Inspirational, selfless commitment and moral courage have been buzzwords throughout this year’s citations for the Queen’s Birthday Honours List during her Platinum Jubilee Year.
Seventy Army personnel are being recognised, with honours being granted by Her Majesty for attributes that The Queen herself has shown throughout her 70-year reign.
What a great honour it is for this recognition to be bestowed upon the members of the British Army who have stepped up and stood out over the last year and, indeed, up to 40+ year careers in some cases, with many lifetimes’ worth of dedication to service being rewarded.
For leading the team charged with countering unacceptable behaviour and improving the culture of the British Army, and for work to establish and lead the Army Parents Network Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Buxton, Royal Artillery, is to be made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
On learning of his award, Lt Col Buxton said: “I’m exceptionally privileged to be recognised in this way. I’m incredibly proud.” His citation states: “He has devoted considerable personal effort and time to a number of associated initiatives, largely of his own invention, which have brought additional benefits for Army personnel.”
Read about his story here
Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Alan John Robertson, Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) Royal Military Police (RMP) Volunteer Reserve (VR), is to be made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his ‘deep commitment to supporting the recovery of wounded and injured personnel’ through Adaptive Skiing’.
A life-long and dedicated policeman, WO1 Robertson has served continually as a Reservist for 42 years, during which he also served with Greater Manchester Police. He said: “I was completely blind-sided. I thought I was in trouble. It’s very nice, and a humbling surprise."
WO1 Robertson’s citation states: “His deep commitment to supporting the recovery of wounded and injured personnel has positively impacted the lives of numerous members of the Armed Forces. An inspirational Leader and exceptional role model, he represents the very best of the Army.”
Read about his story here
Major Gordon Rowan, Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS), whose career as an infantry piper has spanned almost 35 years, is to be made an MBE having been described as a world authority on military pipes and drums. The citation says: “He is regarded by organisations across the world as the authority for military piping and protocol. He has sustained and developed a global centre of excellence that enhances the Army’s reputation at home and abroad.”
He was cited as Director Army Bagpipe Music at the Army School of Bagpipe and Drumming. “To receive the award in this Platinum Jubilee year is something spectacular, it’s still a shock. When you give your life to the preservation of music, it is a privilege to be recognised for it,” he said.
Read about his story here
Captain Harpreet Chandi (aka Polar Preet), Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) will also become an MBE for her record-breaking solo and unsupported trek to the South Pole. Capt Chandi stepped on to the ice of Antarctica on 24 November 2021 and in just 40 days she covered 700 miles, making history to become the first woman of colour to complete the challenge.
She is also the third fastest woman to trek across the continent. “It feels incredible,” said Capt Chandi on learning of the state honour. “I didn’t think someone like me could get this. I’m honoured. I wanted to do something that not only pushed my boundaries but also inspired others to do the same.”
Read her story here
Staff Sergeant Felicia Watkinson, known to all as Nadine, of the AGC Staff and Personnel Support (SPS), is also to become an MBE, cited for “her intelligent leadership, initiative and drive”, which have transformed the performance of her small team whilst SNCO Assurance European Joint Support Unit (EJSU) at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
Her citation also said: “Many of her initiatives and innovations have been adopted as best practice across the network of National Support Elements in location in Europe.”
Sgt Watkinson said: “It is a great honour to be appreciated and recognised by my team and staff within EJSU. For me, I see this award as a further example of how the Army has changed and become more diverse and inclusive. I know that my family and friends will be very proud of me, although I consider that I am accepting this award on behalf of myself and all my colleagues.”
Read about her story here
WO2 Barry ‘Snowy’ Appleton, Royal Dragoon Guards, is the Unit Welfare Warrant Officer at Army Foundation College Harrogate. He will become an MBE for his welfare provision to the 300 military staff and their families supporting 1300 vulnerable under-18 Junior Soldiers undertaking their Basic Training.
"A council lad from Stockton on tees is humbled to be consider never mind be awarded," he said. "It’s a total surprise and I’m lucky to get it.” His citation states: “The output of his work is crystal clear: a vibrant community spirit, an engaged local population and happier families whose faith in him is steadfast. For over a decade his actions have directly benefited hundreds of military and civilian families.”
WO2 Richard Moody, RAPTC, single-handedly developed a computer data base that has revolutionised information management in the sphere of Army Physical Training. He will be made an MBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2022. He went above and beyond his day job to deliver cutting-edge innovative information technology. His citation says he "Contributed to the reduction of Muscular Skeletal Injuries, enhanced Personal Development governance and the Lived Experience of the soldier. His ambition and drive to support units led to him creating a digital unit Personal Development Management Tool for the whole Force."
"I was speechless when the commanding Officer told me the news that I have been given this award," he said.
Read his story here
Army list
Appointment to the Military Division Of The Most Honourable Order Of The Bath
As Knight Commander (KCB)
Lieutenant General Ralph William WOODDISSE, CBE MC
As Companions (CB)
Major General Andrew Michael ROE
Major General Alexander TAYLOR
Appointments to and Promotions in the Military Division Of The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire
As Commanders (CBE)
Brigadier Nigel Christopher ALLISON
Brigadier Jonathan Edward Alexander CHESTNUTT
Brigadier Angus George Costeker FAIR, DSO* OBE
Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Karl Ryan HARRIS
Brigadier John Robin Greenwell STEPHENSON, OBE
Colonel Nigel Richard Mason TAI
As Officers (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Niall Adrian Edward AYE MAUNG, Royal Army Medical Corps
Brigadier Matthew Timothy George BAZELEY
Colonel Robert Matthew William BURLEY
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Hugh BUXTON, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Lieutenant Colonel Rachel Anne EMMERSON, MBE, The Royal Logistic Corps
Colonel Paul Geoffrey GILBY
Colonel Damian Russel GRIFFIN, TD VR
Lieutenant Colonel James Andrew HADFIELD, MBE, The Rifles
Lieutenant Colonel Nicola Jane MACLEOD, MBE, Royal Army Medical Corps
Colonel Sandra Annette NICHOLSON, Army Cadet Force
Captain (now Major) Gavin Henderson PATON, The Rifles
As Members (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class Two Barry APPLETON, VR, The Royal Dragoon Guards, Army Reserve
Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Sally Yvonne ARTHURTON, Royal Corps of Signals
Second Lieutenant (now Lieutenant) Joshua Jamal BELL, Intelligence Corps, Army Reserve
Lieutenant Colonel (now Colonel) Darren Michael BISHOP, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
Major Thomas Henry BLAIR. The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Captain Harpreet Kaur CHANDI, Royal Army Medical Corps
Warrant Officer Class One James Ashley COOPER, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Major Daniel Peter CORNWELL, The Royal Logistic Corps
Corporal (now Sergeant) Ross William DANIELS, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Corporal Aristotle Kwaasi DJIN, Corps of Royal Engineers
Captain Lorraine Anne DOTCHIN, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve
Major Simon Aubrey FARMER, Corps of Royal Engineers
Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Simon FRANCIS, Intelligence Corps
Lieutenant Colonel Maximillian John Cameron GARRETY, VR, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry, Army Reserve
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew GOODCHILD, The Parachute Regiment
Captain Robert David GOODMAN, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Captain Kevin Edward HALEY, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Corporal Christopher Charles HAMMOND, Army Air Corps
Major Joshua Mark HEAD, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Captain Daniel James HERBERT, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Captain Philip Michael HIGH, The Royal Logistic Corps
Warrant Officer Class One Jamie Robert HUTCH, The Royal Logistic Corps
Major Matthew Stephen JOHNS, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
Major Matthew James KEOGH, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Edward Alexander Rhodes LYONS, The Yorkshire Regiment
Warrant Officer Class One James MACRAE, Royal Corps of Signals
Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Matthew Royston MALLETT, Royal Corps of Signals
Acting Major (now Major) Jack Andrew MILLAR, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Staff Sergeant (now Warrant Officer Class 2) Richard David MOODY, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Local Lieutenant Colonel (now Lieutenant) Liam Gregory MORRISSEY, General Service Corps, Army Reserve
Captain Imogen Louise MOULD, Intelligence Corps, Army Reserve
Lieutenant Colonel Karl Douglas PARFITT, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve
Warrant Officer Class Two Anthony John PARKER, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Major Frederick John PITTO, The Royal Gibraltar Regiment
Warrant Officer Class Two Christopher RENSHAW, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
Warrant Officer Class One Alan John ROBERTSON, VR, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police), Army Reserve
Major Nicholas Brian ROGERSON, The Parachute Regiment
Major Gordon Macdonald ROWAN, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Major James Allan SPELLING, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Michael John STEWART, Corps of Royal Engineers
Major Nathan Giles TYLER, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Elaine Susan WALKER, Royal Army Medical Corps
Sergeant (now Staff Sergeant) Felicia Marcellas WATKINSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Major Christine Jean WOODS, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
ROYAL RED CROSS
As Ordinary Member, First Class (RRC)
Lieutenant Colonel Lynn Strachan Adam, ARRC, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Army Reserve
Lieutenant Colonel Margaret Rose Kathleen Durrant, TD VR, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Army Reserve
QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL (QVRM)
Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen Ann Higgins, VR, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Army Reserve
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Charles Hunt, VR, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
Major Lee Paul Patchell, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
Warrant Officer Class Two Paul Stevens, VR, The Parachute Regiment
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
Warrant Officer Class Two (now Warrant Officer Class One) D G Bailey, Grenadier Guards
Warrant Officer Class One, G J Bamford, Royal Corps of Signals
Staff Sergeant L J Banton, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Warrant Officer Class Two (now Warrant Officer Class One) D G Bailey, Grenadier Guards
Warrant Officer Class One, G J Bamford, Royal Corps of Signals
Staff Sergeant L J Banton, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Warrant Officer Class Two J L Blackburn, Royal Corps of Signals
Captain Nicholas J M Brown, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Warrant Officer Class Two M W Catarall, The Mercian Regiment
Warrant Officer Class Two A P Catling, The Royal Logistic Corps
Warrant Officer Class Two (now Captain) Sombahadur Chhantel Magar, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Warrant Officer Class Two P Connor, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class One M K Constantine, The Royal Logistic Corps
Warrant Officer Class One D P Cope,Welsh Guards, 25102725
Warrant Officer Class One D P Crighton, Royal Army Medical Corps
Warrant Officer Class One S W Dickson GM, The Royal Logistic Corps
Warrant Officer Class One A J Eardley, Army Air Corps
Staff Sergeant P D Fyfe, Adjutant General’s Corps (Military Provost Guard Service)
Warrant Officer Class 1 A M Gill, Corps of Royal Engineers
Captain M Gill, The Royal Logistic Corps
Warrant Officer Class One P Graham, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class Two A Gurung, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class One D Henderson, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Warrant Officer Class One C D Hill, The Rifles
Warrant Officer Class One (now Captain) M A T Howarth, Corps of Royal Engineers
Warrant Officer Class Two C Irving, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class One G M Jones, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class Two M A Marston, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Warrant Officer Class One M F McAteer, Army Air Corps
Warrant Officer Class One (now Corporal) R McClenaghan, The Parachute Regiment (now Army Reserve)
Warrant Officer Class One R McDuff, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class One (now Staff Sergeant) S P McEvilly, Corps of Royal Engineers (now Army Reserve)
Warrant Officer Class One D McGarr, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Warrant Officer Class Two S G Mouncher, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class One L Pears, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Colour Sergeant Hari Rai, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Warrant Officer Class Two L J Reynolds, The Royal Irish Regiment
Warrant Officer Class One (now Captain) M Richardson, Royal Tank Regiment
Warrant Officer Class One Alison Sabiston, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class Two M P Screen, Royal Corps of Army Music
Warrant Officer Class Two M A Stewart, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class One P D Townsend, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class One S Watson, Corps of Royal Engineers
Warrant Officer Class Two G J Williams, Welsh Guards
Warrant Officer Class One G D Wyatt, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
CGS COMMENDATIONS
Acting Lieutenant Colonel C D Adair Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services)
Major J L Adcock Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Major B L Addison, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class Two B Alcorn, Small Arms School Corps
Staff Sergeant L P Baldwin, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Warrant Officer Class One D P Bennett, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
Sergeant P Bhandari, Royal Gurkha Rifles
Major D J Boocock, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Captain D P Burditt, The Royal Logistic Corps
Captain J J K Burridge, The Mercian Regiment
Acting Lieutenant Colonel (now Major) A Butcher MBE, Grenadier Guards
Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel ) D R G Claydon, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Ms S Collins, Civil Service
Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) A David, US Army
Bombardier L Z Dove, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Captain Z R Faja, Coldstream Guards
Lieutenant Colonel C E D Field, Royal Yeomanry
Captain R S Fletcher, The Rifles
Major H G S Foster, King's Royal Hussars
Lieutenant Colonel C Franca, JAG Corps US Army
Guardsman E J Gilbert Grenadier Guards
Colour Sergeant P J Grant, Royal Regiment of Scotland
Major S W Green MBE, Coldstream Guards
Captain T L Guyler, Royal Tank Regiment
Major J T Hancock, The Rifles
Major J E M de M Hann, Royal Dragoon Guards
Sergeant B P Harwood, Intelligence Corps
Mr R Haynes, Civil Service
Mr B Hogg, Civil Service
Staff Sergeant W A Holmes, Royal Corps of Signals
Warrant Officer Class Two S Jenkinson-Cross, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Major S R Jones, Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Miss A E M M Kerr, Civil Service
Major C A Kidd, Royal Engineers
Corporal J J Klewchuk, The Royal Logistic Corps
Lance Corporal D S Lambert, Intelligence Corps
Major S A Macpherson, Royal Engineers
Staff Sergeant S Malla, Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
Major L McAulay, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Lance Corporal L C M McGarrity, Royal Army Medical Corps
Warrant Officer Class Two D P Mitson, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Warrant Officer Class Two O S Navuso, Royal Regiment of Scotland
Warrant Officer Class One A L Neathey, Royal Army Medical Corps
Lance Corporal J A Nicholson, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
Warrant Officer Class Two B J Phillpott, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Lieutenant Colonel E D Poore, TD VR The Royal Logistic Corps
Acting Corporal (now Corporal ) M J Price, Intelligence Corps
Corporal J B Ricketts, Royal Army Medical Corps
Major G A Robinson, The Rifles
Major G J Ross, Army Air Corps
Major G Sleeman, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services)
Corporal C-R Stock, Royal Army Medical Corps
Sergeant A Tamang, Royal Gurkha Rifles
Squadron Leader H B M Thomas, Royal Air Force
Captain (now Acting Major) L T Tippett, Royal Engineers
Major S E Turton, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps
Corporal D P S Walker, The Parachute Regiment
Major R P Walker, The Royal Welsh
Warrant Officer Class Two D Weatherby, The Rifles
Warrant Officer Class One T J H Woodward, The Royal Logistic Corps
Captain C R J Woolass, Royal Army Physical Training Corps