In a seemingly thankless job such as the military the inspiration to keep on keeping on in the battle field is sure to be drawn from a national gesture such as the ‘Millies’ organised by The Sun to recognise the excellence of the Armed Forces and the general public who support them. Now in its fourth year, the annual Sun Military Awards is organised by The Sun newspaper in close association with the Ministry of Defence.
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry were guests of honour at the event – billed as “A Night of Heroes” – held at the Imperial War Museum, London, on Monday 19 December. They were joined by the Prime Minister and Mrs Cameron, Defence Ministers and Military Chiefs, senior government and political figures, and stars from the worlds of entertainment and sport including David Beckham, Harry Judd and Jerry Hall, to pay tribute to these unique individuals.
A source at the MoD said in nine categories, the Awards recognised the bravery and professionalism of the men and women working in our Armed Forces around the world. Also celebrated according to the source were members of the public who in various ways work tirelessly to support our Service Personnel.
Alongside the main categories the Judging Panel made two further awards for special recognition. One award was presented to HMS Liverpool and her remarkable crew for her outstanding support of NATO-led operations over Libya this year. The Judges also wished to pay special tribute to the RAF Search and Rescue Force, celebrating their 70th anniversary this year, for the many men and women who have saved tens of thousands of lives since 1941.
General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff said: “The British people recognise that the work that the Armed Forces do is extraordinary. I think I speak for all of us when I say that their selfless acts of courage and their professionalism in difficult and dangerous circumstances are actions that need to be celebrated and rewarded.”
General Richards added: “For four years now the Sun Military Awards have showcased these stories of bravery, of ingenuity, and of care at a personal and unit level. Long may they continue to shine a light on these achievements, and inspire others.”
The ceremony, including unique footage of shortlisted individuals and teams at work, plus reconstructions of the acts of heroism that were nominated, will be televised on Wednesday 21 December at 8.30pm on ITV1.
SUN MILITARY AWARDS
2011 WINNERS
1. Overcoming Adversity
Private Scott Meenagh, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Cumbernauld, Glasgow
1. Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine
Petty Officer Aircrewman Mike Henson, HMS St Albans, Whitehaven, Cumbria
1. Most Outstanding Soldier
Sergeant Ryan McReady, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
1. Most Outstanding Airman
Flight Lieutenant Michael Anderson, RAF Odiham, Hook, Hampshire
1. Best Reservist
Able Seaman Michelle Ping, Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
1. Support to the Armed Forces
Walking With the Wounded
1. Life Saver Award
Royal Air Force Tactical Medical Wing, Chippenham, Wiltshire
1. True Grit
Private Lee Stephens, 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, Solihull, West Midlands
1. Best Unit
42 Commando Royal Marines, Plymouth, Devon
1. Judges’ Award for Special Recognition
HMS Liverpool
Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force
1. The Sun Military Awards were open to the Armed Forces, either on an individual or team basis, and members of the public who support them.
2. Shortlisted individuals and teams were nominated by members of the public and the Armed Forces. Alongside the main nine categories were two Judge’s Awards for Special Recognition.
3. The celebrity judging panel for the 2011 Sun Military Awards were:
• General The Lord Guthrie, Chief of the Defence Staff 1997-2001
• Admiral Lord West, FirstSea Lord 2002-2006
• General Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of the General Staff 2003-2006
• Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, Chief of the Air Staff 2000-2003
• Samantha Cameron
• Jeremy Clarkson, broadcaster, writer and Sun columnist
• Andy McNab, writer and former member of the SAS
• Ross Kemp, actor and journalist
• Sally Thorneloe, widow of Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe
• Dominic Mohan, Editor, The Sun
• Virginia Wheeler, Defence Editor, The Sun
• Frank Lampard, England and Chelsea footballer
• Dick Olver, Chairman, BAE Systems
4. The awards were launched on 4 August July and nominations closed on 12 September.www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/3732013/Prince-Charles-launches-the-2011-Sun-Military-Awards.html