Twelve British Army soldiers and officers are being recognised by His Majesty The King in the latest Operational Honours and Awards List, published today.
Many of those awarded have been cited for their inspirational and outstanding leadership in high-risk situations.
These include coordinating military aid to Ukraine following the Russian invasion, combating terrorism in Somalia and helping survivors of the Turkey earthquake.
Brigadier Chris King, Head of Military Capability Plans, Futures Directorate, Army Headquarters is to be awarded Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).
The award is in recognition of Brigadier King’s role as Commander International Donor Co-ordination Centre (IDCC) Europe in 2022.
Brigadier King’s citation stated:
“He deployed three days after Russia invaded Ukraine, as the sole coordinator of UK and international efforts, to provide military aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces."
Brigadier King quickly set up the IDCC, rapidly building it into an organisation which brought together the efforts of 42 countries.
The citation continued,
“Under his calm leadership, the IDCC delivered over 100k tonnes of aid via 900 flights and 500 road and rail moves, which was an astonishing achievement in only 200 days."
“His use of mission command was pivotal in influencing early outcomes, while his keen political instinct and disarming approach placed the UK in an international leadership role.”
Brigadier King said,
“I am truly humbled to receive this award."
“Having stood on the shoulders of giants, it reflects the achievements of all who served with 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade in the International Donor Coordination Centre as part of the multinational endeavour to support Ukraine."
“The determination from all involved to do all they could to support Ukraine’s fight against the Russia invasion was unwavering."
“Deploying at no notice into a unique and challenging set of circumstances showed the professionalism, resilience and ingenuity of our people and those across the multinational community that were by our side throughout. We could not have achieved what we did without them.”
Major Alanda Scott, second-in-command, 32 Engineer Regiment, Catterick is to be awarded the King’s Commendation for Valuable Service (KCVS) for her work as UN military advisor in Somalia from April 2022 to January 2023.
Major Scott’s citation stated:
“Her understanding of the enormous complex political landscape enabled her to engage with the correct individuals and avoid placing herself at odds with clan and governmental dynamics."
“She fostered outstanding relationships and built high levels of trust through her confidence and professionalism."
“She also led on a range of security and humanitarian projects, and her efforts were a pivotal part in ensuring that stabilisation was included within local operations."
“It is a testament to her abilities that the relationship between military actors and humanitarian agencies improved significantly.”
Major Scott deployed to Somalia as military advisor to the UN head of field office in the South-West State, working as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
She said,
“It was an absolute privilege to play a small part in the future of Somalia and work on behalf of the UN."
“There were numerous Somali, African Union and UN security actors. Getting the decision makers in one room or understanding how they could separately contribute to security sector reform was a tight path to walk.”
The UN model in Somalia is unique as the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union (AU) and UNSOM have a three-way partnership.
This relies on the AU working with the Somali Forces to degrade and destroy the al-Shabaab terrorist group, which creates the space for the UN political mission to state build with the Federal Government of Somalia.
These efforts take place against the backdrop of stabilisation work within communities, and the humanitarian fight against famine across the country.
Major Scott added,
“This was a multi-faceted role, trying to build cohesion in my area to nudge state building along. It was a necessary, awesome, and humbling task. I was lucky to be a part of it.”
Captain Richard Ainsworth-Masiello, second-in-command, Department of Community Mental Health, Colchester is to be awarded Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARCC).
The award is in recognition of Richard’s role as a Mental Health Nurse with 16 Medical Regiment which deployed to support people affected by the earthquake in Turkey in February this year.
Captain Ainsworth-Masiello’s citation stated:
“His exemplary contribution was showcased by his provision of mental healthcare to local nationals in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Deployed at very short notice, his work was truly pioneering."
“Tasked to provide mental health nursing care to UK personnel, exposed to sights and stories of patients in a truly desperate situation, a core role he delivered superbly.”
Captain Ainsworth-Masiello said:
“Being notified of this award took me completely by surprise."
“It was an incredible privilege to work with 16 Medical Regiment, the RAF’s tactical medical wing, the medical aid charity, UK-Med, and the local medical provision, providing an empathetic and appropriate service in Turkoglu, close to the earthquake’s epicentre.
“I was humbled every day, not just by the professionalism and excellence of the team that deployed, but also by the resilience and grace of the people that experienced such harrowing events.
“As a mental health professional, I was trusted to provide an entirely unique role in supporting both our troops on the ground and the local population. It is an experience that I will reflect on in years to come."
“I hope our work and this award encourages the Army to explore the benefits that uniformed mental health nurses can bring when deployed in the operational space.”
Army List
Commander of the British Empire (CBE)
Brigadier Christopher King
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Martin Gerard Windsor, The Royal Logistic Corps
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Paul James Martin, The Royal Irish Regiment
Major Sam Anthony John Tooth, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARCC)
Captain Richard Harry Ainsworth-Masiello, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
King's Commendation for Valuable Service (KCVS)
Warrant Officer Class Two (now Warrant Officer Class One) Jamie David Forbes, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Captain Robert Malcolm Jenkins, Corps of Royal Engineers
Sergeant Michael Joseph Ogden, Grenadier Guards
Corporal Navin Kumar Rai, The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
Major Alanda Christine Scott, Corps of Royal Engineers
Major Laurence Malcolm Crozier Wilson, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Major Paul William Young, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Foreign Awards List (Army)
US Bronze Star Medal
Lieutenant Colonel James Maccoll Christie, OBE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Lieutenant Colonel Ashley Wiseman, Royal Regiment of Artillery
Armed Forces Operational Awards List Number 60 is published in the London Gazette and includes awards in respect of worldwide operations for the period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.