In 1983 , Maj Alexander was selected to undergo Senior Command and Staff Training at the Spanish Army Staff College in Madrid , and spent two years there with his family , studying doctrine and procedures . He graduated from the College as '' Diplomado de Estado Mayor '' ( ) . On his return he was promoted to commandant ( lieutenant-colonel ) and appointed as a member of the Directing Staff at the SA Army College . In 1986 he became the SO1 Operations at 44 Parachute Brigade , in which capacity he initiated battalion group-sized airborne exercises and was awarded the Southern Cross Medal for his efforts and for developing an airborne anti-tank system . He took over as acting Brigade Commander in 1988 , and was formally appointed as Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Brigade in 1989 with the rank of colonel
Southern Cross Medal
Southern Cross Medal (1975)
Edward McGill Alexander