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LANCE CORPORAL ALEXANDER KENNEDY, 34, WAS AMBUSHED BY THE TALIBAN IN AFGHANISTAN IN 2009 WHEN HE WAS JUST 18 YEARS OLD AND WAS AWARDED A MILITARY CROSS FOR HIS BRAVERY 14:30, 29 May 2025 A

Midland war hero who became the youngest recipient of the Military Cross since World War II has auctioned off his gallantry medals for a staggering £33,800. Lance Corporal Alexander Kennedy

from Bromsgrove was just 18 when he was ambushed by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2009, earning recognition for what has been described as one of the most "outstanding acts of bravery

by a British soldier in the modern era". Now aged 34 and battling PTSD, the veteran chose to sell the "painful reminders" of his military service as a means to

"heal" from the traumatic experiences and "emotional memories" associated with them. READ MORE: MAJOR BIN STRIKE UPDATE His collection of medals achieved a total of

£33,800, fees included, at an auction held by Aubreys Auctioneers in Surrey on Wednesday. The auction house believes this sale sets a new record for a modern Military Cross trio at auction.

Article continues below Aubrey Dawson, managing director at Aubreys Auctioneers, said "For Kennedy, the Military Cross has always represented both extraordinary courage and profound

personal sacrifice. "His decision to sell these precious items is emblematic of a powerful journey forward, not a rejection of their significance. "The remarkable result achieved

at auction speaks volumes of the respect and admiration collectors have for such deeply personal and historically important items. "We believe this sale sets a new record for a modern

Military Cross trio, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Kennedy's bravery and sacrifice." Kennedy, of the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment, had only been in the army for six

months when he came under fire from at least nine enemy fighters in Helmand Province.‍ He was ferociously attacked from three directions by at least nine enemy fighters and his platoon

commander, Captain Andy Bell, was shot and severely wounded. Kennedy himself was struck—his light machine gun was hit by enemy fire, shattering the weapon’s handle and sending shrapnel

ricocheting into his helmet and goggles, temporarily blinding and deafening him. Despite the chaos, he displayed remarkable coolness and crawled to his wounded commander, administered

life-saving first aid, and assumed responsibility for radio communications. Kennedy transmitted an accurate situation report, facilitating armoured vehicle support., before returning to the

fight with controlled bursts from his damaged weapon. It provided vital cover for the extraction of his commander and allowing his section to secure a safer position and his actions were

commended for saving multiple lives. The awarding of Kennedy’s Military Cross was formally announced on March 19, 2010. His bravery was further acknowledged in Parliament and honoured at a

civic reception hosted by Bromsgrove District Council. He received the prestigious decoration personally from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on July 9, 2010.‍ A spokesperson

for the auctioneers added: "Though proud of what they represent, the memories associated with them carry profound emotional significance that he, like many veterans, continues to

grapple with. "His choice to sell the group was deeply personal, reflective, and intended to honour the memories they hold. "Kennedy has expressed satisfaction that the medals and

archive, for which he has no children inherit, will now reside with someone who appreciates their profound historical significance. "He takes comfort in knowing they will be treasured

and preserved for generations to come." Some proceeds from the auction will support charitable causes close to Kennedy’s heart and towards his personal further education and studies.

Other funds will contribute to wildlife conservation, specifically projects aimed at protecting Africa’s 'Big 5' species. Kennedy, of Redditch, said: “I trusted Aubreys 100 per

cent from the beginning. "The care, discretion, and professionalism they provided was outstanding, making a difficult process manageable and respectful, and I'm very pleased with

the result”. The lot sold at Aubreys Auctioneers included: Article continues below * The Military Cross, officially named to: Pte A R Kennedy Mercian 30023043 2010 * The Operational Service

Medal for Afghanistan, with clasp * The NATO Medal with ISAF clasp * Kennedy’s battle-damaged helmet, clearly displaying shrapnel impacts sustained during the firefight * His distinctive

shoulder patch worn during active duty * An extensive and poignant archive comprising letters, photographs, and memorabilia, including: * Personal letters of congratulations from senior

British military figures, such as General Sir Peter Wall, General Sir David Richards, and Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach * Original photographs documenting Kennedy’s service in Afghanistan and

his investiture ceremony * Newspaper articles, original documentation, and parliamentary records, including a copy of Hansard detailing his public recognition by MPs.