Two reservists from HMS Sherwood, the East Midlands' only Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) unit, were recognised for their service within the Maritime Reserve at the unit's annual Ceremonial Divisions on Tuesday evening (11 July).
The event, which was held at Foresters House on Swiney Way, Nottingham, saw 40 reservists parade in front of Commodore David Elford, Naval Regional Commander for Eastern England, who inspected those present as part of the Ceremonial Divisions.
The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Colonel David R Sneath TD DL, The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Michael Edwards and Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor John Handley, were also in attendance along with the reservists' friends and families and The Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers who provided the musical entertainment.
Lieutenant Commander Russell Dalby was recognised for 15 years' service with the unit. He originally joined HMS Sherwood in 2001and after a brief spell as a rating was commissioned in November 2002.
Since this time, he has served in a variety of locations, both in the UK and aboard, including being mobilised for the 2012 London Olympics as a Battle Watch Captain, monitoring activities on the River Thames. In 2014, he was awarded the Captain Gilbert Towle sword, the unit's highest available honour.
Now, for 15 years' service with HMS Sherwood Russell is awarded the first clasp to his Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM).
The VRSM is a medal that is awarded to members of the Reserve Forces after completing 10 years qualifying service. The silver medal is oval in shape and includes the words 'for service in the volunteer reserves' on the reverse.
Midshipman Gil Lock attended the Royal Naval Reserves' Fleet Board last weekend (8 and 9 July) successfully qualifying to be promoted to Sub Lieutenant. This event was recognised at the Ceremonial Divisions evening by Commodore Elford presenting Midshipman Lock with his new Sub Lieutenant's epaulettes to be worn with his uniform.
Reflecting on the evening, Commanding Officer of HMS Sherwood, Commander Rob Noble, explained, "The Ceremonial Divisions event is an important date in the unit's calendar. To be able to publically recognise the time and effort our reservists put in to serving with the RNR in Nottingham is fantastic.
"This year we were honoured that Commodore Elford was able to inspect our parade and I have received a lot of positive feedback from friends and family in attendance, regarding how proud they are that their loved ones give up their free time to serve our country."
An Operational Honours Board was also unveiled during the event recognising individuals' deployments across the world from 2003 until 2016.
