Military personnel recognised in King Charles' first New Year's Honours
Personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force are to be awarded state honours in the annual New Year's Honours List.
The list for 2023 marks the incredible public service of individuals from across the UK.
Recipients have been recognised for extraordinary contributions to their service and country, from leading mine-hunting operations in the Gulf to work developing a village in Tanzania.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "These brilliant servicemen and women have gone above and beyond in fulfilling their duties and are an inspiration to those who might be looking to join the UK Armed Forces.
"Congratulations to all those who have received an award and thank you for your exemplary service."
Royal Navy
Twenty-seven members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines have been recognised for their achievements in the King's New Year's Honours list.
King Charles' first honours list sees Captain (now Commodore) Don Crosbie being awarded an OBE for his work pushing the boundaries of UK-US 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 and dive teams.
Lieutenant Henry Mainstone is awarded an MBE for his calmness and professionalism when he was a navigator on HMS Forth in the Falklands.
When the commanding officer of HMS Forth became unwell, assisted by his shipmates, Lt Mainstone assumed command, brought the ship back to the harbour in challenging conditions and ensured the patient received the care needed.
Lt Mainstone said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive an MBE. I did not expect such an outcome."
He added that the actions "of every single member of the ship's company" were crucial during some difficult hours.
Chief Petty Officer Janine Potts is awarded an MBE for her work improving the experience of overseas and commonwealth personnel in the Royal Navy.
Based at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth, CPO Potts established the Royal Navy Commonwealth Network.
Also awarded the MBE is Lieutenant Commander Oli Brown, who has done a great deal to dispel the stigma and myths surrounding those living with HIV.
Lt Cdr Brown's efforts have had a profound impact on recruiting and retention.
To see more, you can go to https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/december/29/20223012-ny-honours.
Army
Corporal Hollie Davis of the Royal Army Medical Corps has been appointed an MBE for her determination to support and counsel soldiers going through difficult personal circumstances, as well as performing to the highest standards as a combat medical technician.
She made a huge contribution to the Royal Tank Regiment's preparation for Operation Cabrit; the UK's operational deployment to Estonia as part of Nato's enhanced Forward Presence to improve Euro-Atlantic security.
Corporal Davis has raised more than £20,000 for the Lullaby Trust, a charity that aims to support those who have lost a child to sudden infant death syndrome, and created the Army Child Bereavement Network to support soldiers who have suffered the loss of a child.
She said: "I'm so shocked I don't have words. I've had lots of tears, but no words. It still hasn't really sunk in.
"I'm proud to run the network. It's a nice safe space for people to be able to talk about the worst thing that could ever happen to you."
Lieutenant Colonel Jeyasangar Jeyanathan has been appointed an OBE for his "relentless work" throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care at a hospital, he cared for critically unwell patients, while also working as a doctor for Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeyanathan helped to maintain essential emergency services for communities across south-east England, at a time when the National Health Service was stretched.
He notably developed transfer services for critically ill patients to manage bed shortages, which ensured availability for patients in the region who required the highest level of care.
To see more, you can go to https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/12/new-year-honours-list-2023/.
Royal Air Force
From the Royal Air Force, Flight Sergeant Fiona Phillips has been awarded an MBE for being an "exceptional" ambassador for the service and demonstrating a selfless commitment to voluntary work and community development by helping to develop a Tanzanian village and alleviating poverty through health and education.
Flt Sgt Phillips has also cared for and taught English to over 70 children in a Cambodian orphanage, volunteered at an adults' residential centre and supported the staff at a school for those with disabilities.
Outside of her work with the RAF, she co-ordinates children's triathlons, coaches athletics and is the welfare and safeguarding lead for British Triathlon.
Flt Sgt Phillips said: "I am extremely humbled to receive this award for the small contribution I have made towards raising funds and volunteering for many charities and community projects that are close to my heart.
"None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, friends and colleagues. Regular contact with many families from my charity work is very rewarding to me."
Wing Commander Graham Percival has been awarded the Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class for his life's work innovating critical care in the aeromedical environment as part of the Critical Care Air Support Team.
During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Wing Commander Percival led and supported the team through the busiest period in its history and later played a leading role in the retrieval of the initial cruise ship patients in the Far East during the Covid-19 pandemic.
His contribution to nursing in defence and the many patients under his care has been "outstanding", according to the Ministry of Defence.
To see more, you can go to https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/new-years-honours-list-profiles/.
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