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Pictured: Captain John Pettinger, left, with ‘D’ Patrol during the Falklands War.

A Falklands War hero who played an instrumental role in the bloodiest battle of the conflict has sold his bravery medals for over £160,000 to help fund his retirement.

Captain John Pettinger, of the Parachute Regiment, carried out six daring reconnaissance operations behind enemy lines ahead of the Battle of Mount Longdon.

Under the cover of darkness and in absolute silence, he identified Argentine machine gun and mortar positions and even entered enemy trenches undetected.

Capt Pettinger later guided the men of B Company in the 12 hour assault and killed three of the enemy. By the end of the battle the British occupied a key position around the Argentine garrison at Port Stanley, resulting in their surrender two days later.

His heroics on June 11-12, 1982 led to him being awarded the prestigious Distinguished Conduct Medal, second only to the Victoria Cross for acts of gallantry. He sold his medal group with London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb.