The 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, published today recognises 13 of DE&S people for their service to UK defence.

A total of eight military and five civilian staff will receive awards for their outstanding service to UK defence, including crucial contributions made in the areas of operations, logistics and ships support.

DE&S CEO Andy Start said:

“It is always an incredibly proud moment to see our people in DE&S, and our colleagues across the military and industry, receive recognition for their accomplishments, commitment, and service in keeping the nation safe and helping it prosper.

“Each of them plays a hugely important role across our defence enterprise and these honours highlight the variety of work that happens every day to keep us all safe. My congratulations to everyone who has been recognised with these honours.”

The King’s Birthday Honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the Prime Minister or senior government ministers. Members of the public can also recommend people for an award.

The Honours’ lists include awards for people who have made significant achievements in public life or have committed themselves to serving and helping Britain. The awards are presented to recipients by members of the Royal Family throughout the year at investiture ceremonies.

Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, head of Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations at DE&S, who was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), said:

“I am truly humbled to be made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.  This award represents the hard work and professionalism of everyone who has supported recent operations, delivering vital equipment and support to our Armed Forces as we protect the nation and help it prosper.

“The last two years have been particularly challenging for Defence as we have faced increased global tensions that have manifested themselves most recently in Ukraine and the Middle East.  However, the selfless commitment and dedication of everyone in DE&S has meant that the United Kingdom has been able to stand by its Allies, and will continue to do so, today, tomorrow, and together.”

David Russell, DE&S Team Leader for Boxer, receives the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to defence. He said:

“It is truly a surprise and one that I am most grateful and thankful for to be recognised by His Majesty with this award.

“I owe many thanks to the many inspiring and amazing people who throughout my career I have worked with, who have supported me and helped me to deliver to and support our Armed Services in their daily mission of protecting the nation.”

Kat Bavington, our Lead Finance Business Partner in the Weapons OC, also receives an OBE. She said:

“I am incredibly honoured to be recognised by His Majesty for this prestigious award. Equally I’m truly humbled to have even been nominated by my colleagues. I’m still in shock, it hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“I’ve now worked in the Weapons Operating Centre as their Lead Finance Business Partner for nearly three years. In that time we’ve delivered some incredible displays of service excellence and effective capability, supporting both Ukrainian and UK forces across the world.

“I love what I do and I’m beyond proud for the part I’ve played in this and the work we continue to do, to build resilience and capability for Defence. None of this is possible without the unwavering dedication and commitment of all of the teams that I work alongside.”

Wing Commander Arthur McGuire, Officer Commanding Joint Services Administration Unit at DE&S, another who was delighted at being awarded an OBE, said:

“I am hugely honoured and grateful to have been recognised on the King’s Birthday Honours List.  I feel truly humbled to have been recognised for my work at DE&S and in supporting our people from all three services.

“All of our Service Personnel strive tirelessly to do their very best for their country at all times and to be able to support them in that is something I have and will always love.”

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honours have been awarded to Squadron Leader Howard Fielder in our Air Intelligence Surveillance Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance Airseeker Team and contractor Simon Dunn (Airbus Defence and Space).

British Empire Medals (BEM) have been awarded to Kirsteen Macdonald who works in our Air Integrated Logistics Technical Through Life Support Team and contractor Christopher Boyle (BAE Systems).

Military medals and commendations have also been awarded to people at DE&S:

Meritorious Service Medals (MSM) were bestowed on Sergeant Barry Maclean (Royal Air Force) in our C17 Team, Flight Sergeant Hailey Hulme (Royal Air Force) in the Typhoon Team and Warrant Officer Class One Mark Griffiths (Royal Navy) who works in our Naval Ships Support Team.

Major Gregory Treasure (British Army) who works in our Artillery Systems Team received the Commander Field Army Commendation (3* Army Commendation) and Captain Elliot Baker (British Army) of our Land Combat Vehicle Challenger 3 Team was awarded the Land Component Commander Commendation (3* Army Commendation).