THE family of a Stroud sailor have spoken of their pride after he received the Royal Victoria Medal at Windsor Castle.
Sam McGeary, aged 28, who went to Uplands Primary School, Brimscombe Primary and Thomas Keble, signed up for the Royal Navy around a year ago.
In September, during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the 123-year-old gun carriage on which her coffin was towed was pulled into New Palace Yard by 98 Royal Navy sailors, including by Sam.
He received the Royal Victoria Medal, which is a reward for personal service to the royal family, on May 30.
"My sister Paula (Sam's mum) passed away when he was 11," said proud aunty, Jacquie Florek.
"She would have been so proud of what Sam has achieved along with all the family.
"He has followed in his great grandfather’s footsteps along with great uncles who were all in the Royal Navy - his great grandfather was a Marine.
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