He believed this cast doubt on the award,which was conferred on Mr Roberts-Smith for his actions in a 2010 battle in Tizak,Afghanistan,during which the SAS came under fire from Taliban machine gunners.
The process by which Mr Roberts-Smith was considered for the award was conducted “in secrecy,without involvement of the rest of the[SAS] troop”,Person 43 said. He had expressed the view that “it is in doubt and there should have been more investigation before awarding it”.
“Are you sure you’re not bitter about not getting an award?” Mr Roberts-Smith’s barrister,Arthur Moses,SC,said.
“Very sure,” Person 43 replied. “I’m not an attention seeker;I don’t want any awards.”
But he admitted he did not witness Mr Roberts-Smith’s actions in Tizak. Person 43 agreed he still held the view that the award of the Victoria Cross was shrouded in doubt,and said he told a “lot of people” that Mr Roberts-Smith was a bully.
“Did Mr Roberts-Smith bully you?” Mr Moses asked. “No,” Person 43 replied.
Asked about his feelings towards his former comrade now,Person 43 admitted:“I don’t particularly like him.”