Mum's delight over best soldier honour for son who joined the Army at 18
A YOUNG soldier from Rotherham was given a prestigious prize in front of crowds at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Private Lewis Andrewartha, who hails from Kimberworth Park, was presented with the Best Soldier Award for his top quality military work and dedication to duty.
The 21-year-old, who is a former pupil of Wingfield School and joined the Army at 18, was given his honour in front of family members at the presentation in Harrogate.
The 1st Battalion Royal Yorkshire Regiment infantryman is now set for another four years in the Army.
A spokesman for the Royal Yorkshire Regiment said: “The award recognises his truly exceptional contribution to his battalion during a critical period of high-readiness NATO operations.
"Pte Andrewartha has consistently gone above and beyond his rank, stepping up to lead intense physical training for his platoon and volunteering for extra sessions to prepare his entire company for arduous overseas deployments.”
The spokesman added that his “self-discipline” was clear when he completed an ultra marathon in Portugal.
Pte Andrewartha has now been selected to attend the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre and he was described as a “true mentor” to junior soldiers.
Proud mum Jenny Harris said that she and other family members were allowed to sit in the Presidential Suite at the Main Ring of the Great Yorkshire Showground to watch the event.
She said: “He has just done really well. He has really excelled and done amazing things.
“It was just the most amazing day."
Jenny said that the family were surprised when Lewis joined the Army “out of the blue” but added that it has allowed him to take part in many activities.