Thornbury rifleman, 17, best in platoon (From Gazette Series)

Thornbury rifleman George Knight, 17, best in platoon

5:30pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Marion Sauvebois

A 17-YEAR-OLD rifleman from Thornbury has received a top accolade from his platoon.

Former Marlwood School student George Knight won the Soldiers’ Soldier award after completing his combat infantryman course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire. The "selfless" young man set himself apart from the crowd as he was voted best rifleman by fellow soldiers.

Rifleman Knight, who joined the army as soon as he finished school, said it was the best decision he had ever made.

"It has been my life’s ambition to join the army," he said. "Now, having done the course at Catterick, I know it is the best thing I have ever done. I found the whole thing an enjoyable challenge, the fist few weeks are a bit tough because it is all administration. It gets better after that. I’m not sure what to think about the award, but I definitely feel honoured.

"A career in the British Army is a bit of an adventure nowadays. I shall be travelling around the world with lots of good mates. I’m looking forward to it."

Rifleman Knight will complete a two-week driver training before going on leave. He will then join his new unit, the 3rd Battalion The Rifles, in Edinburgh.

Platoon commander, Captain Jonty Kennon, said: "Rifleman Knight has won the Soldiers’ Soldier award. This is awarded by the riflemen themselves, they vote for who they think is the best soldier in the platoon, so this makes it a real pat on the back from his fellow recruits.

"He is a young man of selfless commitment and integrity, and for one of the youngest soldiers in the platoon to win this award is an outstanding achievement."