Navy News
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The trophy, to be named the “Rear Admiral Bateson Award”, was presented to Commander Andy Donaldson, the Officer Commanding the Weapon Engineering Training Group, at the Maritime Warfare School (MWS), HMS Collingwood, by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Sponsored by the IET, the Rear Admiral Bateson Award has been introduced to recognise individual Weapon Engineers who have made a significant impact on the Branch or trade in the previous 12 months.
On receiving the trophy Commander Donaldson said “Reward and recognition is incredibly important to the WE Branch and the wider RN.
The branch has established a strong relationship with the IET over many years and we are delighted that the Institute has agreed to sponsor this award.
Commander Andy Donaldson RN
“The branch has established a strong relationship with the IET over many years and we are delighted that the Institute has agreed to sponsor this award.
"We will present this annually to the most deserving candidate.”
The award is named after Rear Admiral S L Bateson CB CBE, who was tasked with the job of forming the Electrical Branch in 1946 under the recommendations of the Middleton Report.
This branch evolved over the years into what is now the Weapon Engineering sub branch. In recognition of his achievements Rear Admiral Bateson was appointed as the very first Electrical Flag Officer in 1949 and is arguably the father of the modern branch.
The award will consist of the bespoke trophy, which will be engraved with the winner’s name and retained in HMS Collingwood, and a cheque for £300.
The prize will be awarded to the Weapon Engineer who has made a significant contribution to their unit Operational Capability, innovation, engineering excellence, or Branch development over the preceding 12 months, and will be presented annually at HMS Collingwood’s Ceremonial Divisions.
Photograph courtesy of Keith Woodland, Crown Copyright.
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.