Fourteen Reservists, four Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and two Defence civil servants have been recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant for the City of Glasgow for their exceptional service.
The ceremony, which took place at Glasgow City Chambers on Tuesday 30 April, saw the recipients receive Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service.
The annual Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards for Reservists, CFAVs and the appointment of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets are seen as highly prestigious honours throughout the Defence Community.
The Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, who is also the King’s personal representative for the City of Glasgow, signed each certificate to thank the Reservists and volunteers for their significant contribution to Defence over the course of their careers. The certificates were then presented on the night by Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Allan Lapsley on behalf of the Lord Provost.
Councillor McLaren said in an official statement: ‘It’s always an honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards presentation at City Chambers. Glasgow has a long and proud military history, and I believe there are more than 1,000 Armed Forces Reservists currently affiliated with the city. This year’s recipients, once again, have highlighted that continuing legacy of service, hard work and dedication.
‘It’s also an opportunity for my colleagues and I to convey our gratitude to our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers for their commitment and enthusiastic support for the young Cadets in their charge. Sharing their skills, knowledge and time to mentor a new generation of men and women is nothing short of inspirational.’
In total, fourteen Reservists from local Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force units received Certificates of Meritorious Service during the ceremony. Recipients came from the following units:
- 602 Squadron (City of Glasgow) Royal Auxiliary Air Force
- Glasgow & Strathclyde University Officers’ Training Corps (GSUOTC)
- HMS Dalriada, Royal Naval Reserve
- Royal Marines Reserve Scotland
- 6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS)
- 105 Regiment Royal Artillery
‘I’m honoured to be a recipient of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service,’ remarked Squadron Leader Jim Martin, Officer Commanding of 602 Squadron. ‘It’s such a privilege to know that the service of not just individuals within our unit but the Squadron as a whole are being recognised at this level.
‘I’m also delighted to see four other Reservists from the Squadron receiving certificates for their efforts this evening. It empowers them to continue doing great work with the unit and the wider community.
‘The Squadron is proud to be known as “Glasgow’s Own”. We’ve always had a strong relationship with the City of Glasgow and tonight’s event is a wonderful way to celebrate that relationship.’
Acting Corporal Emma Brown, who is also a member of 602 Squadron, was equally delighted to attend the event as an award recipient: ‘I’ve been a Reservist for just over ten years now, and being awarded with this certificate is a definite highlight of my career. I was very surprised to have been nominated – usually when Reservists do what we do, we just see it as part of the job, so it’s a lovely feeling to see how much our contribution to the Armed Forces is appreciated.
‘What makes getting the award this year extra special is the fact that it’s also the centenary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Between that and the Squadron’s Standard Presentation in 2022, there’s been a lot going on for the RAF Reserve and there’s still plenty more to look forward to.’
Awards were also presented to volunteers from the Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force and 1089 (7th Glasgow) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, acknowledging their commitment to providing the best possible Cadet experience for young people throughout the Lowlands of Scotland.
Major Raymond Bell, a volunteer and former Cadet from Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion, was thrilled to have received a certificate: ‘It means a lot to know that the efforts we volunteers put into training and supporting young people isn’t just being noticed but also appreciated.’
Defence civil and crown servants are also eligible to receive nominations for Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards. In recognition of over four decades’ outstanding service in support of the local Armed Forces Community, Mrs Grace Hood of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) was presented with a certificate. Mrs Kirstie Real, a civil servant with GSUOTC, also received an award following a glowing nomination from Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Rachel Emmerson.
The Glasgow ceremony also celebrated the appointment of a new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet. Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) William Morgan Sander of 1089 (7th Glasgow Squadron) was appointed to assist the Lord-Lieutenant in her official engagements, and has been serving as an Ambassador for his unit.
‘It’s an absolute honour to be recognised for my achievements as a member of the RAF Air Cadets,’ said CWO Sander. ‘It’s also really heart-warming to have been put forward for this role – it’s the kind of thing you find out about after you’ve been nominated and you almost can’t believe it.
‘I’m proud of the work I’ve done to get to this point in my Cadet career, and I’m enjoying every opportunity to give back to the Cadets, teaching them the things I’ve learned over the years and feeling great pride at seeing them achieve their own goals.’
Colonel Ted Shields, Chief Executive of Lowland RFCA, said of this year’s winners: ‘I congratulate and thank all our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Cadets and Civilians whose dedication and service have been officially recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the City of Glasgow.
‘It is often said that our Reservists and volunteers are “twice the citizen” – committed to serving our Nation and their communities on top of their everyday jobs and personal lives. It is a tall order, and those who have received Certificates of Meritorious Service have gone above and beyond in this respect. Their respective units and organisations have all benefited from their skills, determination and selflessness. They are a credit to the Defence community and the Nation. Thank you and well done.’
