Dedicated DE&S people have been recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours list.

A total of 12 military and four civilian staff will receive awards for their outstanding service to UK defence, including crucial contributions made in the areas of logistics, capability and military communications.

CEO Andy Start said:

“This is one of the times of the year when I am even more proud – if that’s possible – of the military and civilians who work for us at DE&S.

“Their collective dedication to equipping and supporting our armed forces, and helping the UK prosper, is truly admirable. To be recognised in the New Year Honours list in this way is no less than they deserve, and I congratulate them all.

“I was also pleased to see our partners in industry recognised for their important contributions to keeping the UK safe and prosperous.”

The UK honours system rewards people for exceptional achievements, merit, service or bravery. They are given to deserving and high-achieving people from every section of life.

They Honours List is announced twice a year – at New Year and on the King’s official birthday in June. The awards are presented to recipients by members of the Royal Family throughout the year at investiture ceremonies.

Major General Darren Crook, Director Land Equipment, has been appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He said:

“I am deeply and truly humbled to be recognised by His Majesty with this award. I have served with great pride, with great people, and for a great purpose, inspired by those who went before us and for those who still serve selflessly to protect the nation.

“This award recognises the tremendous effort, perseverance and professionalism of all of my teams and the common values we share, stand by, and work so hard to uphold.

“The last four years in particular have been typically challenging and demanded the very best of each of us as we deliver the edge that His Majesty’s Armed Forces deserve, as they protect the nation for all of our collective security and prosperity.”

Ian Matthews, who works in DE&S’ Integrated Battlespace Operation Centre (IBOC), has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to defence.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honours have been bestowed upon Amy Kilby, who also works in IBOC, for services to military communications, as well as contractors Amanda Bird (Leidos Europe Ltd) for services to defence logistics and David Short (BAE Systems) for services to military capability.

Military medals and commendations are being awarded to 11 people at DE&S:

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

Chief Technician Dean Bristow – RAF and DE&S Multi Helicopter Platforms (MHP) delivery team.

Warrant Officer Anthony Wilson – RAF and DE&S Typhoon delivery team (WOC).

Flight Sergeant Craig Smith – RAF and DE&S Air Intelligence Surveillance Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance (AirISTAR).

Sergeant Eirion Jones – RAF and DE&S C17 CSAE Delivery Team.

Chief Petty Officer Amber Hunt (Retd) – Royal Navy and DE&S Maritime Combat Systems (MCS) delivery team.

Chief of The General Staff (CGS) Commendation

Warrant Officer 1 Luke Illingworth – British Army and DE&S Specialist and Autonomous Mobility (SAM) Delivery team.

Commander SJC (UK) Commendation

Major Stuart Middleton – British Army and currently in DE&S IBOC Special Projects Tactical Communications (SPTC) delivery team.

Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) Commendation

Wing Commander Gareth Thomas – RAF and DE&S Puma2 Gazelle (P2G) delivery team.

Major Andrew Vaughan – British Army and DE&S Environmental Protection and Sustainable Acquisition (EPSA) Team.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Commendation

Squadron Leader Paul Allen – RAF and DE&S Combat Air Operating Centre.

Air and Space Commander (ASC) Commendation

Flight Lieutenant Christopher Smith – RAF and DE&S Logistics Support Operations Centre.