About the Competition
The Centre for Army Leadership and The National Army Museum CAL-NAM Essay Prize competition announces the winners at an event at RMAS.
The theme this year was 'Unsung Army Leaders'. From famous battlefield commanders to junior cadets, anyone can be a leader. Who are those leaders who have been overlooked, misunderstood, or forgotten? What was their contribution to leadership, whether in action or through their ideas? What made them stand out? And why should we remember them today?
The Winners for 2024
SENIOR CATEGORY
WINNER
‘Man Cool’: The Dale McCallum Leadership Story, by 2Lt Alec Cadzow (British Army – Regular) 2Lt Alec Cadzow
The author is currently a Platoon Commander with the 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards. After studying for a History degree at St Andrews with a focus on the modern Middle East, he travelled to Jordan to work and learn Arabic. Covid hastened his return to the UK, and he became a Parliamentary Researcher to a longstanding Member of Parliament, writing speeches, articles and papers for him, alongside meeting with key stakeholders. However, since University, the Army had always been his goal, and once admitted to Sandhurst he began the Regular Commissioning Course in 2022, commissioning in 2023, and reporting to unit in 2024 after a brief spell at the Infantry Battle School, Wales. Outside of work, the author is a keen writer, having several opinion articles published online; and he has enjoyed visiting the National Army Museum, including on one occasion to listen to the great Andrew Roberts.
RUNNER-UP (1)
Navigating no Man’s Land: Female Doctors at War, by Capt Dr George Linfield-Brown
The author is a doctor and commissioned officer in the Royal Army Medical Corp. He is currently undertaking postgraduate anaesthetics training at Joint Hospital Group South. In his spare time, George is an active member of the Army Medical Services polo team and is committed to increasing inclusion within the sport, advocating for “more new blood, less blue blood”.
RUNNER-UP (2)
Sir Percy Sykes: A Legacy of Unsung Leadership, by Dr Shahriar Sabet
Dr Shahriar Sabet holds a PhD in International Relations and an MA in Middle East Politics from Durham University and has focused academically and professionally on the Middle East.
JUNIOR CATEGORY
WINNER
Unsung Army Leaders: Royal Corps of Army Music: Heard but Not Seen, by Musn Rebecca Jean Grant
Musn Rebecca Jean Grant completed her basic training in 2023 and is currently studying the Euphonium at the Royal Military School of Music, under The Alford Schools of Military Music's Professor Andy Cresci.
RUNNER-UP
Remembering Sir Dighton Macnaghten Probyn (1833-1924): The Quiet Power of Effective Leadership and His Relevance Today, by Ocdt Luke Clark
OCdt Clark is part of the Bristol University Officer Training Corps - Senior Company. Currently studying for MEng Engineering Mathematics at the University of Bristol, 2nd year. Originally came to university doing Theatre and Film but dropped out in the first year. Awarded the Bristol PLUS award in 2022 and other work includes Engineering Outreach work and developing the Access and Participation Plan with the University alongside a history of chef work.
The prizes were presented by Maj Gen Zac Stenning OBE (Director Leadership and Commandant RMAS) and Justin Maciejewski (Director National Army Museum).