 574 255, Mobile: 07876217710