The family of a soldier who was killed in action during the 1950’s has been presented with a medal in recognition of their loss.

The Doe family, some of whom live in Castle Hedingham and other areas of north Essex, attended a special ceremony held at Merville Barracks in Colchester where they collected the Elizabeth cross.

Gunner William Doe, of 50th Medium Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed on October 28, 1956 when the vehicle he was travelling in struck an improvised explosive device.

During Wednesday’s ceremony, William Doe’s sister was presented with the Elizabeth cross and a Memorial Scroll by Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Caldwell, Commander of Colchester Garrison.

Miss Doe travelled over from Canada to collect the award and she has spoken of her relief at being able to pay tribute to her brother.

She said: “I’m very proud to receive the Elizabeth Cross in memory of my brother William.

“When he was killed I was working in New Zealand and not able to grieve with the family and by the time I came home two years later they had moved on, so I just had to get on with life.

“Today has given me the chance to pay tribute to him.”

Mr Doe is buried at Wayne's Keep which is a British military cemetery near Nicosia, Cyprus.

His name is also inscribed on the war memorial in the village of Cavendish in Suffolk where he grew up.

Jennifer Toocaram, who is a niece of Mr Doe, was also present at the ceremony and she spoke of her delight at remembering her uncle.

She added: “I remember Uncle Bill very well, I was very young and he used to swing me up on to his shoulders. This has been a fantastic occasion to come together as a family and cherish his memory.”

Mr Doe was one of the 371 British military personnel killed during the Cyprus Emergency, which lasted from 1955 to 1959.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll was first introduced by Her Majesty The Queen in 2009 to give recognition to bereaved families who had lost love ones in action.

All families of soldiers killed on operations or as a result of terrorist actions since January 1, 1948 are eligible to receive the Elizabeth Cross.