1.      The Operational Honours and Awards list 36 covers a period between April and October, 2010 and April 2010. There have been over 130 citations, mostly from Operation Herrick 12 in Afghanistan, but includes awards from outside of the conflict.
2.      For more information on the Awards, their history and meaning please see the MOD website: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/HonoursAndGallantryAwards.htm
3.      For more information contact MOD press officers Damien Elvin 0207218 2661
4.      Please see below, selection of citations
5.      Supporting imagery from Herrick 12 is available on the dni website at www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk  If you require a log-in and password, please contact Neil Hall or Panay Triantafillides on 0207 218 6401.

A selection of citations are below:

Serial 09:

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

MAJOR PHILIP MARK TOTTEN

ROYAL MARINES

Company Commander

Afghanistan, Apr - Sep 10

Major Totten has shown consistent, determined and outstanding leadership of a large Company Group in probably the busiest and most dangerous Company area in Sangin. His determination and seemingly limitless supply of courage ensured a strong, cohesive and operationally very effective Company where his dispersed and challenging command has been considerably tested by constant enemy action. Often leading patrols himself, knowing the significant risk to his life, proved pivotal in maintaining the fighting spirit of his men. Without support from the Afghan Army or Police, he assumed the responsibility of local engagement
himself. Quick to grasp the complexities and frictions of his area he fostered meaningful relationships, gaining their trust and support, despite incessant intimidation by the Taliban. Totten's management of unfounded allegations of civilian casualties through International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) action was text book; he investigated thoroughly, communicated widely, and publicly exposed Taliban propaganda. Totten never once lost the confidence of the people he was sent to protect, further testimony to his absolute and convincing command. The raw, patient yet decisive leadership shown by Totten was remarkable, continually tested he inspired the men in his charge, isolated from his Patrol Bases on Sangin's front line. His composed and unflinching leadership proved essential in holding a defensive line that required an extraordinary degree of resolve and immense bravery.

The French are grabbing the headlines with up to 20 sorties, but despite appearing to hang back, the US is doing the heavy lifting in the enforcement of the UN no-fly zone over Libya.

Their Odyssey Dawn operation  launched 110-112 Tomahawk land attack missiles at over 20 air defence systems; communications and SA-5 surface to air missile sites. F-18s supported by C-17s and a C-130 arrived at Aviano in Italy.

 No bomb damage assessment will be possible until it is light over Libya. No Reaper or Predator unmanned planes are currently deployed.

The naval task force in the Mediterrranean consists of 11 US ships (of which 3 are submarines) 11 Italian, 3 UK (one submarine which also launched Tomahawks, HMS Cumberland and HMS Westminster), and one each from France and Canada. But the French carrier Charles de Gaulle isalso  reported to be on her way.

French aircraft - believed to be Rafales - were in the first wave. There is an unconfirmed Gaddafi regime claim to have shot down a French plane.  As part of Op Ellamy British Tornado GR4 bombers from RAF Marham flew overnight direct to lauch Storm Shadow stand off missiles and up to 18 Typhoon fighters from RAF Coningsby and RAF Leuchars. Antique 3 VC-10 refueling planes are being positioned at the sovereign base of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. 2 Nimrod R1s, destined for the scrap heap as recently as a fortnight ago, and 3 Sentry AWACS have also been deployed from there by the RAF.

Denmark and Norway are both sending six F-16 fighters, probably to the US base of Sigonella in Sicily, , and Spanish F-18 Hornets are also expected to be in operation, as are the Dutch. 6 Canadian CF-18s were refuelled in Scotland en route south. No info yet on the specifics of Arab involvement.

Speech by General Sir David Richards KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen ,Chief of Defence Staff, The Policy Exchange, Monday 22nd November 2010

Over the past month I have been getting to grips with my new appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff. Whilst I do not have time to ponder it too much, I am genuinely still somewhat baffled how I have ended up in this position. The 18 year old boy who joined 29 Commando Regiment to follow his brother would not recognise the rather care-worn man who stands before you – and would have quailed at the thought of high rank dismissing it without doubt as ridiculous anyway.

The job will not be simple, but it will be made easier by the fact that I know I will be supported by some of the most capable, dedicated and selfless soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that this country has ever produced. And by the civilians in the MOD who have again and again demonstrated their skills and commitment.

I am not going to dwell on people in this talk other than to say that if we fail to attract and retain the very high quality people that historically join the British Armed Forces, our prospects for the future will diminish markedly. They lie at the heart of military capability. I am not certain the consequences of failing in this are always fully appreciated. People tend to focus more on the kit and metal than the people.

Over the next decade we will need every ounce of their dedication because the issues that we, in Defence as a whole, have to address are diverse and challenging. And, as was the case with every one of my predecessors, I recognise that the outcome of our efforts must meet the very real challenges confronting us. It is vital for the future security of our nation.

I speak at a time when all three services are heavily committed to operations. In Afghanistan, off the Horn of Africa, in the Gulf and in the Falkland Islands, to name a few prominent examples, the Navy, Army and Air Force are together ensuring the UK's interests are defended. They and the civilians who work alongside them across the Ministry of Defence, and indeed on operations themselves, have rarely been pushed so hard. Current commitments demand our endurance and test our resolve. But I have no doubt that with the support of the people of this country – support not only for who we are but for what we do – the Armed Forces will meet every challenge thrown at us. I am confident that they will not let you down.

I wanted to talk to you this evening about three things:

First, the National Security Strategy which is the guiding document for our analysis. It set the strategic context for and then shaped the Strategic Defence and Security Review, as it will the follow-on work. It is, in military speak, our Commander's Intent.
Secondly, the Review itself; the options we had, the choices we made and the military judgments that lay behind them. As with any outcome that is properly strategic in its approach, our military judgments are matched to the resource it is deemed the country can afford. This has required the difficult decisions we have taken to be a reasoned balance of acceptable risks.

And third is Afghanistan; the last in this list but the absolute priority of the National Security Council and the Armed Forces. The Defence Secretary reiterated in parliament this month that it is our main effort. And as I have said in the past, our actions in Afghanistan are vital for the short and long term national security of our country. The consequences of the choices made there will reverberate for many years to come, on international security and stability but also on the ability of Britain to exert influence worldwide.

Army

Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, KCB, CBE (Late King's Royal Hussars), currently Commander Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps, to be Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, in rank of general, in succession to General Sir John McColl, KCB, DCE, DSO, in March 2011.

Major General A R Gregory, CB (Late Royal Regiment of Artillery), currently Director of General Personnel, Headquarters Land Forces, to be Military Secretary, in succession to Major General D J Rutherford-Jones, CB, in February 2011.

Major General G W Berragan (Late Royal Regiment of Artillery), currently Director General Army Recruiting and Training, to be Director General Personnel, Headquarters Land Forces, in succession to Major General A R Gregory, CB, in February 2011.

Brigadiers

R W H Purdy, Late RA, to be Senior British Officer to the United States Security Co-ordinator with effect from March 2011.

D J H Maddan, Late Gren Gds, is to be Commander, Combined Training Advisory Group Afghanistan, with effect from March 2011.

R F P Felton, Late AAC, to be Chief Joint Force Operations, Permanent Joint Headquarters, with effect from January 2011.

T J Lai, Late Scots, to be Assistant Defense Attache/Head British Army Staff (United States), with effect from October 2010.

J D Keeling, Late RAMC, to be Directo, Headquarters Army Primary Healthcare Service, with effect from June 2011.

Colonels

C J Griggs, Late RLC, to be Deputy Chief of Staff, London District, with effect from May 2011.

L R MacDuff, Scots, to be Assistant Director Employment (Army), Directorate of Manning (Army), with effect from June 2011.

N F W Hile, Late RA, to be Senior Army Board Permanent President (Service Inquiries), Directorate Personal Services (Army), with effect from December 2010.

S Barnard, AAC, to be Assistant Director Capability Development, Headquaters Joint Helicopter Command, with effect from January 2011.

Royal Navy

Rear-Admiral G M Zambellas, DSC, to be promoted to vice-admiral and to be Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet and Chief of Staff Navy Command Headquarters in January 2011, in succession to Vice-Admiral R J Ibbotson, CB, DSC, who will be retiring from the Service. As Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Vice-Admiral Zambellas will assume the role and responsibilities of the Chief Naval Warfare Officer (CNXO).

Royal Navy and Royal Marines

Rear-Admiral I F Corder to be Commander Operations and Rear Admiral Submarines as Head of Fighting Arm with effect from March 2011 in succession Rear-Admiral M Anderson, who will be retiring from the Service.

Rear-Admiral B N B Williams, CBE, to be Deputy Director European Union Military Staff in succession to Rear-Admiral Lista (Spain) with effect from September 2011.

Brigadier D A Hook, CBE, Royal Marines to be promoted Major General and to be Director Force Reintegration HQ International Security and Assistance Force Afghanistan in succession Major-General Jones (Army) with effect from May 2011.

Commodore C J Hockley RN to be promoted Rear Admiral and to be Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland in succession to Rear Admiral M B Alabaster, on September 9, 2011

Commodore M R Darlington RN to be Manpower Utilisation Team Leader (NEM Progrmme) w.e.f. April 2011

Commodore N L Brown RN to be Director, Naval Staff in succession to Commodore R K Tarrant RN w.e.f. August 2011

Commodore P J Thicknesse RN to be Director, Maritime (Defence Concepts and Doctrine Centre) in succession to Commodore M C N Cochrane RN w.e.f. August 2011

Rear Admiral C A Johnstone-Burt OBE to be Director, Counter Narcotics, Combined Joint Interagency Task Force Shfafiyat HQ ISAF w.e.f. 3 May 2011 and Head of British Defence Staff (USA) abd Defence Attache w.e.f. November

Rear Admiral S R Lister OBE, Director General Submarines will also become Chief Naval Engineering Officer in succession to Rear Admiral R T Love w.e.f. 28 June 2011

Captain G A Mackay RN to be promoted Commodore and to be Asst Chief of Staff (Carrier Strike Aviation) in succession to Commodore M W Westwood w.e.f. August 2011

Air Commodore Stuart D Atha DSO to be promote Air Vice-Marshal and to be AOC No 1 Group mw.e.f. 12 Augut 2011 in succession to Air Vice-Marshal G J Bagwell CBE who becomes Chief of Staff Jt Warfare Development ot PJHQ

Air Commodore G J Howard to be promoted Air Vice-Marshal and become ACDS Logistics Operations w.e.f. 27 May 2011 in successiojn to Maj General J S Mason MBE, RM

Air Commodore R Paterson OBE to lead work on military New Employment Model with immediate effect

Air Commodore N P Beet OBE has assumed post of Asst Chief of Staff Personnel Policy (RAF) on 4 April in succession to Air Commodore R Paterson

Air Commodore E J Stringer CBE to be Head Jt Capability w.e.f. 15 July in succession to Air Cdre S D Atha DSO 

Air Commodore S C Evans to be Commandant of the Air Warfare Centre w.e.f. 8 July in succession to Air Cdre E J Stringer

Air Commodore T Winstanley became Asst Chief of Staff Trg HQ No 22 Group on 7 March 2011 in succession to Air Cdre R D Gammage who becomes Defence Technical Training Change Programme Integrated Project Team Leader

Group Captain G D A Parker OBE to be promoted Air Commodore and to be CO RAF Leuchars and Air Officer Scotland in succession to Air Cdre R J Atkinson ADC who is to attend RCDS

Changes to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme that will mean significant increases to the awards paid to injured personnel have been published in a report by the Ministry of Defence today.

The changes, which will see an average 25 per cent increase to awards paid for injuries due to service, will be introduced following the recommendations from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Review, carried out by former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral the Lord Boyce last year.

The scheme pays a tax-free lump sum for injuries due to service, with the most seriously injured given a tax-free, index-linked Guaranteed Income Payment for life. This payment will be increased under the current changes to better reflect the lasting impact of injuries on future likely promotions and on the ability to work up to age 65.

Other changes include:

- an increase, which averages in excess of 25 per cent, to all lump sum award payments - except the top award which was
recently doubled to £570,000

- nearly tripling the maximum award for mental illness from £48,875 to £140,000 in order to accurately reflect the impact of the most serious mental health conditions

- the creation of a new independent medical expert group to advise on compensation for specific, relevant illnesses and injuries such as hearing loss and mental health

- a revised approach to awarding compensation for multiple injuries, whereby all injuries sustained will receive some compensation.

The changes are detailed in 'The Review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme - One Year On' report

All personnel who have already received an award under the scheme since its introduction in 2005 will have their case automatically revisited and will receive an uplift based on the new award levels.

The AFCS Review was assisted by an independent scrutiny group that included Service charities, medical experts, serving personnel and veterans and announced its recommendations for improvements in February 2010.

Since that date the MOD has been working to draft and introduce the legislation required to bring the changes into force.

Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said:

"I am determined to ensure the care and support we give both our injured Service personnel and our veterans is the best possible. These changes show the Government's commitment to helping our wounded and will result in a significant uplift for many who have already claimed, as well as all future claimants.

"Crucially, nobody will lose out as a result of these changes - indeed, nearly all will receive an uplift to the amount they received."

By Lauren Williamson, Great North News correspondent

A British newspaper incorrectly reported that wikileaked diplomatic cables revealed the US was set to exploit the UK in its renewed arms reduction treaty with Russia. The February 5 article in The Telegraph called into question the UK-US "special relationship," reporting that the US would share secret UK Trident missile data with Russia as part of the New START treaty which went into effect earlier this month. The allegations were quickly echoed by news entities around the world from the Daily Mail to Iran's PressTV.

US Assistant Secretary of State PJ Crowley immediately dismissed the report. "There was no secret agreement and no compromise of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent," Crowley told the press.

UK officials substantiate this.

Though the Foreign Office would not comment on the specifics of the treaty, in an official statement to Great North News, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed support for the New START deal and its work "towards our long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons."

But regarding The Telegraph report, Dr. Julian Lewis, New Forest East MP and expert on defence and disarmament, said he found the article's content surprising.

"The idea that this was a clandestine deal is utter nonsense," said Dr. Lewis, calling the story "sensationalised" and emphasising that the US "never has, never will" provide external entities information on missile performance.

By and large, the New START deal is a straightforward extension of the original START, or Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which was an historic bilateral agreement between the US and USSR to drawdown strategic arms, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The old START, which expired in 2009, effectively limited the number of warheads allowed on US and Russian missiles, while allowing for an information exchange and inspection-verification process between them. Part of the deal required each nation to share information about weapons transfers to third parties.

The Arms Control Association explains that Britain uses only one ballistic missile system for issuing nuclear warheads, the Trident II SLBM, which is provided by the US. An example of a third party missile transaction governed by START would be the return of UK missiles to the US for service checks and reconditions, followed by missile replacements.

The New START deal continues most of the old treaty's provisions, further limiting deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550, deployed and non-deployed strategic launchers and heavy bombers to 800, and deployed strategic launchers and heavy bombers to 700. The main differences in the new agreement, according to Dr. Lewis, is that the US and Russia are now allowed five days to provide third party transaction information, as opposed to 48 hours, and that part of the data provided includes the unique identifier of the missiles exchanged.

Some analysts are concerned that this gives Russia too much detail on the size of the UK's arsenal. While Dr. Lewis agrees that this information will, over time, provide Russia a clearer picture of the number of missiles the UK possesses, the UK's overall security strategy is not compromised, since providing Russia the unique identifier numbers to UK missiles falls far short of full disclosure.

"The truth is that it is rather irrelevant information," Dr. Lewis said.

The number of warheads mounted on each missile supplied by the US still remains unknown to outside nations, and Britain's minimum strategic nuclear deterrent remains intact, as does its relationship with the US.

"The important thing is that we are always at liberty to vary the number of warheads on a missile," said Dr. Lewis.

Service appointments: February 2011
Royal Navy

Commander R. Wood to be promoted Captain and to be Executive Assistant to Commander in Chief Fleet in succession to Captain D.J.Noyes with effect from February 2011.

Commodore R.R.Best, OBE, to be a member of the Nuclear Governance Study with effect from February 2011.

Commodore the Hon M.C.N.Cochrane, OBE, to be Commodore Portsmouth Flotilla in succession to Commodore M.R.B.Wallace with effect from August 2011.

Captain P.A.Chivers, OBE, to be promoted Commodore and to be Commanding Officer Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton in succession to Brigadier M.J.D.Noble with effect from March 2011.

Captain J.R.H.Clink, OBE, to be promoted Commodore with effect from May 2011 and to be Deputy Commander UK Maritime Forces in succession to Commodore S.J.Ancona, with effect from June 2011 and then to be Commander Task Force 150 at a date to be confirmed.

Colonel M.L.Smith, MBE, Royal Marines, to be promoted Acting Brigadier and to be Deptuy Director Engagment within the Defence Reform Unit with effect from January 31, 2011.

Captain M.S.Harrison, Royal Navy, to be Chief Staff Officer (Engineer) Surface Ships within Navy Command Headquarters in succession to Captain F.R.Forsey, Royal Navy, with effect from January 25th, 2011.

Captain M.C.Evans, Royal Navy, to be Chief of Staff Maritime Warfare School in succession to Captain A.M.H.Jenkin, Royal Navy with effect from February 15th 2011.

Captain K.E.Blount, Royal Navy, to be Chief of Staff Maritime Battle Staff in succession to Captain P.A.Chivers OBE, Royal Navy, with effect from April 2011.

Captain S.Dainton, Royal Navy, to be to be Captain Navy Plans vice Captain P.J.Titterton, OBE, Royal Navy, with effect from June 2011.

Royal Air Force

Air Commodore R.D.Gammage to be the Defence Technical Training Change Programme Integrated Project Team Leader, Ministry of Defence, on March 1st, 2011, in succession to Brigadier A.D.Harking, OBE.

Group Captain S.J.Kell, to be promoted Air Commodore and to be Deputy Director Legal Services (RAF), Headquarters Air Command on July 14th, 2011, in succession to Air Commodore W.H.Bloothby, who is retiring from the Service.

Tuesday, 18 January 2011
 
Treatment of around 20,000 people who suffer major trauma each year is set to improve as the Government announces significant new investment into trauma and microbiology research.
The Department of Health, the Ministry of Defence, University Hospitals Birmingham and University of Birmingham are investing £20 million in a new initiative to share medical lessons learned. The initiative will bring both military and civilian trauma surgeons and scientists together to share innovation in medical research and advanced clinical practice in the battlefield to benefit all trauma patients in the NHS at an early stage of injury.
The new National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) for surgical reconstruction and microbiology will be set up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, where all injured service personnel are currently treated after evacuation from the frontline in Afghanistan.
Research will focus initially on today's most urgent challenges in trauma including:
• identifying effective resuscitation techniques;
• surgical care after multiple injuries or amputation; and
• fighting wound infections.
For every trauma fatality in England, there are two people who are left with severe and often permanent injuries. Currently, variable research into trauma care means advances are not always shared across the NHS. The new NIHR centre will form a central point in England for trauma research where knowledge can be translated into real improvements in care for all NHS patients and beyond. It will be the first and only research centre of its kind in the UK to focus both on military and civilian care and treatment.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:
"The new NIHR Centre will fund world-leading research to help people recover better and faster from severe injuries. There have already been significant developments in advanced emergency treatment and transportation but more medical research is needed.
"This investment will help to strengthen the response of health and emergency services to major disasters such as road traffic accidents and terrorist attacks in the future. It will also help to make the NHS leaders in the world of trauma care - helping to improve treatment and care in the NHS and around the world. This investment also reflects our commitment to health research in the strongest possible way."
Defence Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Andrew Robathan said:
"The medics who work for our Armed Forces are recognised the world over for pioneering new advances in trauma care and quite rightly so. Those who have been injured defending their country deserve the very best standards of care. I am proud that the MoD is investing £10 million in the new NIHR Centre, which will allow us to develop new techniques to treat our soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and allow military surgeons to share our skills and knowledge with the NHS."
Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, Director General of Research and Development at the Department of Health and (interim) Chief Medical Officer said:
"I am delighted to be establishing the new NIHR Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology, in collaboration with our partners in the Ministry of Defence and in Birmingham, which will be unique in this country.
"Translational research efforts are needed to target the early phase of injury in order to develop novel therapies and interventions for pre-hospital and early in-hospital trauma care. The cross-learning fostered between the military and civilian health care settings will improve treatment options and care for all patients".
The Surgeon General, Surgeon Vice Admiral Philip Raffaelli said:
"This is a hugely important initiative building on the strong partnership between the MoD and DH. The new centre will play a key role in building scientific evidence from injuries sustained in both military and civilian environments. All our patients will benefit now and in the future as new treatments are developed and shared across the NHS and the military."
Julie Moore, Chief Executive, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust:
"We are delighted to become the UK's only NIHR Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology. It is recognition of the work undertaken by the Trust and our partners over a number of years. It will provide us with the opportunity to build academic knowledge around pioneering clinical innovations, often performed for the first time to save lives and limbs. It will also allow us to use and develop basic science techniques to then critically examine and translate into clinical practice for the benefits of patients."
Giving the centre the best possible clinical direction from the start will be its interim chair Professor Sir Keith Porter, who is the UK's only Professor of Clinical Traumatology and has developing world-class treatment for injured military servicemen and women for the past 10 years.
Many more people survive injuries, when not so long ago they would have died due to the rapid loss of blood and severe trauma. Overcoming severe limb, head, face, burn injuries and infections can take years to treat requiring lifelong rehabilitation.
The nature of military injuries are often very complex and can in some cases require years of after care and rehabilitation.
The funding will offer researchers and medical students at the University unprecedented opportunities to work and learn with the very best in their field.

Service appointments: January 2011

Royal Navy
Rear Admiral C.A.Johnstone-Burt, OBE, to be Head of British Defence Staff (USA) and Defence Attache from November 2011 in succession to Air-Vice-Marshall M.J.Harwood, CBE.

Royal Marines
Brigadier D.A.Hook, CBE, Royal Marines, to be promoted Major General and to be Director Force Reintegration HQ International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan, in succession to Major-General Jones (Army), with effect from October 2011.

Army
Brigadiers:

N.G.Baveystock, Late RE, Director of Personal Services (Army), Headquarters Land Forces, April 2011

S.P.Hodder, Late RE, Commandant, Headquarters Royal School of Military Engineering, July 2011

M.T.Griffiths, Late KORBR, Director Infantry, Headquarters Infantry, April 2011

R.H.D.Toomey, Late D and D, Commander Collective Training Group, Land Warfare Centre, February 2011

I.J.Cave, Late Mercian, Commander Initial Training Group, February 2011

B.J.Bathurst, Late WG, Director Training (Army), Headquarters Land Forces, January 2011

N.J.H. Jones, Late AGC (ALS), Deputy Director Service Prosecutions, Head Quarters Army Prosecutions Authority (UK), October 2011

A.T.Davis, Late RLC, Deputy Chief of Staff Support Headquarters Rapid Reaction Corps France, September 2011

W.N.Aldridge, Late RRF, Commander, Headquarters British Forces South Atlantic Islands, May 2011

P.R.Towers, Late R Signals, Head of Network Technical Authority, Information Systems and Services, Defence Equipment and Support, March 2011

A.J.C.Wild, Late R Anglian, Defence Attache Riyadh, February 2011