The agreement, which provides a framework for defence cooperation in areas such as training, information sharing and capability development, was the second such treaty to be signed with a European Union nation after France.

Defence Minister Guto Bebb said:

Meeting with Minister Sebastian Chwalek today has not only strengthened our ties with Poland, but provided both Governments a great opportunity to speak about future defence relationships.

Our defence and security cooperation is already strong, and this partnership between the two countries has real potential to benefit both our forces and our national interests going forward.

Today’s meeting builds on the common ground we share, including the deployment of our troops to Poland under NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the country, as we work together to protect our shared values, national security and people.

The Defence Capability and Industrial Dialogue was established last December, alongside the joint signing of the UK-Poland Treaty on Defence and Security Co-operation.

111 defence personnel have been granted state honours for their work in the military, Ministry of Defence and other aspects of UK Defence.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

Our Armed Forces work tirelessly to keep this country safe and I’m delighted for those who have been recognised today. Their unwavering commitment and service to our nation has helped ensure that Britain remains ready to face intensifying threats at home and abroad.

ROYAL NAVY AWARDS

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Companions

Rear Admiral Nicholas William HINE

Major General Robert Andrew MAGOWAN, CBE

Rear Admiral Antony David RADAKIN

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commander

Captain Michael Bruce KNOTT

As Officers

Commander Stephen Ronald ANDERSON

Colonel Steven John FRANCIS

Commander Ian HARROP

Commander Tristram Andrew Harry KIRKWOOD

Commander Graeme Peter KNOX

Commander Christopher Maxwell NEW

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd John PURSER, MBE

As Members

Lieutenant Commander William John Edgar BALL

Lieutenant Commander Hugh Walter Scott BOTTERILL

Warrant Officer 1 Engineering Technician (Communication Information Systems)
Daniel CASTLE

Chief Petty Officer (Seaman) Jay EARLY

Lieutenant Commander Fiona Jean HAYNES

Leading Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) James Gordon JOSE

Commander Andrew KELLETT

Lieutenant Commander Alastair Blevins LEY

Marine Nirmal PURJA

Commander Heather Elizabeth RIMMER

Lieutenant Commander Brian TRIM

QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVE MEDAL

Warrant Officer 1 Logistician (Supply Chain) Janice Pauline COX,
Royal Naval Reserve

ARMY AWARDS

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Knight Commanders

Lieutenant General Thomas Anthony BECKETT, CBE

Lieutenant General Mark William POFFLEY, OBE

As Companions

Lieutenant General James Ian BASHALL, CBE

Major General James Robert CHISWELL, CBE, MC

Major General Ivan Bartholomew Leonard JONES

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commanders

Colonel Michael Edward George CALDICOTT, MBE

Colonel John ETHERINGTON, OBE

Brigadier Simon Peter HAMILTON, OBE

Acting Brigadier Michael Robert KEATING

Colonel Francis Alexander James PIGGOTT, OBE

As Officers

Lieutenant Colonel Diane Margaret ALLEN, Intelligence Corps, Army
Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Kevan BOLAM, Royal Corps of Signals

Lieutenant Colonel William BOLAM, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Dean David CANHAM, The Mercian Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Raymond CAROLIN, General List, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Michael David CORNWELL, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Nathan CREW, The Royal Logistic Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy John Gerald Stevens PURBRICK, The Royal Lancers, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Piers Guy Beresford STRUDWICK, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Lieutenant Colonel Craig SWEETING, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Lieutenant Colonel Huw William Islwyn THOMAS, Royal Army Medical Corps

As Members

Staff Sergeant Sohail ASHRAF, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Warrant Officer Class 2 Duncan Edward BOOTH, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Major John Edward Mead CAREY-HUGHES, The King’s Royal Hussars

Acting Colonel David John Michael CARSON, Army Cadet Force

Major Daryl Richard COLLINS, Royal Corps of Signals

Major Daniel Michael CONLON, The Mercian Regiment

Major Pardeep Singh DHILLON, Intelligence Corps

Captain Gareth Edward DIBBLE, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army
Reserve

Major Christopher FOGARTY, Royal Corps of Signals

Lieutenant Colonel Paula Michelle GEORGE, Adjutant General’s Corps
(Educational and Training Services Branch)

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Wesley GROUT, Corps of Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve

Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Ian HALLIDAY, Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Army Reserve

Major Walter George HUNTER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Joseph JOHNSTON, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Acting Major Lucy Diana KIRKPATRICK, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Warrant Officer Class 2 Jason LIDDY, Small Arms School Corps

Major Joel Thomas MALPAS, Army Air Corps

Major Jonathon Mark MURLEY, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Major Stephen PALFREYMAN, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve

Major Nicola Jane PARRY-BELCHER, The Royal Logistic Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 Sean Henry PAWLIN-GARDNER, 1st The Queen’s
Dragoon Guards, Army Reserve

Captain Rebecca POGSON-HUGHES-EMANUEL, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Sergeant Timothy James RICE, The Parachute Regiment

Major Anthony Mark RICHARDSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Terence ROBSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Colour Sergeant Trevor Hamilton ROSS, The Royal Irish Regiment, Army
Reserve

Captain Louis Sebastian RUDD, The Parachute Regiment

Warrant Officer Class 2 Craig John RUTTER, The Yorkshire Regiment, Army Reserve

Warrant Officer Class 2 Darren SOBEY, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Justin George Edward STENHOUSE, DSO, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards

Major Guy Allan Hadley THOBURN, Intelligence Corps

Corporal Thomas Alexander WHYTE, Intelligence Corps,

Major Edward Michael George WILLCOX, The Royal Welsh

Lieutenant Colonel David Alistair WILLEY, Royal Army Dental Corps

ROYAL RED CROSS

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

Major Karen Dorothy JAMIESON, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing
Corps

QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL

Major Nial Philip BROWNE, TD, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve

Captain Andrew James Stephen HOLSGROVE, The Duke of Lancaster’s
Regiment, Army Reserve

Major Thomas George McFARLAND, The Royal Irish Regiment, Army Reserve

Staff Sergeant Gordon Andrew PURSLEY, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army
Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Gillian Heather WILKINSON, Army Reserve

ROYAL AIR FORCE AWARDS

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Companions

Air Vice-Marshal Anthony Sean CORBETT, MBE

Air Vice-Marshal Graham Michael RUSSELL

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commanders

Group Captain Andrew David GREEN

Air Commodore Richard HILL

As Officers

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) James Anthony BECK

Wing Commander Simon James BOYLE

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Emily Jane FLYNN

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Paul David FROOME

Wing Commander Martin James HIGGINS

Wing Commander Christopher JONES

Group Captain Simon Robert STRASDIN

As Members

Flight Lieutenant Victoria Anne ATHERTON, (Cadet Forces)

Warrant Officer Richard Phillip BARBER

Squadron Leader Stephen Matthew BEARDMORE

Warrant Officer Kevin Ffrancon BEATTIE

Master Aircrew Mark Andrew BRADLEY

Warrant Officer Alan Stuart BRUCE

Squadron Leader James Niall DOYLE

Flight Sergeant Hywel Anthony GREENING

Flight Lieutenant Kathryn Hannah JANES

Wing Commander Adrian Russell JARVIS

Squadron Leader Stuart Gray McADAM

Squadron Leader Vanessa Jasmin Kathleen PLUMLEY

Flight Sergeant Louise Jane SIMPSON

Sergeant Kevin John STANNARD

Warrant Officer Lee Raymond TWYNING

Corporal Melvin Robert David WHYTE

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced new UK deployments as he acknowledges the Alliance’s importance to Europe’s defence, stability and security.

Speaking at the NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels, the last ahead of the Summit in July, Mr Williamson committed UK jets to policing over Estonia and Iceland for 2019. He went on to announce that the UK would send 40 more UK troops to Bosnia & Herzegovina in demonstration of the Britain’s role at the forefront of European security.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

Whilst the UK’s relationship with the EU is changing, our unconditional commitment to European security remains resolute.

Be it our continued involvement in NATO’s Air Policing or additional UK troops assisting EU-led operations in Bosnia & Herzegovina, our actions send a clear message – we are committed to tackling new challenges and conventional threats alongside our longstanding allies and partners.

As part of NATO’s Air Policing measures, which see NATO fighter jets ready to react 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the UK currently has four RAF Typhoons deployed to Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase in Romania supporting security in the South and the Black Sea region.

In 2019, four RAF Typhoons will return to Estonia, where they conducted Air Policing in 2016, and, for the first time, will patrol Icelandic skies later in the year. This will allow the UK to work closely with allies to deter aerial threats to Euro Atlantic security. The mission will also provide the RAF with unique opportunities to test its skills in different environments.

On the second day, Mr Williamson announced that the UK will send 40 extra personnel to the EUFOR operation in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Operation Althea. They will join a specialist surveillance and intelligence taskforce for six months.

The UK played a key role in the Western Balkans in the 1990s, and we have continued to help keep the region on the road to reform and stability. As well as our commitment to Operation Althea in Bosnia & Herzegovina, the UK also has approximately 30 troops as part of the NATO Kosovo Force, working with allies Germany, Italy, Turkey, Poland and the US providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Both efforts underline the importance of NATO and the EU working alongside each other to promote security and stability in Europe, with the UK playing a key part.

Prior to the NATO Defence Ministerial, Mr Williamson attended a meeting in The Hague with his counterparts from the ten Northern Group member nations, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Sweden and The Netherlands.

They discussed relations with Russia, particularly how the Group can work together to counter Russian strategic communications, as well as reiterating support for Britain following the Salisbury incident.

The rededication service for Pte Lacey Anthony Tingle took place today (Thursday 7 June 2018) at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Ranville War Cemetery in Normandy, France.

The service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services was attended by Pte Tingle’s 96 year old sister Margaret who was accompanied by her son Paul and daughter Zoe Smith. It was conducted by the Reverend Doctor Brutus Green, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

Pte Tingle’s sister, Margaret Keighley of Leamington Spa said:

It was a total surprise to me when I received the letter from the JCCC advising me that Lacey’s final resting place had been found. I couldn’t believe that this could be possible after 74 years.

It was only after meeting members of the JCCC team that I realised I had never properly grieved for my brother as he was declared ‘missing in action’ with no known grave. So, it brings great comfort to be able to visit his grave for this rededication and finally say goodbye. I am extremely grateful to everyone for making it possible.

Rosie Barron, JCCC said:

It has been an absolute privilege to organise this rededication service for Private Lacey Tingle and share this experience with his sister and her family. Lacey followed his conscience and refused to fight, but he was still willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. His courage and devotion to duty are an example to us all.

On 6 June 1944 Pte Tingle parachuted into Normandy with the 6th Airborne Division in support of Operation Tonga, part of Operation Overlord. He was later reported as missing and was commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial in Bayeux, France.

Pte Tingle’s final resting place came to light after 2 researchers submitted evidence regarding his whereabouts to the CWGC. Further research by the JCCC and the National Army Museum was undertaken to corroborate the evidence and the identification of the ‘unknown soldier’ grave being that of Private Lacey Tingle was confirmed by the JCCC.

The researchers’ evidence revealed that on the afternoon of 7 June 1944 in the village of Douville-en-Auge, 16 miles east of Caen, a group of British and Canadian Paratroopers were surrounded by the enemy. 9 of the group lost their lives during the ensuing battle. These paratroopers were buried in the village by locals, before being moved to Ranville War Cemetery after the war. Lacey was amongst those who lost their lives that afternoon.

The Reverend Doctor Brutus Green said:

The story of Private Tingle, a Methodist, a teacher, but most extraordinarily a non-combatant willing to put himself in the van of the battle, once again brings home the bravery of the ordinary British soldier. Taking the service honouring a man of such faith and principle, in the presence of his family, who only now have learned the full story, is an honour and a truly humbling privilege. We will remember them.

Members of the Parachute Regiment and 160 Medical Regiment RAMC were also in attendance.

David Avery, CWGC said:

After the war, Private Tingle was brought in to rest with his comrades in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Ranville War Cemetery as an unidentified soldier. Thanks to the efforts of many and in the presence of his family, we are honoured to mark his grave with a new headstone bearing his name.

A new headstone bearing Private Lacey Tingle’s name has been provided by the CWGC, who will now care for his final resting place in perpetuity.

The crew of 18 highly disciplined, motivated, and physically fit field gunners, battled it out against teams from across the UK and as far afield as Gibraltar, Cyprus and Naples for the coveted Brickwoods Trophy.

The competition is fast and furious and requires 18 man crews to run, dismantle, carry, reassemble and fire the gun in the shortest possible time. Strength, stamina and team work are essential. Sustained by a dedicated support team, time keepers, track judges and managers, the crew comprised of both permanent staff and trainees, and attracted much praise from more experienced crews.

The DMS (Whittington) Field Gun Crew competed in the Plate 1 final with an impressive time of 1:24:09 and a 3 second penalty and were ultimately positioned 10th out of 23 crews. The converted Brickwoods Trophy was eventually won by HMS Heron from Yeovilton who were ultimately crowned the winners.

Major Richard Yardley, the Field Gun Officer told us,

it has been an absolute honour to work with such a dedicated and talented crew. I have observed teamwork, discipline and courageous acts throughout this season and along with the No1 Trainer Lt Hallam and the Skipper SSgt Gregory, we are immensely proud of the achievement.

The origins of the Royal Navy Field Gun competition grew out of an event in 1899, when British troops were besieged by Boer fighters in the garrison town of Ladysmith in modern-day South Africa. The Brickwoods Trophy was the idea of Sir John Brickenwood, Chairman of the Brickwood Brewery.