Australian commando Ben Roberts-Smith broke cover to charge enemy machine guns at a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan last summer.

As the married father-of-two’s patrol remained pinned down in an orchard in the Shah Wali Kot region by relentless enemy gunfire, the 32-year-old stormed two of three enemy machine guns and killed their crews.

Corporal Roberts-Smith’s courage was instrumental in his patrol’s victory over a Taliban force three times larger and earned him the British Commonwealth’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, which was presented to him by Australia’s Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.

He now has one of only four Victoria Crosses awarded in the almost decade-old war in Afghanistan. Fellow Australian soldier Mark Donaldson was awarded his in 2009, New Zealand commando Willie Apiata gained one in 2007, and British paratrooper Bryan Budd was given a posthumous award that same year. Only 97 Australians have been awarded the Victoria Cross since its inception in 1854.

DIARY DATES: Today: The Royal Marines Association meets at 19.30 hours at West Bowling Working Men’s Club, Dovesdale Road, The Parachute Regiment Association meets at 20.00 hours at Thornbury barracks. West Yorkshire British Korean Veterans Association meets at 19.30 hours at Northbridge leisure centre, Halifax.

Wednesday: The RAF Association meets at 13.00 hours at The Royal British Legion, Unit 16, Listerhills Science Park. Bingley branch of the The Royal British Legion meets at 19.00 hours at 20, Heath Street, Bingley.

Thursday: The Royal Military Police Association meets at 20.00 hours at the Royal British Legion Club, Pudsey.

Friday: The RAF Regiment Association meets at 19.30 hours at Thornbury barracks.

Saturday: The Borneo and Malaya Veterans meet at 14.00 hours at Headingley club.

Monday: Skipton branch of The Royal Naval Association meets at 20.00 hours at The White Rose Club, Skipton.