The latest Operational Honours and Awards list, Op List 50, has been published recognising conspicuous bravery and selfless service in the many operational theatres across the globe.
The announcement was made today with the release of the latest operational honours and awards list, which includes 30 personnel from across the three services.
GALLANTRY AWARD FOR LIFE SAVER – Las Vegas
Trooper Ross Woodward, 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, is being recognised for his bravery when confronted with a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October last year.
Following a military exercise in the US, Ross was on Rest and Recuperation along with other members of his unit. When the lone gunman opened fire from a nearby hotel Ross, instead of fleeing, bravely led the other Troopers he was with towards the danger. Demonstrating outstanding leadership in the hotel, Ross took control of the situation and directed people to safety.
Pushing towards the gunfire, Ross was faced with seriously wounded people and he did not hesitate in treating them using his battlefield casualty drills training.
'He consciously, deliberately and repeatedly advanced towards danger, moving people to safety and treating casualties.'
His citation says: “Throughout the incident, Woodward displayed conspicuous bravery, outstanding leadership and unwavering selflessness. He consciously, deliberately and repeatedly advanced towards danger, moving people to safety and treating casualties.
“There is no doubt that his assistance to the US first responders saved lives. His actions were exceptional and he is fully deserving of nationwide recognition.”
MBE FOR INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODEL - Afghanistan
Determined to make a difference from day one until the end of her tour, Sergeant Abigail ‘Abbi’ Morrow developed an excellent rapport with her male and female mentees at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) in Kabul, personally inspiring the female cadets and giving them inner confidence and a role model to emulate.
Abbi, a Staff Sergeant Instructor in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), was deployed to Afghanistan Mar-Nov 17, during which time her father sadly passed away, making her time on the operation more emotional. She is being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Her citation states: “On her own initiative, she set up and delivered a number of Endurance Training Leader packages for fellow mentors and two UK force protection companies, thereby considerably enhancing PD capability for others. She voluntarily redrafted the Camp PT Policy and associated Risk Assessments showing a highly developed and impressive level of written ability.
“The extent of Morrow's contribution to the mission is measured best by the extent to which she was held in the highest regard by all. She is most worthy of formal recognition.”
On learning of the award Abbi said, “I’m in shock, I can’t believe it. Things like this don’t happen to people like me, just doing my job.”
MBE FOR CHILD PROTECTION ADVOCATE - DR CONGO
Captain Tim Graham, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, is being honoured with an MBE for streamlining Gender, Child Protection and Conflict Related Sexual Violence Policy whilst he was General Advisor MONUSCO, United Nations Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017.
Tim achieved this by combining Human Rights and Military Planning tools, including the introduction of female uniformed personnel on Combat Patrols, streamlining investigations and delivering military activity to combat the root causes of human rights violations.
Furthermore, Tim’s Child Protection Directive fundamentally changed the way that the Force and Mission now deliver in this critical area and is showing tangible results; his legacy continues and his methods have been identified as best practice by the United Nations Headquarters.
Tim’s citation states: “Acting Major Tim Graham’s sensitivity was widely apparent in his meticulous handling of allegations, both gender-based discrimination and incidents of child abuse, and he was very highly regarded by the Three Star (3*) Force Commander. He is a truly excellent ambassador for the United Kingdom, the British Army and his Regiment who deserves formal recognition.”
Tim said: “I feel extremely honoured by this award and hope that it helps identify the day-to-day sacrifices made by so many under the flag of the United Nations to bring peace to the DRC.”
Operational Honours and Awards list
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Brigadier Nicholas Stephen POND MBE
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Digby GRIST MBE
Colonel John Crichton WAKELIN
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major (Now Captain) Timothy James GRAHAM, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Acting Major (now Captain) Jon Sydarby Heathcliff HASSAIN (Army Reserve) Corps of Royal Engineers
Major Peter Alexander HOULTON-HART, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Sergeant Abigail Frances MORROW, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)
Staff Sergeant (now Warrant Officer Class 2) Bradley Ross CARTER (Army Reserve) Corps of Royal Engineers
Major (now retired) Thomas Charles LILLEYMAN, Corps of Royal Engineers
Captain Sam PATTERSON, The Royal Logistic Corps
Captain Robert Matthew George PRINCE, The Rifles
Captain Lucy Rose STEARN, Intelligence Corps
Lieutenant Colonel (now Colonel) Benjamin Mark WILDE MBE
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)
Trooper Ross Thomas WOODWARD, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
The full list of award recipients is published in the London Gazette.