Devon has once again celebrated the outstanding achievements and service of its Armed Forces community at the annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday 2nd October at Devon County Hall.
The event, hosted by Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE DL, brought together service personnel, reservists, cadets, veterans, employers, and civic leaders in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the county and the nation.
This year’s ceremony showcased a wide spectrum of excellence, from individual acts of service to exemplary support from local employers.
Certificates for Meritorious Service
The Certificate for Meritorious Service recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and contribution to the Armed Forces community. Recipients of this prestigious award included:
- Colour Sergeant Barry Smith RMR – Lympstone Detachment, Royal Marines Reserve, Bristol
- Major Rosemarie Chapman RAMS – 243 (Wessex) Multi-Role Medical Regiment
- Warrant Officer1 Iain Jeffery – Army Training Unit (West), Exeter
- Warrant Officer2 Jack Daniels – 6th Battalion, The Rifles, Exeter
- Serjeant Joanne Page – 6th Battalion, The Rifles, Exeter
- Serjeant Andrew Smith – 6th Battalion, The Rifles, Exeter
- Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Rhiannon Jorey RNR – Devon District Training Officer Sea Cadet Corps
- Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Saupe RNR – Training Ship HERMES, Tiverton Sea Cadet Corps
- Warrant Officer2 (VCC) Michael Phillips – Plymouth Division, Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps
- Major Andrea Kent-Smith (ACF) – C Company, Barnstaple, Devon Army Cadet Force
- Second Lieutenant Lauren O’Halloran (ACF) – C Company, Barnstaple, Devon Army Cadet Force
- Colour Serjeant Instructor Adrian Littlejohns – Bideford Detachment, C Company, Devon Army Cadets
- Serjeant Major Instructor Steve Pears – Devon County Headquarters, Devon Army Cadet Force
- Lieutenant (CCF) (RN) Carl Skingle – Hele’s School, Combined Cadet Force (Royal Navy Section), Plymouth
- Major (CCF) (A) Peter Messenger – Hele’s School, Combined Cadet Force (Army Section), Plymouth
- Mr Lee Davis – Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, Devon Army Cadet Force Headquarters, Exeter
In presenting the certificates, the Deputy Lieutenant commended each recipient for their professionalism and unwavering commitment.
Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets
The ceremony also saw the investiture of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, who will assist the Lord-Lieutenant in official duties over the coming year. These appointments are a mark of exceptional achievement and leadership within the Cadet Forces.
This year’s newly appointed Cadets are:
- Cadet Corporal Hamish McVinnie – Training Ship GOLDEN HIND, Plymouth (Drake) Sea Cadet Corps
- Cadet Serjeant Liam Cox – Marine Academy Plymouth Detachment, Devon Army Cadet Force
- Cadet Flight Sergeant Maxwell Harris – 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron, Ivybridge, Royal Air Force Air Cadets
- Cadet Sergeant Izabel Smith – Hele’s School, Combined Cadet Force (Army Section), Plymouth
- Cadet Sergeant Adriana Svitakova – Hele’s School, Combined Cadet Force (Royal Air Force Section), Plymouth
The Deputy Lieutenant praised the Cadets’ achievements, noting their exemplary service, contribution to their communities, and potential as future leaders.
Ulysses Trust Awards
Recognising the adventurous spirit of our Reservists and Cadets, the Ulysses Trust Awards celebrate the successful completion of challenging expeditions supported by the Trust.
This year’s recipient was:
- Major Kevin Found (ACF) – National Adventure Training and Navigation Officer
These awards highlight the value of challenge, teamwork, and self-reliance in developing leadership and resilience.
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – Silver Awards
The evening also recognised the vital role of employers in supporting the Armed Forces community through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Silver Awards were presented to employers who have demonstrated consistent support for Defence personnel, including Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and veterans.
This year’s Silver Award recipients are:
- City College Plymouth
- Exminster Garage Ltd
- Home Instead, North Devon & Exmoor
- Otter Valley Funerals Ltd
- Sangfroid Group Ltd
- South West Water Ltd
- Torbay Council
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Ltd
