A WEST Devon sailor is preparing to receive a medal for his work supporting Operation Telic in the Gulf. Chris Gatcum, 18, of Tavistock, is on his first deployment on board HMS Argyll, patrolling the Iraqi oil terminals on a six-month duty. During his time on board the steward has helped to keep day-to-day life on the Type 23 frigate running smoothly and he will now be awarded the Operation Telic Medal for his hard efforts. After studying at Tavistock College, Chris joined the Royal Navy?s training establishment at HMS Raleigh in 2003 and has spent time at the maritime training centre, Maritime Warfare School at Collingwood in Hampshire and at the Royal Navy?s Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall. Chris is delighted to be part of the crew of HMS Argyll and says that joining the Royal Navy is the best thing he could have done. He will be re-united with his mother Tracey Warren and father Wayne Gatcum when he returns home with the ship later this summer.
