Colchester soldier receives MBE for key role in Sudan evacuation

A Colchester-based soldier has been awarded an MBE for his pivotal role in evacuating 3,000 people from Sudan.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Sammy Al-Khaldi was deployed to Sudan in April 2023 as a member of the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment.

WO2 Al-Khaldi skilfully negotiated with Sudanese air traffic control to allow UK military aircraft to land as the only Arabic speaker in his unit.

He said: "To receive an MBE is totally unexpected and I was quite overwhelmed when I was told.

"It’s almost too big to describe how proud I feel."

His language skills were also key in establishing the Coral Hotel as an Evacuee Handling Centre in Sudan.

WO2 Al-Khaldi said: "Everything to do with sorting out accommodation, food and transport had to go through me.

"I was incredibly busy and somehow survived on two or three hours sleep a night for the 11 days we were in Sudan.

"The culture in Sudan is very similar to Jordan and I quickly felt comfortable there and was able to speak to the locals as a fellow Arab, as well as being a British soldier."

While in Sudan, Al-Khaldi missed his wife being presented with the British Empire Medal for her community service throughout the Covid pandemic.

He added: "It’s nice to be in the honours club with my wife."

WO2 Al-Khaldi, a vehicle mechanic, is among 13 army members selected for operational honours for their achievements, commitment, and exceptional bravery.

The Armed Forces Operational Awards List Number 61 was released on June 15, aligning with the King’s Birthday Honours List.