HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire can award a certificate for Meritorious Service to Reserve Forces and Cadet personnel who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them. Each year, nominations are put forward so that these exceptional reservists and cadets receive recognition for their actions.
The criteria is strict, and a board is convened consisting of the Vice Lord Lieutenant and the Chair of the Hertfordshire County Forum, to sift those who are put forward.
Those selected this year were invited to attend an awards ceremony at our own Hertford Army Reserve Centre (ARC). The ARC includes the offices of the County HQ of Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force and is the training location for both the Hertford ACF detachment and a platoon of 3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.
The awards ceremony sees the recipients presented with their awards in front of families and friends with citations being read in public.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Captain Ant Chapman RD DL RN, was delighted to represent the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ, at the awards event on Monday 26th February 2024.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant was assisted by Lt Colonel Craig Tallents, Chair of Hertfordshire RFCA. Craig said: “It is one of the key events of the year in Hertfordshire for the Reserves and Cadet Forces.” He added: “It’s a chance to have their efforts and contribution recognised and praised. ” The recipients were:
HMS WILDFIRE – Cdr Laura Harrison
Cdr Laura Harrison was nominated for this award by her Commanding Officer at HMS Wildfire. Outside of the RNR, Laura works in a challenging public sector communications job. When Laura, then a Lt Cdr, was appointed Executive Officer for HMS Wildfire, she rallied the ship’s company and delivered its command aims of providing motivated and capable people to support the Royal Navy. In addition to her duties at HMS Wildfire, she worked with the national Media Operations team on key media campaigns. Laura has now moved to HMS President as Commanding Officer.
254 Medical Regiment – Sgt Darren Tearle
Sgt Darren Tearle is in Full-Time Reserve Service posted at Hitchin Army Reserve Centre with 254 Medical Regiment as the MT SNCO. He has proven critical in enabling the Sqn to provide key training and he has significantly increased the Regiment’s capability to move troops and equipment using green and white fleet.
In addition to the Army Reserves, Darren is also a key figure in his local community, dedicating more of his spare time to coach two football teams at U7 and U 12 level.
ACF – 2Lt John Warburton
2Lt John Warburton was nominated by his Officer Commanding. John is a school librarian and also the Training Officer for 1 Company Beds & Herts ACF, organising the weekend training events and providing expert advice to detachment commanders, drawing on his own experience going back to when he joined in 2007. He is midway through the Officer commissioning process.
SCC – 1st Lieutenant Samantha James
1st Lieutenant Samantha James was nominated for this award by his District Officer. Samantha joined the Sea Cadets in 1995, following 6 years as a cadet.
During her career at Cheshunt Unit she has navigated the unit through loss of premises, lack of instructional adults, financial difficulty, and low cadet numbers.
Under her stewardship, the unit has now gone from strength to strength~ they have a permanent home and a flourishing ships company, with good numbers of both cadets and adult volunteers.
SCC – PO Richard Rhodes
PO Richard Rhodes was nominated for this award by his District Officer. Richard works in IT project management & design, and he is an integral part of the team at Rickmansworth & Watford unit. As well as being an instructor, specialising in Seamanship, he also handles Cadet Jack Petchey Award Scheme nominations, he has qualified as an Advanced Seamanship instructor and he is currently working towards earning a Cadet Forces Commission as a Sub Lieutenant(SCC) RNA.
As the Boatswain, he has completely restructured the boat deck and refreshed the main deck. Richard even stepped in as the temporary First Lieutenant for a few months to support the unit.
CCF – Capt Charles Upton
Captain Charles Upton was nominated for this award by his Contingent Commander. Charles is the current Officer Commanding the Army Section of St Edmund’s College and Goff’s Academy CCF. He has in excess of 120 cadets and adult instructors under his command. Charles has managed to achieve the position of Deputy Headmaster of St Edmund’s College and in doing so, he has shown himself as a role model to so many children and adults within the College and the County of Hertfordshire.
CCF – Ft Lt Helen Duffy
Flt Lt Helen Duffy was nominated for this award by her Contingent Commander. Helen is a qualified solicitor and the HR Director at St Edmund’s College. Helen joined St Edmund’s College CCF with no previous military experience and in the last five years, she has developed as a RAF officer by her tireless pursuit of qualifications and experience.
Helen qualified as a RAFAC Officer through RAF Cranwell, as a Range officer able to run live firing ranges, as a Fighting in Built up Area (FIBUA) Instructor, Skill at Arms Instructor, Obstacle (assault course) course instructor as well as finding time to become an archery instructor and diver, as well as increasing the number of cadets in her section three-fold.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant also presented Lt (SCC) Colin Pollard RNR with Cadet Force Medal.
