A SOLDIER who coolly faced-down angry and frustrated Iraqi soldiers who were firing on his men has won the George medal.

Corporal Martin Caines, 27, of Feltham, and his men became the object of anger after a much larger contingent of Iraqi soldiers had been left without water in southern Iraq by their own people.

When Martin offered to share what water they had the Iraqis cocked their weapons and shots were fired.

Cpl Caines, a former pupil of Feltham Community School, realised that firing back could have led to a major incident which could have been catastrophic for the co-operation needed for the Iraq reform process.

For his incredible coolness and bravery he received the George medal in the operational honours announced last week.

Describing the incident, he said: "I ordered my men to take cover but not to return fire."

Soon, up to 15 Iraqis fired at the section's position but he reassured his men and told them not to return fire.

Their ringleader produced a sniper rifle and fired two shots directly at the front of the section.

More joined in and a full confrontation seemed inevitable.

At this moment Cpl Caines leapt to his feet. He kept his weapon by his side but stood tall and glared at the Iraqis. The ringleader kept his weapon aimed at the corporal for a full 20 seconds.

Martin never wavered and in the face of such resolve, bravery and self-discipline the Iraqi threw down his weapon and walked away kicking the dust.The atmosphere changed and co-operation was re-established.

"I was in command and decided to save it. I had a few new blokes and didn't want them to get involved in something where they might get hurt.

"I realised later it might have been stupid, but it calmed the situation," said Cpl Caines, who is married to Joanne, 25.

The couple have two children: Owen, five, and Leah, who celebrated her second birthday the day before her father learned of the award.

His mother lives in Feltham.

Cpl Caines serves with The 1st Battalion, the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, who are based in Paderborn in north-west Germany, where they are part of 20th Armoured Brigade.

He said: "I was shocked to be told I was getting it. There are lot of blokes out there doing the same sort of thing."

He joined the army eight years ago inspired by his father, who served with the Coldstream Guards.

Later next year he will move to Catterick to help to train infantry recruits.