SOLDIERS from the Oxfordshire regiment dubbed the “real Hurt Locker” are used to deactivating bombs.

But for Captain James Fidell one task was more risky than most.

The 28-year-old had to crawl into a cramped tunnel beneath a road to deactivate a 50kg bomb on a vital road through Afghanistan.

If it had gone undetected or exploded, the device would have wiped out a tank and all personnel on board and crippled a main supply route in Helmand.

With little room to manoeuvre in the underground tunnel, Capt Fidell, who is serving with Didcot-based 11 EOD Regiment, was unable to wear his bomb disposal suit, or his helmet and body armour.

And lay underground and unprotected, the area came under enemy fire. But eight hours after first crawling into the 14m-long tunnel, he was able to make the explosives safe.

Following the captain’s heroic actions in August last year, he has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

Recalling his mission, Capt Fidell said: “The road is an important route for local people and our forces. It is a concrete surface and very difficult for the Taliban to lay bombs on.

“Had we detonated the device, not only would it have hurt the local economy and our mission, it would also have made it easier for the insurgents to plant more IEDs (improvised explosive devices).

“Because of this, I took the decision to crawl into the tunnel and deactivate the device.

“I was quite surprised by just how hot and humid it was in the tunnel and it was so tight I had to go in without my protective gear.”

Capt Fidell said it was the most difficult task he had to perform on the tour but treated it like any other.

On finally reaching the bomb, he carried out the delicate task of making it safe before removing it by edging his way back down the tunnel.

The improvised explosive device (IED) could have killed him instantly, while the fragile tunnel – potentially laced with other devices – could also have collapsed around him while he worked.

Commenting on his role, he added: “It is very rewarding. Every bomb you disable is potentially saving lives.

“Throughout the task we were under contact but it’s par for the course that you are going to get shot at and you have to try to concentrate on the task and not be fazed by what is going on around you.”

Capt Fidell’s citation, which was read out at Admiralty House in London, stated: “His disregard of his own personal safety in order to save this critically important route demonstrated exceptional gallantry.

“For his exemplary bravery, supreme professionalism and unwavering composure in the most dangerous of circumstances he is recommended for national recognition.”

Capt Fidell is due to pick up his medal at a later date.

Army spokesman Chris Fletcher said: “We are delighted that Capt Fidell has been recognised for his outstanding service in making Afghanistan a safer place.”

Flt Lt Luke Flemington, from RAF Brize Norton, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, while Flt Lt Nicholas Stringer, also based at Brize Norton, was Mentioned in Despatches.

The latest operational honours and awards list includes 131 personnel. The awards were for actions during Operation Herrick 14 in April to September last year.