A SOLDIER based at Beachley Barracks has been honoured with a rare promotion in the field.

Rifleman Gigar Das so impressed two generals, while serving in the African state of Mali, that they promoted him to lance-corporal on the spot.

He was giving infantry training to Malian troops watched by the UK's Chief of the General Staff, Sir Peter Wall and the head of the French army, General Bertrand Ract-Madoux.

It is thought to be the first time since 1953 that such a promotion has been made.

Both of the generals were hugely impressed with Rifleman Das as he conducted a lesson in the principles of marksmanship.

They were astounded to learn that he was a rifleman – the Rifles' equivalent of a private – and Sir Peter immediately decided to promote him after briefly consulting with Rifleman Das's company commander, Major Sam Cates.

The Rifles are in Mali with an EU training team and the lance-corporal's stripe was presented in front of all his colleagues.

Rifleman Das, who has been in the army for eight years and has been on three tours of Afghanistan and one of Iraq, was presented with his stripe by General Ract-Madoux.

He said: "I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen today when I got out of bed this morning.

"It is extremely unexpected and I couldn't be more proud of this honour."

Major Cates said: "I am extremely proud of Lance-Corporal Das, this is absolutely no more than he deserves.

"He has been one of the most outstanding riflemen I have ever had the privilege to command.

"He sacrificed the opportunity to attend the last 1 Rifles [junior non-commissioned officer] cadre to take his place on this operational deployment, and to be recognised in this unique way is some reward for his dedication."

Lance Corporal Das's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Karl Hickman, added: "I was delighted to learn of Lance-Corporal Das's promotion in the field, which he thoroughly deserved for his sterling service in Mali and for his significant operational experience in Iraq, including his notable contribution to the campaign in Afghanistan.

"That the Chief of the General Staff should recognise Lance-Corporal Das's exceptional quality in the field shows that, as a thinking rifleman, he follows in the finest traditions of the Rifles, a regiment whose motto is 'Swift and Bold'."

A 21-strong team left Beachley on September 14 last year as part of Operation Newcombe which is training Malian forces to combat extremists.