Warrant Officer Class 2 Richard Louth

Richard Louth joined Airborne Forces when he became part of 16 (Lincoln) Coy, 4 PARA in 1988, after he passed P-Coy and a Basic Para Course the same year. 

He moved to 144 Para Fd Amb in 1991. This was then formed into a Sqn of 23 Para Fd Amb, currently 144 Parachute Medical Squadron 16 Medical Regiment. He became a Combat Medical Technician Class 1, and Assistant Parachute Jump Instructors (APJI) in 2001.

Richard took a 12 month attachment to 23 SAS Medical Support Unit and then returned to 144 Para Med Sqn where he took up the position of Operating Department Practitioner in the Field Surgical Team (FST) in line with his civilian career.

As the Senior Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) of the Field Surgical Team, SSgt Louth deployed to Op Herrick VIII Afghanistan in 2008.

During his career he has been awarded the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (1998), with First and Second Clasps in 2003 and 2008 respectively. He was also presented with the Lord-Lieutenants Certificate for Meritorious Service in 2009.

WO2 Louth served for just over 25 years before retiring from the Army reserve.