Naval attaché honoured by landlocked country

Hungary had a kingdom without a king and an admiral without a Navy, so there’s no reason why landlocked Paraguayans could not honour a British naval officer for services to their country.

Capt Andy Hancock received the South American nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honour, for his efforts over the past three years to foster good relations between London and Asunción.

 Capt Hancock was Britain’s Defence Attaché in Buenos Aires, but his responsibilities extended beyond Argentina to neighbouring Uruguay (which does has a coastline and navy) and Paraguay (which doesn’t).

 To mark the end of the naval officer’s tour of duty in the region, the President of Paraguay and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Horacio Cartes conferred the Medal of Honour for his work in defence engagement which helped to foster closer ties across the board between the UK and Paraguay.

The decoration was presented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Braulio Piris Rojas, at the Headquarters of the 4th Air Brigade in the Paraguayan capital; it's the first time a non-resident attaché has received the award.

"I am delighted to be recognised for my endeavours in Paraguay," said Capt Hancock. "It's a charming country with long historical ties to the UK."