RAF New Years Honours 2019

[Stuff]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-military-division-of-the-new-year-honours-2019ROYAL AIR FORCE AWARDSPROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATHAs Companions Air Marshal Sean Keith Paul REYNOLDS, CBE

Air-Vice Marshal Andrew Mark TURNER, CBEPROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIREAs Commanders Group Captain Mark Robert FLEWIN

Air-Vice Marshal Michael Patrick HART

Group Captain Timothy Telfer JONESAs Officers Wing Commander Mark Donald ABRAHAMS, MBE

Wing Commander Paul John CROOK

Group Captain Ian James FANCOURT

Wing Commander Kevin Lee GATLAND

Wing Commander Christopher Robert MELVILLE, MBE

Squadron Leader David Alan MONTENEGRO

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Nicola Suzanne THOMASAs Members Flight Sergeant Brian James AITKEN

Warrant Officer Ian Melvyn BALDERSTONE

Wing Commander Garry Peter BALL

Sergeant Paul Gerard BERRY

Squadron Leader Dheeraj BHASIN

Corporal Denise BONEHAM

Corporal (now Acting Sergeant) Andrew James BRANSTON

Flight Lieutenant Michael Anthony BROADHURST

Warrant Officer Simon John HARDWICK

Wing Commander John Anthony MCCARTHY

Wing Commander Mark Douglas MCNULTY

Squadron Leader Joanne Elizabeth ROE

Wing Commander Daniel LUNNON-WOODQUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL Wing Commander Kayode Oludaisi Adesegun ADEBOYE

Flight Lieutenant Jane Tasmin COWLING

[Stuff]

and the extended version with commendations: https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-new-year-honours-list-2019 (https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/royal-air-force-new-year-honours-list-2019/?fbclid=IwAR0d3yAyuGfGsH45aMxynT4a1s8YHyqrREs7jqKESpft323wID BfwGzEPEI)Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) Mr Alan George HEAD

British Empire Medal (BEM) Mrs Nerys BELL

Mr William James ESPIE

Mr George Brownlie PRENTICE

Meritorious Service Medal, CAS, Deputy Commanders' and AOC Commendations3 FTS RAFC CranwellAOC 22 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant M. K. FALVEY FTRS

Flight Sergeant P. J. SIMMONS

Mr N. SCOPES

Mr M. WALKER

90 SU RAF Leeming CAS Commendation Squadron Leader S. J. BOWYER

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Corporal W. J. ARNOLD

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Sergeant N. W. E. CORLESS

Sergeant K. A. GRUBEY

Corporal K. S. COXON FTRS

Team Commendations 90 Signals Unit - RAF Web Team

90 Signals Unit, C&I Sqn Rapid Application, Innovation & Development Flt RAVEN Team

90 Signals Unit, 5 Sqn - Information Systems (IS) Hub Team

591 Signals Unit Engineering Support

COS Cap Meritorious Service Medal Master Aircrew P. S. EDWARDES

DComs' Commendation Wing Commander K. J. TERRETT

HQ 11 Gp Meritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer M. I. J. SOLLEY

VCDS Commendation Wing Commander A. F. R. MILLSOM NZBD

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Acting Flight Sergeant N. A. DOODY

HQ 22 Gp DComs' Commendation Warrant Officer S. J. CRIGHTON FTRS

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Mr P. FISHER

AO A4 Comd JFC Commendation Acting Warrant Officer A. J. BROWN

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant J. G. K. GARRETT

Team Commendation RAF Support Services Team

AO A6 Meritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer S. D. ASPINALL

CAS Commendation Squadron Leader A. E. LITTLEFIELD

ACOS Career & Talent Mgt Meritorious Service Medal Flight Sergeant S. M. FENWICK

DComs' Commendation Flight Lieutenant G. L. BEAN

Team Commendation ACOS Manning RAF Disclosures

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant L. CLARK FTRS

ACOS Ops AOC 1 Gp Commendation Acting Sergeant C. M. A. HEEREY FTRS

ACOS Pers Del CAS Commendation

Warrant Officer P. A. CHADWICK FTRS

DComs' Commendation Mrs E. F. FRYER

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Squadron Leader E. A. CALVERT

ACOS Pers Pol DComs' Commendation Squadron Leader V. J. LITTLECHILD

BM Force Cdr CAS Commendation Acting Flight Sergeant A. J. HIGGINS

HQ Air Cadets CranwellDComs' Commendation Wing Commander D. C. McCRAE

Squadron Leader R. W. FOSTER

Squadron Leader S. M. NAEEM

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Squadron Leader R. A. BROWNE

Squadron Leader J. R. GODDEN

Squadron Leader C. HAYNES

Squadron Leader J. V. LOXTON

Squadron Leader R. L. NEEDHAM

Squadron Leader C. E. P. SKIERA

Squadron Leader D. J. WITHNALL

Flight Lieutenant E. BUSBY

Flight Lieutenant D. A. HILL

Flight Lieutenant P. J. HUGHES

Flight Lieutenant E. WALTON

Warrant Officer (RAF Air Cadets) I. K. THOMAS

Sergeant A. P. DIPPLE FTRS

Mrs T. N. BOULTON

Team Commendations National Aerospace Camp Team

Northern Ireland Wing ATC Centennial Wings Project Team

HQ RAF Recruiting and Selection AOC 2 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant J. K. DONNELLY

Acting Flight Lieutenant K. J. DORMAN

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant A. L. ROSS

Mr J. GRAINGER

Team Commendation P2 Processing Team

Air 38 Gp Med Ops AOC 38 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant C. L. WHEELER

Air Warfare CentreDComs' Team Commendation Joint Air Delivery Test & Evaluation Unit, Air Portability Section

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Sergeant P. D. BAGWELL

Sergeant A. E. WILSON

Corporal S. A. SHORT

AOC 2 Gp Commendation Warrant Officer S. J. CONSTANTINE

DCBRNC Winterbourne GunnerDComs' Commendation Warrant Officer Class 2 J. E. JORDAN

AOC 2 Gp Commendation Staff Sergeant J. D. MEEHAN

Mr N. LOVELOCK

Team Commendation Defence CBRN Centre

DCLPA Worthy Down AOC 38 Gp Commendation Acting Sergeant A. J. HART

DCTT Meritorious Service Medal Flight Sergeant S. TENNISON

CAS Commendation Squadron Leader G. L. THOMAS

Chief Technician A. J. BROOKS

DComs' Team Commendation RAF Cosford Air Show Team

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Captain S. M. MURFIN

Flight Sergeant M. P. SWEENEY FTRS

Sergeant M. A. McNEE

Corporal A. I. COLLINS

Mr P. CATTON

Team Commendations MOD St Athan RAF100 Organisational Team

Number 4 School of Technical Training STEM Outreach Team

RAF100 Relay Baton Design and Manufacturing Team

Regimental Training Wing, 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment

DSPG Southwick Park CAS Commendation Sergeant R. P. SPILLANE-SMITH

DSTO RAF St MawganMeritorious Service Medal Flight Sergeant N. S. WESTON

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Corporal R. J. JACKSON FTRS

Corporal H. M. STACKHOUSE FTRS

JFACCDComs' Commendation Sergeant B. A. KINKADE RAuxAF

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant J. R. AYLETT

JFCCAS Commendation Sergeant F. J. TINSLEY

DComs' Commendation Squadron Leader A. HALL FTRS

Flight Lieutenant T. F. O. FOOTE

Warrant Officer V. S. TAYLOR FTRS

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Squadron Leader A. P. WALKER

Sergeant N. P. DASHWOOD

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Squadron Leader B. H. A. COLLINS

Corporal J. SAMUELS

JHC Meritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer G. CHIVERS

Master Aircrew G. JONES

Master Aircrew R. L. KNOWLES MBE

Warrant Officer C. McKNIGHT

Master AircrewA. M. NEAL MBE

Warrant Officer M. P. O'MAHONY

CAS Commendation Flight Lieutenant S. M. HEWER

DComs' Commendation Chief Technician P. A. WAKEFIELD

AOC 2 Gp Commendation Warrant Officer M. J. MAGUIRE

Flight Sergeant S. C. B. POPE

Corporal K. S. FLYNN

Corporal S. P. MCNAMARA

Senior Aircraftman T. DUCEY

Mrs M. COATES

Team Commendations RAF Benson Accounts Flight

RAF Benson Blue Sky Management Ideas Team

RAF Benson Catering Flight

RAF Benson Station Engagement Team & Photographic Section

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Senior Aircraftman M. J. L. EVANS

Commander JHC Commendation Corporal L. COOPER

Sergeant G. BATES

Flight Lieutenant M. CROSBY-JONES

Commander JHC Commendation – Team Awards Chinook Support Centre

Aircraft Explosives Bay

MOD Abbey Wood DE&SMeritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer P. J. HALL

Chief Technician R. J. BATES

DComs' Commendation Warrant Officer K. ROBERTSON

RAF BoulmerAOC 1 Gp Commendation Corporal C. J. McNEE

Senior Aircraftman P. J. BRIGHT

RAF Brize NortonAOC 2 Gp Commendation Master Aircrew R. S. T. ORR

Flight Sergeant R. BROMELL

Flight Sergeant N. W. POTTER

Acting Flight Sergeant C. CURTIS

Sergeant N. CONNELL

Sergeant K. D. CURLE

Sergeant D. E. HARDY

Acting Sergeant P. M. ROBERTS

Corporal C. P. VICKERS

Senior Aircraftman M. BISSET RAuxAF

Mr P. LEE

Team Commendations LXX Squadron A400M Acceptance Engineering Team

ZZ171 Engineering Recovery Team, 99 Squadron

Ground Engineering Flight Duty Crew

Ground Fuels Section, RAF Brize Norton

Supply Control Accounting Flight, RAF Brize Norton

RAF CAM DComs' Commendation Squadron Leader P. A. GOODWIN FTRS

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Corporal R. I. HERRING

Mr C. CLAYSON

RAF ConingsbyDComs' CommendationSquadron Leader J. E. FORDHAM Senior Aircraftman (Technician) D. C. FARRER

Team Commendation Royal Air Force Coningsby Armament Engineering Flights Weapon Training Cell

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant P. A. BEDSON

Sergeant G. S. DAVIDSON

Corporal M. W. KIRKPATRICK

Team Commendations RAF Coningsby Accounts Flight and Presidents of the Service Funds Internal Audit Board

Royal Air Force Coningsby Movements Flight

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Trade Leaders

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Warrant Officer R. G. COLLINGE

RAFC CranwellDComs' Commendation Mr J. S. FOX

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Sergeant J. T. H. SILK

Aircraftman R. M. W. CHINNOCK

Mrs K. CARTER

Team Commendation Royal Air Force College Cranwell Air Traffic Control Squadron

RAF Digby AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant A. SPOUR

AOC 2 Gp Commendation Corporal C. W. E. McCLEARY

RAF HaltonDComs' Commendation Sergeant D. E. TRIMMINGHAM

Team Commendation Personnel Services Flight

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Warrant Officer S. J. JACOBS

Flight Sergeant S. L. HAMMOND

Mrs R. FITCH

Mrs E. MALLAM

Mrs A. TURNER

Team Commendation Commercial Business Team

RAF High WycombeAOC 38 Gp Commendation Flying Officer A. R. P. SOUTH

Sergeant M. DEL FRATE

Team Commendation RAF High Wycombe Physical Education Flight

RAF Honington DComs' Commendation Flight Sergeant R. HOPPER

Team Commendation 27 Squadron RAF Regiment

AOC 2 Gp Commendation Sergeant T. M. CORRIGAN

Sergeant S. J. MULLIGAN

Sergeant S. PERCIVAL

Corporal K. L. CHOUDHARY

Lance Corporal M. D. HODGSON

RAF LeemingMeritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer A. J. BEATTIE

Warrant Officer M. R. PRICE

Flight Sergeant L. L. GRIFFITHS

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant A. H. STEWART

Flight Sergeant L. J. NELSON

Sergeant G. MACDONALD FTRS

Team Commendations Mobility Section

Operational Training Centre

RAF Linton on OuseAOC 22 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant W. S. ALLEN

RAF Lossiemouth DComs' Commendation Acting Flight Sergeant S. McCINTYRE

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant I. G. BRIGHT FTRS

Warrant Officer A. P. S. KIDD

Flight Sergeant A. J. R. ALEXANDER

Corporal A. C. M. ROSS

Senior Aircraftman (Technician) L. J. ELLIOTT

Senior Aircraftman J. A. McWILLIAMS

Mrs J. ROWLAND

Team Commendation 6 Squadron Operation SHADER Engineering Rear Party Leadership Team

RAF MarhamMeritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer M. G. INDER

Warrant Officer S. J. ROBINSON

Chief Technician J. M. GOTTS

CAS Commendation Sergeant N. J. LINES FTRS

DComs' Commendation Flight Sergeant M. E. ROBERTS

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant C. L. NEWTON

Flight Sergeant T. NORMAN FTRS

Flight Sergeant J. M. O'CONNELL

Team Commendations Royal Air Force Marham Air Traffic Control Squadron

Lightning Personnel Working Group

RAF NortholtMeritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer S. WOOLDRIDGE

Flight Sergeant G. LIVERSIDGE

AOC 2 Gp Commendation Squadron Leader T. L. HOWELL

Sergeant G. A. LOFTUS FTRS

Ms P. HUNT

RAF Police Meritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer P. A. BROWN

Flight Sergeant L. A. DENTON

Flight Sergeant C. E. HALL

RAF Scampton DComs' Commendation Senior Aircraftman G. BARRASS

RAF Shawbury AOC 22 Gp Commendation Major L. P. WOODHOUSE MBE

Flight Lieutenant R. J. HAIGH

Corporal M. S. HUDA

Mr D. TULLY-FEWTRELL

Team Commendation SAOC Training Design Team

RAF SpadeadamAOC 1 Gp Commendation Mr J. HUDSON

RAF St MawganMeritorious Service Medal Flight Sergeant D. J. KEANE

AOC 22 Gp Commendation Sergeant P. STANSFIELD

RAF(U) SwanwickAOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Lieutenant S. BENSON

RAF ValleyDComs' Commendation Sergeant A. E. KEMP

AOC 22 Gp Team Commendation TRiM RAF Leeming

RAF WaddingtonMeritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer S. A. ELLIOTT

Warrant Officer A. N. THOMSON

Master Aircrew M. W. UTTING

Warrant Officer A. WOOLFORD

Master Aircrew K. S. YOUNG

CAS Commendation Chief Technician S. P. HUGHES

Sergeant A. LILLEY

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant R. J. BASSETT

Flight Sergeant D. D. HALLS

Chief Technician C. P. WESTOBY

Sergeant J. C. GALLEY

Team Commendations P-8A POSEIDON Course Design Team

14 Squadron Sensor Operators

RAF WitteringMeritorious Service Medal Warrant Officer N. S. CULTER

CAS Commendation Corporal P. J. HERRON

AOC 1 Gp Commendation Flight Sergeant S. A. ACKLAND

AOC 38 Gp Commendation Squadron Leader A. R. CLARKE

Flight Sergeant A. FOLEY FTRS

Sergeant R. S. CHAWLIA

Team Commendations RAF Wittering STEM

HQ Air Cmd Physical Condition Survey Team

1 AMW - UK MAMS

RAF WytonDComs' Commendation Acting Sergeant K. A. NORGATE

[Davef68]

Congratulations and well done all

[Old-Duffer]

Congratulations to all recipients.

Interesting that if Wigston is not knighted in the QBH List in June or on some 'out of phase' award, he will be the first ACM for ages not to have been knighted and certainly the first CAS

Old Duffer

[Black Swan]

Congratulations to all recipients.

Interesting that if Wigston is not knighted in the QBH List in June or on some 'out of phase' award, he will be the first ACM for ages not to have been knighted and certainly the first CAS

Old Duffer

I suspect that his and the other designate service chiefs will appear in the QBHL 19, along with the retiring service chiefs who usually get their knighthoods upgraded to GCB.

Congratulations to the NYHL 19 recipients.

[Hydromet]

Group Captain Mark Robert FLEWIN Nominative determinism?

[9BIT]

CGS been in post for 6 months and only just got his K .

[middlesbrough]

Team commendations, an innovation............?

[Harley Quinn]

Team commendations, an innovation............?
Been happening for at least 10 years

[teeteringhead]

And WTF is "ACOS Career & Talent Management"??

Could this be what used to be the Air Sec?

If I may borrow a phrase from m'learned BEags - wanquespeak!

[MPN11]

I am somewhat boggled by various terminology and Command thingies, but then I have been out for about 25 years!

Anyway, I’m sure the recipients are both well deserved and pleased.

[Easy Street]

Seems to be many fewer Ks being given out on the military lists in recent years. 3* used to be solidly ‘in the zone’ for it but seemingly rare now, perhaps why CGS took and CAS will soon take post without it. I fancy it says something about how recent generations of very senior officers have been regarded by the Whitehall clique that decides upon these things.

[NutLoose]

Commendations not worth the paper they are printed on in the real world, OBE etc simply for getting promoted and pointless, often earned by others, the rest well done.



..

[betty swallox]

Great to see a few movers and shakers in the P-8A programme being recognised.

[Melchett01]

And WTF is "ACOS Career & Talent Management"??

Could this be what used to be the Air Sec?

If I may borrow a phrase from m'learned BEags - wanquespeak!

It’s what we all know and love as Manning! Although we all know Manning doesn’t do career management, so it is some what if a misnomer. Not sure what their awards are for - upsetting the biggest number of people in one month perhaps?

[Melchett01]

Having had another look at the list I must say I’m slightly surprised that the RAF100 Parade Commander got nothing given the massively high profile nature of the event and the general opinion that it was a rather good parade. Especially when the likes of the St Athan RAF 100 Team got a commendation! Does rather serve to reinforce the slightly random nature of these things.

[Old-Duffer]

I agree with Melchett01 - Anne-Marie Houghton (nee Daw) did a great job and I'd like to see the Army try that on with TOTC one year (although the Kings Troop RHA has been lead by a female Major). Furthermore, there were some other bits of media in which she appeared and in my opinion, she did the RAF proud.

Perhaps her reward will appear in the form of a thick stripe in the near future.

I also thought that under the 'new' rules Nikki Thomas ought to have been a DSO not an OBE

Old Duffer

[Melchett01]

I agree with Melchett01 - Anne-Marie Houghton (nee Daw) did a great job and I'd like to see the Army try that on with TOTC one year (although the Kings Troop RHA has been lead by a female Major). Furthermore, there were some other bits of media in which she appeared and in my opinion, she did the RAF proud.

Perhaps her reward will appear in the form of a thick stripe in the near future.

I also thought that under the 'new' rules Nikki Thomas ought to have been a DSO not an OBE

Old Duffer

You may be right about the promotion. However, I recall CAS’ comment about 10 years back that he was disappointed that more people weren’t put up for awards for excellence in the regular duties, and that they seemed to be focused on those who had done secondary duties, community work etc, which although notable was but one aspect. I felt quite smug as I had put my FS up for an award for just such excellence and he ended up with an MBE - the only one amongst all the secondary Duty, charity and sports based awards.

The question is if that is the intent, have those senior officers running the recognition boards in between the initial submissions and the final award been told that?

[Easy Street]

DSO vs OBE? The DSO is only available on the operational honours lists as it is a gallantry award relating to leadership in a specific operation (and is available to all ranks, in theory anyway). Awards on the Birthday and New Year lists are for non-operational matters, or the accumulation over time of meritorious achievements on operations; gallantry is specifically excluded, which is why peacetime bravery awards like AFCs and QCBAs only ever appear as addenda to the operational lists. An OBE can be awarded on either list and relates to meritorious rather than gallant service. So Gp Capt Thomas’s award is most likely for achievement over a span of time rather than a narrowly bounded set of operational activity. If you were referring to the rank criteria, CBE is ‘par’ for meritorious service by gp capts but as the list records her as “wg cdr, now gp capt” it’s evident that the award was earned in the lower rank where OBE is the going rate. There is flex to go up or down a level though, as you can see with Sqn Ldr Montenegro getting an OBE and a wg cdr getting a MBE.

The official view seems to be that excellence in primary duties is rewarded with a good annual report, not awards. To get something ‘just’ for doing your job there needs to be something that makes it ‘special’: acting in higher rank, coping with extremely adverse circumstances, etc etc. And of course your boss a) needs to care and b) needs to be able to write well! Those are probably the blockers for many deserving candidates.

The relative dearth of knighthoods for senior RAF officers in recent years is proof that “doing your job” is not sufficient for these awards any more. I agree that it’s a shame... we should be encouraging excellence in our primary duties instead of the extra flummery.

[Melchett01]

So is the AVM being awarded a CBE a bit of an anomaly then?

[Old-Duffer]

Thanks Easy Street for your summary.

My point, however, was that Thomas had effectively reformed a squadron and taken it to war and for her leadership etc a DSO was more appropriate than an OBE. We need not lose any sleep over it and suffice to say the officer has well earned her state award and her promotion to gp capt.

I had a smile however when I saw that the 'RAF 100 Torch' group had received recognition. During the ATC 75, the air training corps wing, where I help, produced a Torch which was designed and built within the Wg. It is a superb specimen and we have it still. The 'official' ATC75 torch by comparison was a complete load of ?><^&%$. Very much the same might be said about the RAF100 torch, which I was involved with at Alrewas. Simply, it did not reflect the best design and delivery of which the RAF is capable.

Sorry if that seems like 'sour grapes' - it's not meant to be.

O-D

[Easy Street]

Melchie,

Next up from CBE is a knighthood and as I mentioned they’re being increasingly tight with those, so CBE has to cover everything from gp capt upwards unless a K is warranted. However an AVM has to do a lot more than a gp capt for it to be considered ‘exceptional’ for their rank!

O-D,

My point is that a DSO recommendation specifically *has* to include acts of gallantry, so unless Gp Capt Thomas had undertaken airborne actions of the sort that might have earned a DFC or a Mention in Despatches, no amount of inspired leadership on her part could possibly have earned a DSO. Judging the by low number of DFCs and MiDs that have been awarded to fast jet crews on Op SHADER, it has to be inferred that most of their sorties do not include such activity. I happen to agree with you that that under-sells the achievements of the Tornado and Typhoon fleets but that’s how the system works today I’m afraid.

There is also the point that the award might not have been for operational leadership so much as leadership in general, hence why it isn’t on an operational list... and it’s often the time at home base that presents the most difficult leadership challenges!

[Melchett01]

Melchie,

Next up from CBE is a knighthood and as I mentioned they’re being increasingly tight with those, so CBE has to cover everything from gp capt upwards unless a K is warranted. However an AVM has to do a lot more than a gp capt for it to be considered ‘exceptional’ for their rank!


Easy Street,

Thanks for the clarification. I have often wondered whether being at those elevated ranks makes it easier to carry out such K-earning duties, in the same way that the nature of recent operations made it ‘easier’ for RW crews to win DFCs etc (I use the term easy advisedly and in context - nothing easy about it at all in absolute terms). But if CBEs and Ks are for making a difference at a higher or national level, surely it is easier to argue such a case by virtue of the posts in the higher echelons of Defence and within Govt such ranks tend to occupy?

As it stands, I do happen to know the AVM in question. If I were to say that in spring 2015 when I last worked for him he was a plain old Gp Capt, to have hit second year AVM plus a CBE well inside 4 years does rather suggest an upward trajectory!

[Evalu8ter]

Melchett,
I completely agree that the nature of recent campaigns have provided significantly more peril and, therefore, opportunities to be recognised for gallantry, for RW crews. What I would add, however, is that given the number of DFCs, AFCs and MiDs awarded to RW crews from all the services on HERRICK it continues to amaze me that I can't recall a single award of a DSO to a Cdr JHF(A). Several of them flew combat sorties whilst in the chair, as well as being under the same threat of IDF attack as anyone else (not really the case for crews in Cyprus…), so, arguably, there should have been a handful awarded? There were certainly plenty being awarded to Lt Cols and above in the army. Almost astonishingly, I recall one being awarded to a Harrier Sqn Boss…….clearly a different command chain…..

[Easy Street]

Different command chain = bingo! The number of operational awards at each level is capped (the number adjusted for each list depending on what level of activity there has been) and awarding a DSO to a JHF(A) Cdr would have meant one less regimental CO getting one. Given that the sifting between those 2 alternatives would have been under the Land chain, you’ve answered your own question. The stray Harrier nomination would have arrived at the Joint board via the Air chain of command and would probably have been horse-traded into the final list in exchange for the Air commanders’ full support for all the other awards. It is that kind of process, sadly...

[flighthappens]

Different command chain = bingo! The number of operational awards at each level is capped (the number adjusted for each list depending on what level of activity there has been) and awarding a DSO to a JHF(A) Cdr would have meant one less regimental CO getting one. Given that the sifting between those 2 alternatives would have been under the Land chain, you’ve answered your own question. The stray Harrier nomination would have arrived at the Joint board via the Air chain of command and would probably have been horse-traded into the final list in exchange for the Air commanders’ full support for all the other awards. It is that kind of process, sadly...

it is a slippery slope... capping/quotas of awards leading to all sorts of nonsense, politicising the process, ultimately devaluing it.

Whatever happened to examining a submission on its merits...

[teeteringhead]

Next up from CBE is a knighthood Not quite Easy Street.

Within the Order yes, but a CB "outranks" a CBE; you will note that one AVM and one AM (both - ahem - rotary mates) got CBs to add to their CBEs in todays list.

[Misformonkey]

Commendations not worth the paper they are printed on in the real world, OBE etc simply for getting promoted and pointless, often earned by others, the rest well done.



..
Other Buggers Efforts......Well named

[Twon]

Having had another look at the list I must say I’m slightly surprised that the RAF100 Parade Commander got nothing given the massively high profile nature of the event and the general opinion that it was a rather good parade. Especially when the likes of the St Athan RAF 100 Team got a commendation! Does rather serve to reinforce the slightly random nature of these things.
The parade took place after the submission deadlines for that particular round of honours. It's possible that she will be recognised in the next round.

[Old-Duffer]

Twon,

I very much hope you are right. As I opined elsewhere in this Thread, the officer did a great job - not just on the parade but in other aspects of the razmataz which surrounded the event.

Old Duffer

[Tankertrashnav]

The DSO is only available on the operational honours lists as it is a gallantry award relating to leadership in a specific operation (and is available to all ranks, in theory anyway)

As an aside does anyone have any info on what is the most junior rank in any service to have received a DSO in the modern era, which I define as post -1993 when the criteria were redefined? I once mounted a DSO group to a pilot officer who had pulled his wounded navigator from their sinking Beaufighter and had swum several miles to shore with him in tow. With the criteria now being 'highly successful command and leadership during active operations' I cant see anybody below field rank (or equivalent) getting this award now, let alone anyone from the non-commissioned ranks. As you say "in theory anyway"

[Mahogany_Bomber]

TTN,

Capt JM Norman RM - awarded the DSO in 2008 for ops in Afghanistan.

MB

[MPN11]

RM being traditionally regarded as ‘one rank above’, I assume, and thus conceptually Field rank.

[MPN11]

TTN ... not sure where to ask, but ISTR you could only have 4 WW2 Campaign Stars? Any extras were bars to the first equivalent/geographic award. My Googling was ineffectual.

My curiousity was piqued with some TV Antiques thing this pm, where 5 were (sadly) being sold as part of a rack (all ribboned, but loose) in addition to other memorabilia which made over £1k.

[Wensleydale]

Five Stars are fine - depending upon which ones they are. This is from the Gov Medals Website.

Nine stars were issued for the campaigns of World War 2. The colours of the ribbons have symbolic significance and are believed to have been designed personally by King George VI. No more than 5 stars may be awarded to one person. Those who qualify for more are awarded a clasp with the title of one of the stars to which they qualify. The clasp is then attached to the ribbon of one of the other stars.

If you qualify for 2 or 3 of the Atlantic, Air Crew Europe and France and Germany stars, the first star earned is awarded. You will then receive a clasp with the title of the second star earned to be worn on the ribbon of the first. A third star or clasp will not be awarded in this case.

[MPN11]

Thanks ... I was half-right!

Unusual to see 5 stars, and they didn’t show them long enough for me to ID them 100%. Spotted the North Africa and Italy, in addition to the France & Germany and 39-45, and another which I needed to refer back to but seemed to be the Burma. He got about a bit ... associated with Lord Mountbatten, which may explain a lot.

Owner was RN.

[Mahogany_Bomber]

MPN11,

RM ranks were aligned with those of the army in 1999.

MB

[Tankertrashnav]

One very well known recipient of five WW2 campaign stars is HRH Prince Phillip (1939-45, Atlantic, Africa, Burma (bar 'Pacific') and Italy). Groups with 5 stars are quite scarce, and more commonly found to Merchant Navy recipients than RN. With the introduction of the Arctic Star in recent years I assume there are 6 star groups around, although I haven't seen one

Thanks for the info on Captain Norman DSO, Mahogany Bomber.

where 5 were (sadly) being sold ...

Why "sadly"? MPN? I had this throughout my time as a dealer in medals and militaria, with one retired Colonel Blimp type referring to "trafficking in medals"! Better that medals end up in the hands of enthusiastic collectors who appreciate what they have than they languish in the hands of relatives who often havent a clue what they represent.

[Old-Duffer]

Going to a different 'Thread Drift', I note that Jo Salter - the first female pilot operational on the Tornado, I believe - is photographed at the RAF Club wearing the mess kit and styled as 'Honorary Gp Capt'.

I can find no reference to the reasons for her appointment but would be interested to learn the background to this (fairly unusual) promotion/appointment.

Old Duffer

[alfred_the_great]

There was also a COLDM GDS Capt awarded the DSO in 2012ish.

[Old-Duffer]

There's probably a Hereford 'holigan' out there somewhere who's award is still under wraps!

O-D

[Tocsin]

Going to a different 'Thread Drift', I note that Jo Salter - the first female pilot operational on the Tornado, I believe - is photographed at the RAF Club wearing the mess kit and styled as 'Honorary Gp Capt'.

I can find no reference to the reasons for her appointment but would be interested to learn the background to this (fairly unusual) promotion/appointment.

Old Duffer

Possibly associated with the Air Cadets? I think Carol Vorderman (previously discussed here...) is another example.

[30mRad]

Going to a different 'Thread Drift', I note that Jo Salter - the first female pilot operational on the Tornado, I believe - is photographed at the RAF Club wearing the mess kit and styled as 'Honorary Gp Capt'.

I can find no reference to the reasons for her appointment but would be interested to learn the background to this (fairly unusual) promotion/appointment.

Old Duffer

OD - she is a member of No. 601 (County of London) Squadron reactivated in 2017 by CAS to "...tapping into the talents of leaders from industry, academia and research to advise and shape and inspire our organisation." announced by SofS in Jun 17. Actually does some good stuff too and has a US "flight" as well. IIRC Jo works for one of the big consultancy firms (PwC perhaps?) so would bring some much needed fresh ideas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._601_Squadron_RAF

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defence-secretary-celebrates-uks-partnerships-at-airpower-2017

[MPN11]

Why "sadly"? MPN? I had this throughout my time as a dealer in medals and militaria, with one retired Colonel Blimp type referring to "trafficking in medals"! Better that medals end up in the hands of enthusiastic collectors who appreciate what they have than they languish in the hands of relatives who often havent a clue what they represent.I just find it sad that families don't appreciate the medallic recognition of their forebears, and what those medals represent. I'm delighted that my son wants our generational collection ... I just wish I had one to add [apart from squllions of shooting medal, but thankfully one of those is hallmarked gold!].

[Old-Duffer]

Thanks 30mRad, I can see the logic of that. I worked for Andersen Consulting after leaving regular service and became a reservist of various sorts. Nobody ever asked my opinion (my wife says that's probably wise) and was never asked to be an Hon Gp Capt - perhaps I should embrace the modern ethos and complain!!

As to Carol Vorderman as an ambassador with the air cadets, she has been a roaring success and has embraced the role fully. When she steps down, she will be a hard act to follow.

Old Duffer

[Tankertrashnav]

I just wish I had one to add [apart from squllions of shooting medal, but thankfully one of those is hallmarked gold!].

I have bequeathed my solitary GSM (for South Arabia) to my son, which he can eventually display with his somewhat more impressive group of seven! No shooting medals from me, though. Barn doors were always safe from me when I was in the vicinity with my service automatic!

[skua]

Jo does work at PwC - in their HR consultancy bit, see here (https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/One-in-three-UK-employees-are-working-with-anxiety-depression-or-stress-according-to-new-PwC-research.html) .

[langleybaston]

RM being traditionally regarded as ‘one rank above’, I assume, and thus conceptually Field rank.

I think they were only one rank above when embarked.

[Training Risky]

Jo does work at PwC - in their HR consultancy bit, see here (https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/One-in-three-UK-employees-are-working-with-anxiety-depression-or-stress-according-to-new-PwC-research.html) .

pah. ‘Big 4’ consultancies are snake-oil salesmen trying to flog their shyster services to big companies who want to pay zero UK tax. Hardly someone the kind of ‘talent’ the RAF should want to tap into?

Hard to stop the tide now. To paraphrase Stalin, diversity has a quality all of its own...

[Old-Duffer]

Training Risky has a point.

When working for Andersens (now Accenture) the description of a consultant was: somebody who borrowed your watch to tell you the time.

I did reckon that often having an outsider to take a good look at what you were doing was no bad thing and questioning the WHY was a healthy exercise. In addition: WHERE, WHEN and HOW were also healthy questions for a business to ask and often better that it's done by somebody outside the firm. That said there were some eye watering sums of money spent on 'rebranding'. The amusing but sad reality was that the Firm's own internal processes left IMHO something to be desired.

O-D

[Union Jack]

I think they were only one rank above when embarked.

That's essentially correct under the old system and applied to Royal Marine officers up to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel** but, conversely, when serving directly with Army units such officers almost invariably received local acting higher rank in order to make them directly comparable to their Army counterparts. Pay was not an issue.

Jack

** Of under six years seniority

[Old-Duffer]

The other point is that Lieutenant RM served eleven years in the rank before being promoted Captain RM. As this was at about the same time as Lieutenant RN would be upped to Lieutenant Commander RN the equivalence bit kicked in here.

An interesting point from the navy of old was that if an RM detachment aboard a warship was commanded by a Captain RM he would be called: 'The major' - another piece of staggeringly useless information!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Duffer

[andrewn]

Training Risky has a point.

When working for Andersens (now Accenture) the description of a consultant was: somebody who borrowed your watch to tell you the time.

I did reckon that often having an outsider to take a good look at what you were doing was no bad thing and questioning the WHY was a healthy exercise. In addition: WHERE, WHEN and HOW were also healthy questions for a business to ask and often better that it's done by somebody outside the firm. That said there were some eye watering sums of money spent on 'rebranding'. The amusing but sad reality was that the Firm's own internal processes left IMHO something to be desired.

O-D

Agreed, but at least if somebody external has told you the time you can then blame somebody elses timekeeping, as opposed to your own, when it turns out to have been the wrong time :)

Sounds silly, but it's actually the logic used by a lot of very large organisations when it comes to spending vast sums of money on Consulting firms.

[Melchett01]

Agreed, but at least if somebody external has told you the time you can then blame somebody elses timekeeping, as opposed to your own, when it turns out to have been the wrong time :)

Sounds silly, but it's actually the logic used by a lot of very large organisations when it comes to spending vast sums of money on Consulting firms.

At the risk of ongoing thread drift, couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed on the value of consultants. In my last unit we were subjected to a transformation programme managed - and I use that word in its loosest sense - by one of the big name consultancies who traditionally target military leavers. They were so bad they broke the organisation and ended up being fired by the 1-star who got so fed up that he thanked them for their work and suggested we had sufficient experience to take their recommendations forward. About 12 months too late to avoid catastrophic damage to morale.

Their expertise saw a manning structure devised on the basis of scouring an out of date email list with entries containing the 3 letters of our section. As a result they came back with all sorts of irrelevant names that were supposedly part of our organisation - if only - I would loved to have tried telling a US Army Lt Col that she now reported to me according to the consultants. At another meeting they came up with a revised process which enabled a rapid response to team generation in only 14 steps and about 4 days. My Colonel turned to me and said - Melchie, before we started this, how quickly could you pull a mission team together? To which I replied, 4 steps and a couple of hours - maybe a morning for a complex issue - as long as I was given authority to pull people I needed and to pause other lower priority Ops tasking. My Flt Lt and SAC even ended up learning to code to de-bug and re-write the task management system that singularly failed to achieve any of its objectives. All I can say is I hope our old 3-star kept the receipt for the services he procured. Not that he'll need it as he missed out on the recent Air Officer shuffling so will be Mr by summer.

The moral of my ramblings - I've always been against consultants to act as anything other than a Red Team. We have the experience we need in house, lets tap into it. Select experienced officers to be put through relevant management training and when they retire at 55, re-employ them as internal MOD consultants on projects. That way they would at least understand military concepts that seem to bypass external spreadsheet ninjas who know the cost of everything but not the value and for whom process rather than output is key.