The Armed Forces Operational Awards List has been published in the London Gazette, recognising the achievements of British service personnel on worldwide operations.
Fourteen soldiers and officers have been cited for selfless commitment and exceptional leadership whilst on operational duty, including:
Exceptional leadership
As Commander of UK forces on Operation CABRIT in Estonia, Colonel Giles Harris DSO MBE has shown outstanding leadership of the UK’s contribution to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) in Eastern Europe during a period of significant tension. He is to be awarded an OBE.
On learning of the award, Colonel Harris said: “It is a great honour but, of course, I was extremely lucky to have had the opportunity and some great people to work with - the Battlegroups that came through were outstanding.
“The last few decades have seen a huge amount of activity for Defence across the globe and I have been lucky enough to be involved in some very rewarding work,” Col Harris
His citation states: “With a clear understanding of EFP’s strategic importance, Colonel Harris has driven the Operation forward from inception, with incredible energy, meticulous attention to detail and unwavering focus. His exceptional leadership over an extended period and impressive accomplishments in the face of a determined adversary are fully deserving of national recognition.”
Highest levels of commitment
Captain Marcus Gillan, Royal Engineers, is being recognised for his outstanding commitment to the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. He is to be awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.
As the UK Task Force Operations Manager deployed in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Captain Gillan was responsible for the generation, preparation and deployment of a 330-strong force consisting of Regulars and Reserves from 29 different military units.
He coordinated the training of more than 350 personnel, liaised with countless military organisations and ensured the efficient deployment of the UK Task Force to one of the most complex operating environments in the world.
His citation states: “He displayed the highest levels of commitment as the UK Task Force Operations Officer and his achievements in such a complex and unfamiliar operating environment far exceed those expected of someone of his rank and experience and merit formal national recognition.”
Outstanding ambassador
Lance Corporal Claire Martin, Royal Army Medical Corps, has had her work training Malian Armed Forces personnel recognised in the list. She was responsible for delivering individual medical training on behalf of the international community and the EU.
In Mali LCpl Martin was responsible for delivering individual medical training on behalf of the international community and the European Union and although they were not actively targeted there was a constant background threat from terrorism and serious criminal activity.
She is to be awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service. Her citation states: “Martin has ensured that Malian casualties have a significantly improved chance of survival, contributing to the operational capability and morale of the Malian Armed Forces. She is an outstanding ambassador of her Majesty's Armed Forces and should be commended for it.”
The Army List
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Brigadier (now Major General) Simon Lea HUMPHREY OBE
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Colonel Giles Richard HARRIS DSO MBE
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Lieutenant Colonel James Edward BATES
- Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)
- Lieutenant Colonel Piers Lyndon ASHFIELD DSO, Grenadier Guards
- Lieutenant Colonel Gordon FLETCHER, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Lieutenant Colonel Kevin John FORDE, Royal Tank Regiment
- Captain Marcus James GILLAN, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Major Andrew Scott HOUSTON, Royal Regiment of Artillery
- Lieutenant Colonel Mark Stuart JONES MBE, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Lance Corporal Claire MARTIN, Royal Army Medical Corps
- Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Charles MOXEY MBE, The Royal Anglian Regiment
- Captain Guy Keith PAGE, Adjutant General’s Corps
- Corporal Nabin ROKA, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- Captain James Harold THOMAS, Royal Corps of Signals
A total of 29 Armed Forces recipients have been recognised in the list.
As well as the honours list, there are a number of FOREIGN AWARDS being given, including:
US Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer)
- Brigadier (now retired) Neil James DALTON, OBE
- Major General Felix Geoffrey GEDNEY, OBE
US Bronze Star Medal
- Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Russell Guy ATHERTON, The Mercian Regiment
- Lieutenant Colonel (now retired) James Hamilton ERSKINE, Corps of Royal EngineersNATO MSM
NATO MSM
- Lieutenant Colonel Christopher BADCOCK, The Royal Lancers
Medaille De La Defense Nationale (Silver Echlon)
- Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Edward Hugh James CARTER, Royal Regiment of Artillery