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HMS Prince of Wales medic Sara first to be honoured in flagship’s affiliated city of Bristol
6 February 2025
There will be many who follow, but Sara Young is the first ‘sailor of the year’ from the nation’s flagship to be crowned in the vessel’s affiliated city.
The 25-year-old leading medical assistant originally from South Africa received a stunning silver replica of HMS Prince of Wales from the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol – and honorary Royal Navy Captain – Peaches Golding.
Due to the size of the Portsmouth-based warship, she cannot physically visit Bristol (unlike her other affiliated city of Liverpool).
But she does send her men and women to key events in the city’s calendar such as remembrance ceremonies and provides regular updates on activities.
The sailors, led by Commanding Officer Captain Will Blackett, were hosted by Bristol’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Jos Clark and Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew Varney in the latter’s parlour, before moving to the Bristol’s Merchants’ Hall – billed as the city’s most prestigious venue.
From now on the civic dinner will be used not just to celebrate the aircraft carrier and its links with the West Country powerhouse, but also formally honour her most inspirational sailor.
The prize is a specially-commissioned miniature of HMS Prince of Wales, produced by one of the nation’s finest silversmiths, Grant Macdonald of London. Although Sara is the holder for the next 12 months, the trophy will remain aboard the flagship for safekeeping.
To earn that inaugural title Sara organised widespread first-aid training for many of her 800-plus shipmates – including the use of mock casualties to make the instruction particularly realistic.
Already singled out by the Royal Navy’s assessors when the ship undertook comprehensive training ahead of her maiden deployment later this year, Sara frequently temporarily filled posts typically held by more senior/experienced shipmates, ensured her fellow medics and trainees maintained the highest of standards and always sought to enhance her own skills – and those of her sick bay colleagues.
Capt Blackett said the leading seaman was “an outstanding sailor, medic and individual” who could be “rightly proud of her performance”.
He continued: “I’m delighted that our fantastic Sailor of the Year, Leading Medical Assistant Sara Young, is to receive this inaugural award from our affiliates in Bristol.
“With such a large ship’s company, I could have selected hundreds of Sailors of the Year’ but there has to be one, and she has embodied the very best of the Royal Navy and HMS Prince of Wales.
“We’re proud to be supported by the people of Bristol as we prepare for our planned deployment which is now fast approaching, and the traits that gave us a ‘Sailor of the Year’ are the ones which will lead to success on operations in 2025.”
What made the event particularly memorable for the recipient was the presence of her family.
“I am so pleased to be named ‘sailor of the year,” Sara said. “It’s really special to have my father present for the dinner, travelling all the way from South Africa.
“I want to thank my line management, the captain and my family for all the support and motivation they have given me.”