Twenty-seven sailors, Royal Marines and Reservists from across the spectrum of command, leadership and branches have been singled out in the King’s first New Year’s Honours list.
They have been rewarded for efforts and contributions above the regular call of duty in the Service, from playing key roles in major international deployments, to championing diversity and the work of Caribbean personnel and continuing to keep Covid in check.
Captain (now Commodore) Don Crosbie is awarded the OBE for his work pushing the boundaries of Anglo-American minehunting operations in the Gulf.
As deputy commander of Task Force 52 – the US Navy’s permanent mine warfare force deployed in Bahrain – Captain Crosbie’s inspirational leadership, dedication and energy drove ever closer relations between British and US minehunters, dive teams and especially tech as both navies look to make use of autonomous systems, drones and crewless craft to hunt down and neutralise underwater devices.
The calmness and professionalism of Lieutenant Henry Mainstone when he was navigator of HMS Forth in the Falklands earns him an MBE.
Assisted by his shipmates, he assumed command of the patrol ship when the officer in temporary command became medically unfit while Forth was at sea; the patient received the care needed, Lt Mainstone rallied the crew and brought the ship safely into port in challenging conditions, demonstrating “leadership and moral courage in the face of extreme adversity” throughout in the words of his citation.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive an MBE, I did not expect such an outcome,” said the 27-year-old, originally from Dorset but now living with his wife in Scotland.
He says the actions “of every single member of the ship’s company” were crucial during some difficult hours.
“Leading in such challenging circumstances and the following months was difficult, and those few weeks were perhaps the hardest of my career thus far.
“To be recognised with a state award is a huge honour and my family are very proud.”
Chief Petty Officer Janine Potts, based at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth is a champion of Commonwealth personnel serving in the Royal Navy and determined to make the Service a more inclusive place for all. She’s been at the forefront of driving policy to improve the experience of personnel from overseas/Commonwealth, addressing the unique challenges they face, establishing the Royal Navy Commonwealth Network and supporting the Navy’s newly-formed Race and Diversity Network. She is made an MBE.
Also awarded the MBE is Lieutenant Commander Oli Brown who has done more than any other individual in the Navy to dispel the stigma and myths surrounding those living with HIV. His efforts have had a profound impact on recruiting, retention and on the understanding of a key societal issue.
It's thanks in large part to Reservist aircrewman Chief Petty Officer Mark Spencer that the Commando Helicopter Force have better trained crew in the Merlin Mk4 helicopter, which carries Royal Marines into battle.
Mark, who serves at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, has been instrumental in the Rear Crew Trainer simulator – the first of its kind which will revolutionise the way in which aircrew train.
It’s the task of the rear crew to ensure the safety of up to two dozen commandos and their kit, as well as support the pilots, operate the machine-guns in a combat zone, land/take-off in tight spots and secure loads safely beneath the helicopter.
Mark has pulled out all the stops to ensure the software/simulator not only works but improves the training delivered to aircrewmen, to the benefit of front-line operations. He receives the MBE for his outstanding efforts.
Nearly three years on since it first struck, Covid continues to have an impact on life both in the Royal Navy and the UK – and nursing staff continue to rise to the challenge.
Chief Petty Officer Robert Chambers and Lieutenant Commander Sarah Dewey each receive the Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class.
CPO Chambers is the RN’s nursing specialist in infection prevention and controls. At the height of the pandemic he identified the urgent need for PPE and was instrumental in organising and providing testing for ships. His advice guidance and policymaking proved vital in ensuring the Royal Navy’s continued to operate through a challenging period.
Lieutenant Commander Dewey coordinated and responded to numerous requests from the NHS for military medic and nursing support, and her input was vital when it came to making the best use of finite resources during the vaccination process. She also oversaw the safe deployment of specialist medical personnel. Her dedication and professionalism ensured the right support was safely delivered on time and that Defence was able to make a significant contribution during a national emergency.
The full list of recipients is:
Promotions in and appointments to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath
As Knight Commander (KCB)
Vice Admiral Keith Blount CB OBE
Vice Admiral Nicholas Hine CB
As Companions (CB)
Vice Admiral Paul Marshall CBE
Major General James Andrew John Morris RM DSO
Vice Admiral Guy Antony Robinson OBE
As Commanders (CBE)
Commodore Peter Coulson
Captain John Lewis Rutland Foreman
Commodore Stuart Philip Henderson
As Officers (OBE)
Commodore Donald Ernest Frederick Crosbie
Commander John Michael George Dineen
Captain Glyn Owen
Commander Andrew Maurice Pariser
Captain Peter Michael Viney
Captain Thomas Henry Weaver
As Members (MBE)
Major Angus Edward Berger RM
Lieutenant Commander Oliver Gary Brown
Chief Petty Officer Logistician (Writer) Miriam Charlton
Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Floyd
Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems) Philip Geoffrey Richard Hodgson
Leading Logistician (Writer) Tommy Andrew Russell Horrell
Lieutenant Henry Theodore Mainstone
Chief Petty Officer Logistician (Writer) Janine Candide Potts
Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman Mark Steven Alan Spencer RNR
Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Communications and Information Systems) Nicola Wade
As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class (ARRC)
Chief Petty Officer Robert Chambers QARNNS
Lieutenant Commander Sarah Elizabeth Dewey QARNNS
King's Volunteer Reserves Medals (KVRM)
Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Charles Carmichael RMR
Meritorious Service Medal
23 senior ratings/non-commissioned officers with at least 20 years’ service and of “irreproachable character” have also been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal
Lt S E Ashdown RNAS Yeovilton
CPOCOXN(SM) T J Clifton SFM Faslane
WO1AET N Copeland SDA
WO1WS(SSM) J A Crawford RNSMS
Lt M Evans HQBF Gibraltar
WO1(COXN SM) M Farr MBE HMS Richmond
WO1(D) N Frost FGen Ships NCHQ
WO1 S A Hall 30 Cdo IX Group
WO1ET(WE) D B Hamp ComSurFlot
WO1WS (AWW) L B Hendrickson c/o Office of Protocol
WO1 (Police) J A Houghton HMS Defender
CPOWS(WESM) G Hunter HMS Ambush
WO2 J B Kemp MBE RM Poole
WO1ET(ME) B Martin 47 Cdo (RG) RM
WO1ET(ME) L Paterson ComSurFlot
WO1 S Payne RNAS Yeovilton
WO1LOG(SC) J Preece Logs Policy NCHQ
WO1 RSM W Rees 42 Cdo RM
CPOET(MESM) M Shepley HMS VICTORIOUS
POLOG(CS) M Trotter ComSubFlot
WO1ET(ME) C Wheeler MBE ComSurFlot
CPOAET L Wrightson HQ JHC
WO1WS(WESM) S Yeates (HMS Victorious (Starboard))
