Work of Strategic Command personnel recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

News story

Past and present members of Strategic Command have been recognised in Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours list 2020 for their services to defence.

The following individuals from Strategic Command have been recognised:

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

  • Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal C J Moore
  • Royal Air Force Air Commodore S N Perkins
  • Royal Navy Commodore J M B Parkin

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

  • Royal Air Force Group Captain M C Fenlon
  • Royal Air Force Group Captain S M Phythian ARRC
  • Royal Navy Surgeon Commander S D Hutchings
  • British Army Lieutenant Colonel D J Blackman
  • British Army Lieutenant Colonel S T Horne
  • British Army Lieutenant Colonel A R Forsyth

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

  • Royal Navy Captain (RM) T A J Buck
  • Royal Air Force Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) S English
  • Royal Air Force Squadron Leader D W Mulvaney
  • Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Communications Technician M Mclachlan
  • Royal Navy Warrant Officer 1 Warfare Specialist (Abovewater Warfare Weapons) D A Wearing
  • Royal Air Force Corporal V A Penton
  • British Army Warrant Officer Class 1 (now Captain) A T Bieniasz
  • British Army Staff Sergeant C T Denman
  • British Army Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) S F Elliott
  • British Army Major A E Ireland
  • British Army Warrant Officer Class 1 K L Newbound
  • British Army Major C Prentice
  • Civil Service Mr. John Lyons
  • Civil Service Miss. Kate Sherman

Royal Red Cross

  • British Army Sergeant (now Captain) S I Davis
  • British Army Major J M Dews
  • British Army Warrant Officer Class 1 R J Lazarus
  • British Army Staff Sergeant H Marshall

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

  • British Army Major D A Titheridge

Selections for the First Sea Lord’s Greenwich Hospital Prize – October 2020

  • Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander A R Wallace

Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

  • Royal Air Force Warrant Officer J D Hillman
  • Royal Air Force Master Aircrew D A Wray
  • Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant K J McKee
  • Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant J W Putland
  • British Army Warrant Officer Class 1 C G Addison
  • British Army Warrant Officer Class 2, L A Howdle

Published 10 October 2020



Veterans urged to access unprecedented amount of mental health support

News story

As the UK marks World Mental Health Day, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer is urging ex-service personnel to access the wide range of mental health support now on offer.

Over the last few years, government and the NHS has put in a range of support for veterans to ensure they can access the care they deserve.

In England this includes:

  • The Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), an enhanced service for veterans which helps tackle early signs of mental health difficulties
  • The Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment service (CTS), which helps veterans who have complex mental health problems emanating from their military service
  • Over 700 accredited ‘veteran friendly’ GP surgeries, which have been specially equipped to care for ex-forces personnel
  • Over 40 Veteran Aware hospitals

The government also recognises that the point where individuals transition out of the armed forces is a key stage where people may require support. Last year the MOD launched the Defence Transition Service, which provides bespoke support to service personnel at the stage where they are transitioning out of service. This ensures that those who may be vulnerable as they move into civilian life receive tailored support.

The Veterans Gateway, funded by government and run by the Royal British Legion also provides a one stop shop for veterans to access support across a range of areas, including mental health support.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said:

As we mark World Mental Health Day, my message to anyone struggling is please seek the support you deserve.

From the moment you transition out of the armed forces, support for veterans from the NHS and the brilliant armed forces charities is out there.

But I recognise we need to do more and as Veterans Minister I will continue to ensure that veterans issues are at the heart of government policy.

The work of the OVA includes:

  • Pulling together all functions of government, and better coordinating charity sector provision, in order to ensure this nation’s life-long duty to those who have served
  • Ensuring that every single veteran and their family knows where to turn to access support when required
  • Helping to generate a ‘single view of the veteran’ by making better use of data to understand veterans’ needs and where gaps in provision exist
  • Improving the perception of veterans

Published 10 October 2020



Deputy Chief Constable awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Chris Armitt has been awarded an OBE for services to policing.

The HM Queen’s Birthday honours list for 2020 recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people.

DCC Chris Armitt has worked in policing for 30 years. Since 2019 he has been responsible for developing and maintaining the capacity and capability of the CNC to deliver its mission. Prior to that as the CNC ACC Operations he was responsible for a complex operational division containing over 800 police officers and staff, based at high profile sites such as Sellafield and Dounreay, as well as seven EDF nuclear power station sites.

Chris Armitt joined the CNC in July 2015, after a 25-year career with Merseyside Police, having joined as a PC in 1989.

During his varied career, Chris has fulfilled a wide range of operational roles including leading the Basic Command Units at St. Helens and Toxteth. He also has extensive experience in managing public order situations and was one of the first officers nationally to complete the Advanced Public Order Commander Programme.

In 2014 Chris was seconded to Gwent Police to fulfil the role of Gold Commander for the policing and security of the NATO Summit. In June 2015, he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service.

Speaking after the announcement DCC Armitt said: “Being recognised in this way is totally unexpected and I feel immensely privileged and humble about this award. Most police officers will tell you they are just doing their job and I am no different. During all of my service I have worked with some amazing people and I see this award as a recognition of the team effort in many different operational settings and environments. My father was a police officer as was my wife, who has just retired at the end of her service, and one of my son’s is still currently serving as a PC, so there is a strong policing tradition in my family and I hope they feel as proud as I do.”

CNCs Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “I am immensely proud of Chris; this prodigious award is richly deserved. Chris and his family are steeped in public service and operational policing and it is wonderful to see him recognised in this way. He has made a real impact and a significant contribution to public protection and the safety and security of the UK.”

Chris’ entire career has been spent in public service. He began his working life at 16 years old and prior to joining Merseyside Police he gave eight years of service with the Royal Engineers.



Covid support for Scottish businesses – Job Support Scheme expanded

The Chancellor has announced [9 October] that the UK Government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to support businesses required to close their doors as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

Welcoming the move, Alister Jack said:

The extension of the Chancellor’s Job Support Scheme is welcome news for businesses across Scotland, providing a vital safety net for companies which are asked to close temporarily.

From the very start of the pandemic, the UK Government has focussed on stopping the spread of coronavirus and keeping people safe, while also doing everything we can to protect the economy.

The unprecedented package of measures we have put in place to support all parts of the country shows the clear benefits for Scotland being part of a strong United Kingdom.

Full details of the announcement are here.



The Military division of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020

A number of military personnel have been granted state honours for their work in the Armed Forces.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Congratulations to our remarkable Armed Forces personnel who have been granted state honours by Her Majesty the Queen in the Birthday Honours List.

Our service men and women have done our nation proud by standing ready to protect Britain from all threats, including Covid-19. I’m grateful for their commitment and dedication, and it is great to see it recognised today.

Royal Navy Awards

Promotions in an appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

As Knight Commander

Admiral Timothy Peter FRASER, CB

As Companions

Rear Admiral James Norman MACLEOD

Rear Admiral Michael Keith UTLEY, OBE

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

Commodore James Miles Benjamin PARKIN

Commodore James Le Seelleur PERKS, OBE

As Officers

Commodore Robert James ANSTEY

Commodore Paul Christopher CARROLL

Lieutenant Colonel (Acting Colonel) Michael Andrew GELDARD

Surgeon Commander Sam David HUTCHINGS

Captain Kevin Massie NOAKES

As Members

Colour Sergeant Michael Scott BEATON

Captain Thomas Andrew John BUCK

Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) David William Digby CLARKE

Leading Logistician (Writer) Rebecca Leone FYANS

Leading Engineering Technician (Acting Petty Officer Engineering Technician) (Weapon Engineering Submarines) Andrew HEY

Lieutenant Ian MCINNES

Chief Petty Officer Communications Technician Michael MCLACHLAN

Lieutenant Commander Joel ROBERTS

Colour Sergeant Ryan SELBIE

Warrant Officer 1 Warfare Specialist (Abovewater Warfare Weapons) Darren Andrew WEARING, D231040K

Lieutenant Commander Royal Naval Reserve (Sea Cadet Corps) Michelle WELSH

Major David John WEST

Lieutenant Commander Louise Frances Victoria WOOLLER

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

Colour Sergeant Royal Marines Reserve David HILL

Army awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

As Companions

The Venerable Clinton Matthew LANGSTON, QHC

Major General Gerald Ian MITCHELL, MBE

As Commanders

Brigadier Christopher Matthew Balmer COLES

Colonel Charles Richard Patrick GINN

Colonel Andrew Nicholas SZABO

Brigadier Neil Bryan THORPE, OBE

Brigadier William Stewart Codrington WRIGHT, OBE

As Officers

Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Ashley Philip AMOS, Intelligence Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Peter William Stanhope BAINES, MBE, The Rifles

Lieutenant Colonel Debra Jane BLACKMAN, Intelligence Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy John BRENT, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vaughan COOPER, MBE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Richard FORSYTH, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Colonel Ian Paul GIBSON

Lieutenant Colonel John HARVEY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Thomas HORNE, Royal Army Medical Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher David Damien O’HALLORAN, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Balfour POOLE, Royal Army Medical Corps

Acting Colonel Clinton Mark RILEY, Army Cadet Force

Lieutenant Colonel James Samuel SKELTON, MBE, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

As Members

Major Emma Jane ALLEN, Royal Corps of Signals

Major Stuart David WEIR-ANSELL, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Major Louise BATES, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch), Army Reserve

Corporal Thomas Ashley BATES, Intelligence Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 Adam Thomas BIENIASZ, Intelligence Corps

Major Victor Eric BLEAKLEY, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Alistair John BRYANT, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Captain Kevin Philip CARTER, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Major Christopher Furness COLES, Corps of Royal Engineers

Sergeant Mark Stephen CONWAY, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

Staff Sergeant Christopher Thomas DENMAN, Royal Corps of Signals

Major Spencer Frederick ELLIOTT, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)

Major Benjamin Alistair FOSTER, Corps of Royal Engineers

Major Richard Phillip GRIMSDELL, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 John Robert HARPER, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Corporal David Thomas HEMMINGS, The Royal Anglian Regiment

Captain Steven Walter HENRY, The Royal Logistic Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 James Christopher HOBDEN, The Royal Logistic Corps

Major Antony Edward IRELAND, The Royal Logistic Corps

Major Gary Stuart JACKSON, Corps of Royal Engineers

Major Antony William JOHNSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve

Major Arianne May KIDD, The Royal Logistic Corps

Major Adam Paul KURZEJA, Corps of Royal Engineers

Major Andrew McDERMOTT, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Philip Charles Edgar MILEHAM, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve

Major Robert Leasing John MONGER, Corps of Royal Engineers

Acting Major Ebrahim Ahmed MUKHTAR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kitioni NAIVALURUA, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Corporal Joseph William NEVITT, Army Air Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 Kelly Louise NEWBOUND, The Royal Logistic Corps

Acting Sergeant Matthew Kevin PAGET, Intelligence Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 Simon William PATRICK, The Yorkshire Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel James Lee PEARCE, The Yorkshire Regiment

Major Michael Jonathan PIMM, Army Air Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Wayne PLEDGER, The Yorkshire Regiment

Major Colin PRENTICE, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

Sergeant Ian Robert PRING, VR, The Parachute Regiment, Army Reserve

Major Gemma Elizabeth STONEBRIDGE-SMITH, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch)

Major Andrew John TIERNAN, Grenadier Guards

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Conrad TURPIN, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Major Nicholas Adam VYE, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own)

Captain Harry Andrew WALTER, Intelligence Corps

Major Alistair James WOOD, Combined Cadet Force

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

Sergeant Siobhan Irene DAVIS, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Major Johan Marie DEWS, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 Richard John LAZARUS, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Staff Sergeant Helen MARSHALL, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

Captain Hisham Bahjat HALAWI, VR, General List, Army Reserve

Colonel Robert Stuart Thomas MURPHY, TD, VR, Army Reserve

Colonel Mark Andrew SIMPSON, TD, VR, Army Reserve

Major David Arthur TITHERIDGE, TD, VR, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Llewelyn Tremayne WILLIAMS, TD, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve

Royal Air Force awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

As Knight Grand Cross

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen John HILLIER, KCB, CBE, DFC

As Knight Commander

Air Chief Marshal Michael WIGSTON, CBE

As Companions

Air Vice-Marshal Christina Reid ELLIOT, CBE

Air Vice-Marshal Harvey SMYTH, OBE, DFC

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders

Air Commodore Paul Harron LLOYD

Air Vice-Marshal Christopher John MOORE

Air Commodore Suzanne Natalie PERKINS

Group Captain Daniel Joseph STARTUP

Air Commodore Ian Jon TOWNSEND

As Officers

Group Captain Chantal Emma BAKER

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) John Ronald BUTCHER

Group Captain Mason Clark FENLON

Wing Commander Nicholas Donald Charles GREEN

Group Captain Sonia Margaret PHYTHIAN, ARRC

Group Captain Ian James SHARROCKS

Squadron Leader (Now Wing Commander) Benjamin Robert ALCOCK

Warrant Officer Sara Elizabeth CATTERALL

Wing Commander Neville James CLAYTON

Corporal Gary James CROOT

Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Sian ENGLISH

Squadron Leader Mark Dayan FAULDS

Wing Commander Benedict Rufus Griffith GOODWIN

Flight Lieutenant Adrian Karl HARGREAVES

Senior Aircraftman (now Acting Corporal) Lucy Anne HART

Flight Sergeant Alexander LILLEY

Squadron Leader Simon Nicolas MOORE

Squadron Leader David William MULVANEY

Squadron Leader Jonathan PALMER

Corporal Victoria Ann PENTON

Warrant Officer Morgan Russell PRICE

Squadron Leader Sharon Michelle STOWERS

Squadron Leader Michael Thomas SYMONS

Squadron Leader Alyn George Frederick THOMPSON

Sergeant Mark Anthony WILMAN

Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

Flight Lieutenant Jacqueline MCKINNON