Air Vice-Marshal Warren James, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group has presented Honours and Awards in a ceremony at Halton House Officers’ Mess on the afternoon of his Annual Formal Visit to the base.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
In front of gathered family, friends and colleagues, he presented Honours and Awards:
The Long Service And Good Conduct Medal, awarded to personnel who complete 15 years reckonable service with an unblemished disciplinary record was presented to:
Sgt Owen Clarke, RTS, Sgt Kenny Howard, RTS Ped, Cpl Neil Horton, RTS and Cpl David Fryer, L&STS.
The Long Service And Good Conduct Medal Clasp is awarded to personnel who have been awarded the Long service and Good conduct Medal and completed a further 10 years reckonable service with an unblemished disciplinary record. This was presented to Chf Tech Steve Mitchell, CTS.
The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to Flt Sgt Sharon Hornby, FDTS, who was described as an “utterly selfless individual with a genuine desire to make improvements for her team, the Station and wider Service.”
Warrant Officer Andrew Cashmore was awarded The Royal Warrant.
A Warrant Officer is a manager who is required to possess outstanding ability and personal qualities.
A Deputy Commander’s Commendation presented to Flt Lt Elizabeth Stanley, CTS, for: “Her commitment to the Co-responders service where her inspirational drive, commitment and management has benefitted many vulnerable people with often life-saving responses.”
A Deputy Commander’s Commendation was also presented to Sgt Danson Trimmingham, who: ‘Selflessly contributed to the RAF100 Parade and rehearsals. He went the extra mile to deliver additional training with Halton’s Drill Instructors to ensure clarity of understanding. A hugely motivated individual, he assured the delivery of a brilliant and unique celebratory parade, always exuding loyalty, commitment, and empathy.’
Warrant Officer Simon Jacobs was awarded The AOC 22 Group Commendation, he was ‘Recognised for his sterling personal contribution to the rapid improvement of catering delivery services at RAF Halton. He is highly deserving of the formal recognition.’
It was also awarded to Flt Sgt Alex Bedborough, CTS, for dedicating 11 years to the RAF Halton Co-responder scheme, directly and indirectly saving many lives.
Sgt Gareth French, CTS, for his role as Air Cadet Liaison Officer, receiving circa 5,000 cadets and supporting staff per annum.
Mrs Rosie Fitch, BSO BMT, for her innovation and drive to provide a comprehensive HR support service to both civil servants and their line managers.
Mrs Emilia Mallam was commended for her outstanding performance, innovation and commitment as the RTS training and Development Flight Administrative Assistant.
Mrs Amanda Turner, Ops and Plans, for her outstanding support to RAF 100 and her exceptional work within her core role.
RAF Halton’s Trenches Committee, Flt Lt Andy Claesens, PJHQ, Flt Lt Egan, RAF Odiham, WO Edwards, CTS, Sgt Smart, High Wycombe, Sgt Russ Barber, RAFP MGR and Mr Canham were presented with the AOC 22 Gp Commendation.
In 2009, a small group of enthusiasts from Royal Air Force Halton, successfully renovated a section of this historic site. The result was a fully restored trench system, to original WW1 Field Engineering standards, providing real insight into the experiences of a solider on the Western Front.
Over the past year, two national film production companies have used the Halton trenches as a filming set, bringing this unique location to a global audience and generating several thousands of pounds of income for Defence.
Mrs Debra Gower and Ms Jane Watson from the Commercial Business Team accepted the AOC’s Commendation for consistently delivering and exceptional performance for continually exploiting income generation opportunities..
Flt Lt Heather Constantine, OC PSF, was also presented with the AOC’s commendation for her exceptional work serving as the Staff Officer in the Air Mobility Force Headquarters.
A Defence Intelligence commendation was awarded to Flt Lt Claire Hobbs for her initiative, boundless energy and enthusiasm in her role as OC Service Discipline at Royal Air Force Wyton, a uniquely unusual role given it covers both Wyton and Royal Air Force Digby.
Royal Air Force Sports Colours are presented to Flt Lt Laurence Humphreys and SAC Jiute Tupua. (Recipients stand)
Sports colours are awarded to congratulate and recognise the achievement and commitment in a person’s sporting endeavours after they have represented their Service at an Inter-Services Competition.
Air Vice-Marshal James addressed the room after the presentations, saying: “All of todays Honours and Awards are special for the ongoing professionalism and selflessness that the recipients have shown. However, the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and Clasp are special in their own way as they show a unique commitment to the Royal Air Force.”
