New Year Honours for RAF Wittering staff

An MBE, Meritorious Service Medals, and commendations from the Chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding RAF 38 Group, were among the awards, which recognised outstanding achievements by military and civilian personnel. For Group Captain Jo Lincoln, it was a defining moment in her tenure as Station Commander and A4 Force Element’s Commander.

She said: “2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but I am truly humbled to see how our personnel rose to the challenge of working through the Coronavirus pandemic. For me this is clear evidence of what we can achieve as a Whole Force; military, civil servants and contractors.”

Darren Allen-Exton is the Training & Support Manager for No 71 Inspection & Repair Squadron, a specialist aircraft engineering unit. A civil servant, Darren has been awarded the Chief of the Air Staff’s Commendation for his multiple contributions and improvements to the Squadron, and his unrivalled devotion to duty.

Darren said: I’ve been lucky in having the right skills to prepare for me this role and a brilliant supportive team. But it’s about the people, I work with an amazing team and that makes such a difference – thank you.”

Royal Air Force stations require a significant amount of buildings and utilities. 25 years of service to the Ministry of Defence were recognised with an AOC 38 Gp commendation for Station Site Manager Gary Bedford. Gary is employed by Amey and works with Station personnel to oversee the management and safety of RAF Wittering’s infrastructure.

Flight Lieutenant David Anderson is the Station’s infrastructure officer. He said: “Gary has spearheaded responses to several critical issues over his years at RAF Wittering. The dedication and passion to support the station, by going above and beyond what is expected, is constant.”

No 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW) is an A4 Force Element based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire but is commanded from RAF Wittering by Group Captain Lincoln. Its primary role is the safe loading and unloading of passengers and freight for military aircraft. Much of the PPE that arrived on military aircraft was safely handled by 1AMW.

Warrant Officer Peter ‘Tug’ Wilson of 1AMW has been honoured with an MBE after 27 years of service. He was nominated for his exceptional contributions to Defence operations, the Air Movements Trade, numerous charities and RAF Rugby.

Meritorious Service Medals are awarded to personnel who are of irreproachable character with at least 20 years of service who already hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Warrant Officer (now Flight Lieutenant) Gareth Williams, Warrant Officer (now Flight Lieutenant) Darren Swann and Warrant Officer Darren Thomas were all recipients.

Group Captain Jo Lincoln concluded: “Congratulations to all our recipients this year. Nobody could doubt their commitment to this Station, the A4 Force Elements or wider Defence. Looking at the citations I often wonder how they found the time to accomplish everything, but they are focussed and dedicated people who I am proud to command.”