THE brother of a Glasgow soldier killed during the "forgotten" Cyprus Emergency has been presented with the Elizabeth Cross.

Private Ben Doherty, 18, from Bravelaw Street in Garthamlock was one of three soldiers who died when a bomb detonated during their football game.

He was deployed to Cyprus as part of the Cyprus emergency peace keeping force in January 1956 and was enjoying an off-duty kick about when a bomb at a nearby water fountain exploded.

Private Matthew Neely died instantly and Mr Doherty and Private John Beattie survived the blast but died later of their injuries.

To mark the tragedy Lord Provost Eva Bolander presented the medal to Tony Doherty who was not born at the time of his brother's death.

The Elizabeth Cross was awarded in recognition of Ben Doherty's sacrifice. He was also awarded the General Service Medal as an enlisted soldier.

Ms Bolander said: "It is important families of these soldiers do receive some recognition of their service.

"Conflict visits great costs on everyone who loses a loved one. I know it is a source of great pride and comfort to surviving family members."

Tony Doherty, a telecoms service manager with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said he was proud to receive the medal on his brother's behalf.

He added: "I didn't know my brother. He was the eldest of nine children and I remember his picture always had pride of place in the living room.

"His death devastated my mother Margaret and father Ben. They explained to me he died in Cyprus when a bomb exploded in a well."

Mrs Margaret Moncur from Crow Road received the award in memory of Private Beattie in February and Jean Andrew in recognition of the death of her Glasgow born brother Private Beattie in February.

A total of 371 British servicemen lost their lives in what some call the forgotten conflict between April 1, 1955 and April 18, 1959.

The Elizabeth Cross is a commemorative emblem given to the recognised next of kin of members of the British Armed Forces killed in action or as a result of a terrorist attack after the Second World War.

Cross made of hallmarked silver carrying the rose of England, the Scottish thistle, the Irish shamrock, and the Welsh daffodil. The centre bears the crowned cypher of Queen Elizabeth II. The cross is backed by a representation of a laurel wreath.