A Royal Navy non-commissioned officer from the South West has been rewarded for his excellent service maintaining international relations with the UK.
Chief Petty Officer Mark Lambert (known as Jan in the Navy) attended his investiture to be presented with an MBE, presented by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, as part of Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours.
Jan attracted praise for supporting the British Defence Attaché to the Baltics in the UK’s response to the Russian incursion of Crimea/Ukraine and the subsequent actions taken by the UK to reassure the Baltic States of continued support to the region.
This meant he was involved during a rapid increase in military forces, including Royal Navy ships, RAF and Army and other personnel supporting defence diplomacy and mutual cooperation.
Mark, from south Cornwall, said: “I am truly humbled and proud to be nominated for this award for the work conducted over the last 4 years and I look forward to receiving the honour in due course.
The award citation states: “Throughout a period marked by an increase in military activity and consequent uncertainty in the region, the need for robust defence engagement in the Baltic was paramount.
“Your performance as the Assistant Defence Attaché in the British Embassy in Tallinn, in the international spotlight and under immense pressure, was superb and you have delivered exceptional results in a hugely demanding role.’’
He was praised for his professionalism, excellence and selfless commitment in maintaining the UK’s strategic defence partnerships with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, reinforcing excellent diplomatic relations in the area by ensuring they were focussed and effective.
His success was achieved through personal sacrifice and tireless dedication, far exceeding that expected of his rank and by rising to every challenge of an ever increasing remit.
Mark’s efforts in supporting national commitments over a long period were described as most impressive and in the finest traditions of the service.
Mark, 46, joined the Royal Navy in 1987 at HMS Raleigh. He attended King Edmunds Secondary School (now Yate International Academy).
Mark has had a varied career serving on-board HMS London during the 1st Gulf War, training junior officers from Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth on-board Type 22 frigates around the world and serving with various Royal Naval air squadrons, allowing him to live in Cornwall.
Foreign postings to Gibraltar, Belgium and operational tours to Macedonia and Bahrain were conducted before serving as the assistant defence attaché to the Baltic States between 2011 – 2015.
Mark now works running the honours and awards section for NATO Joint Forces Command in the Netherlands.
