The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

dhubthaigh · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:28 am Post subject: BARRY STEPHEN MEMORIAL TROPHY

Coupar Angus football team win trophy in honour of brave soldier
May 20 2008 by Les Stewart

A FOOTBALL trophy to commemorate the memory of the first Scottish soldier to die in Iraq during the Gulf War has been won by a team from Woodside, near Coupar Angus.

The Barry Stephen Memorial Trophy was put up for competition at Under-17 level by Sharon Eadie, of Roman Road, Almondbank, in memory of her brother.

The 31-year-old, known as ‘Baz,’ was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade in the southern Iraqi town of Az Zubayr, near Basra, on March 24, 2003.

Barry's ultimate sacrifice was recognised by the Queen in 2004 when his final actions were honoured by a posthumous Mention In Dispatches – the oldest gallantry award in the British Army.

It took the form of an oak leaf attached to his Gulf War medal.

L/Cpl Stephen died a hero when The Black Watch encountered Fedayeen militia near Az Zubayr.

He was killed in a grenade attack as he braved a hail of bullets to reach a machine gun in a bid to save his comrades pinned down in their armoured vehicle.

His citation told how, at around 5pm, Barry's mortar platoon section was ambushed by fierce opposition on the outskirts of the town.

“Realising they were under heavy attack, Barry broke up through the escape hatches of their armoured personnel carrier in order to man the machine gun,” it stated.

“During this selfless and courageous act, Barry was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and was killed in action.”

Sharon and her family – her husband, Jake Eadie, is manager of Methven YFC Under-15 team – decided to donate a trophy for Barry to be remembered for something away from the army.

“It will help keep his memory alive,” explained 38-year-old Sharon yesterday.

“Barry never played football but both my sons play. Barry was so proud of his nephews playing football and I suppose the trophy is also to help them in the healing process.

“Barry was always so full of fun and I wanted the trophy to go to the winners of an event in which all the teams enjoyed taking part.”

The first winners of the trophy were Woodside, who defeated Blue Brazil 2-1 in the final played at Foxhall Park, Coupar Angus.

The trophy will now be contested every season at Under-17 level in Perth and Kinross.

DerekR · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject:

Excellent that the memory of the brave Scot is being kept alive.
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Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.