Hermione Ruddell

We have received the sad news that Hermione Ruddell died peacefully yesterday morning (20th May) from cancer at her home in Broadway, Worcestershire.  Hermione was Johnny Braddell-Smith’s sister and inherited her brother’s medals including the Sultan’s Gallantry Medal after he was killed on Christmas Day 1974 on Operation Nadir conducted by the Imperial Iranian Task Force to re-capture Rakhyut.  Johnny from County Wexford, Eire held a short service commission with the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment before serving in Oman with the Northern Frontier Regiment.  He was operating with the Firqat at the time of his death and was awarded the Sultan’s Gallantry Medal for his attempt to recover the Firqat Sergeant Major’s body.  Hermione has been a friend of the Association since his death and a regular visitor to Oman.