Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 October 2022.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 October 2022.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 September 2022.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 September 2022.

Brydie Hurrell from outside Melbourne and other family members attended the service for for RAF pilot Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt) William Robert Stephen Hurrell, at Jonkerbos War Cemetery on Thursday 29 September. Also there were representatives of the RAF, the British Embassy in the Netherlands, and dignitaries from the municipality of Lochem. Members of the RAF’s Queen’s Colour Squadron (QCS) bore his coffin.

The ceremony was led by Rev. (Squadron Leader) Josephine Critchley, Chaplain at RAF Honington, and organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.

The remains of Flt Sgt Hurrell were discovered in 2019 after an excavation of an aircraft by the Joint Aircraft Recovery Team of the Netherlands MoD on farmland near the village of Eefde in the municipality of Lochem, as part of the Netherlands WWII National Aircraft Recovery Program, of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Working alongside the Recovery and Identification Unit of the Royal Netherlands Army and The RAF Air Historical Branch, JCCC reviewed documents confirming the plane recovered was from a Typhoon MN582 of No. 175 Squadron RAF which crashed on 26 September 1944. Flt Sgt Hurrell was flying in a formation of six aircraft on an armed reconnaissance north of Arnhem when they were attacked by up to 60 enemy ME109’s.

Tracey Bowers, JCCC said:

It has been an absolute privilege to arrange this ceremony for Flt Sgt William Hurrell and I am grateful for the help given by the community of Lochem. I am honoured to stand alongside his military and blood family to pay him this final tribute.

William Robert Stephen Hurrell was born on 1 May 1923 in London to Sydney and Daisy Hurrell. His enlistment service records from March 1941 state his religious denomination as “C of E” and show he lived in the East Ham area of London. Prior to his RAF career he was an apprentice fitter and turner. After joining the RAF, he served in India and America before receiving his pilot’s wings in 1942. He was promoted to Flt Sgt a year later.

Brydie, Flt Sgt Hurrell’s great niece, said it was important she travelled to the Netherlands:

We grew up knowing that Bill was shot down at the end of the war and that his parents had never found him. We knew he was in the Netherlands – we just weren’t sure where exactly. When we heard about the salvage project we were over the moon. Representing the rest of my family back home means a lot. Bill’s parents and his brother, my grandfather, died never knowing where he was , but we know have closure for them and for ourselves.

The ceremony included poems and readings by serving RAF personnel, family, and dignitaries from Lochem; a town instrumental in the recovery of Flt Sgt Hurrell’s remains.

Rev.Critchley, said:

As we have committed Bill’s body to the ground, we go from here knowing that his selfless actions ensured the security of so many; as he laid down his life, we are assured that he rests in God’s loving presence and is at peace.

Director for the Central and Southern European Area at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:

We are privileged to host this ceremony today, dedicated to Flt Sgt Hurrell and the ultimate sacrifice he paid fighting for his country 78 years ago. It is our honour to commemorate him and care for his grave in perpetuity.

 

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 September 2022.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 September 2022.

A full military burial ceremony has been held in the Netherlands for the British and Canadian crew of an RAF Stirling BK716 which went missing in 1943 after leaving a Norfolk air base.

The 28 September service at Jonkerbos War Cemetery was led by Rev. (Squadron Leader) Josephine Critchley, Chaplain at RAF Honington, and was attended by family members.

Representatives of The Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), The British Embassy in the Netherlands and local dignitaries were present. Personnel of the Queen’s Colour Squadron (QCS) bore the coffin and laid the remains to rest with military honours.

The ceremony was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (MOD JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.

The crew of Stirling BK716 No 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF crashed on 30 March 1943 with all seven crew members on board. The crash site was later located in lake Markermeer, in the municipality of Almere, and the remains recovered in 2020 by the Joint Aircraft Recovery Team of The Netherlands MoD. Stirling BK716 took off from Downham Market on 29 March 1943 for a raid on Berlin, but shortly afterwards the crew was designated “missing believed killed”.

Following the recovery, which happened as part of the National World War 2 Aircraft Recovery Programme of the Netherlands, and working alongside the Recovery and Identification Unit of the Royal Netherlands Army and The RAF Air Historical Branch, JCCC confirmed from the wreckage’s unique engine plate that it was that of Stirling BK716. Human remains were few, and it was impossible to assign them to individuals, but all were remembered at today’s burial.

Flying Officer John Frederick Harris RAF Flying Officer Harry Gregory Farrington RCAF Flying Officer John Michael Campbell RAF Sergeant Charles Armstrong Bell RAF Flight Sergeant John Francis James McCaw RCAF Sergeant Ronald Kennedy RAF Sergeant Leonard Richard James Shrubsall RAF.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 September 2022.

• World-class cyber training in the UK to be expanded thanks to £50m investment.
• New academy will benefit international partners, including the US, through exchanging knowledge and ideas in cyberspace operations.
• Announcement made during defence summit onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, anchored in New York City.

The announcement comes as UK and US defence chiefs attend the Atlantic Future Forum 2022 in New York City this week.

The two-day forum seeks to advance vital defence, security, trading and economic partnerships between the UK and US, and explore how to boost innovation, economic growth and resilience.

Building on the success of the UK’s Defence Cyber School, the new Defence Cyber Academy will develop sovereign and international courses and support wider UK endeavours in developing the national cyber profession – launching in 2022.

It will bolster the ranks of the UK and international allies, including the United States, training high-quality defence personnel to be at the forefront of cyber technology, strategy and operational preparedness. Closer alliances between our nations, delivered through shared experiences and training, will allow our personnel to better prepare for NATO, joint and multi-domain operations of the future.

Backed by £50 million, the academy will support the wider development of the national cyber profession, as part of the National Cyber Strategy. It will:

• Increase the volume and scope of training and education, supporting the growth of Defence’s cyber workforce
• Collaborate with global allies, to identify and adopt best-practice, and provide international products and services
• Engage with industry and academia to enhance its Higher Education and research programme

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Defence co-operation between the United Kingdom and the United States is the broadest and deepest of any two countries in the world, and will continue to expand in the coming decades.

The Defence Cyber Academy builds on that collaboration, defining closer integration and shared capability, helping us and our allies counter global cyber security threats, staying one step ahead and at the forefront of this cutting-edge military domain.

Based in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, the launch of the academy comes after the DCMS revealed cyber-attacks, including espionage activity and ransomware infiltration, across Government has cost an estimated £100 million in the last year.

Commander of Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull said:

As Defence’s leader for the cyber domain, Strategic Command is committed to ensuring our personnel have the cyber skills needed to maintain a competitive edge against our adversaries.  The Defence Cyber Academy will allow us to expand the training opportunities we offer, and share these with our international allies. This new development will help us share our expertise and better conduct the integrated operations needed in a modern battlespace.

The Atlantic Future Forum is taking place on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, anchored in the Hudson River just off New York City’s financial district. In the coming months, the aircraft carrier will be at the heart of a powerful task group made up of thousands of sailors, up to ten ships, F-35B Lightning jets, helicopter squadrons and Royal Marines Commandos which will operate across Europe this autumn.

The conference is an opportunity to discuss the success of the UK and US working collaboratively at unprecedented speed to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine with crucial military capabilities since Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion.

The continued and very close relationships between US and UK suppliers and governments has seen typical procurement timelines shortened from months to days, allowing the supply of military aid in record speed.

As well as the large capabilities, such as multi-launch rocket systems, ground-to-air missiles and anti-tank weapons, non-lethal military aid has been procured at pace. For example, around 200 armoured vehicles have been fitted with sophisticated military communications capabilities and delivered to Ukraine, involving the designing of dozens of components from scratch.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 September 2022.

Connor Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment died during a non-operational incident in Ipswich on 23rd July 2022.

Commanding Officer 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Crossley said:

Sapper Connor Morrison joined the British Army on the 3rd of January 2021 aged 19.  He completed his basic training at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright before moving to 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment to commence his specialist Combat Engineer training.

Sapper Morrison was a professional soldier with much promise. Keen and enthusiastic, he worked hard to achieve his goals at every stage of his training and impressed his instructors with his knowledge and skills.  More importantly, he was a loyal friend and a genuine team player.  In typical Army fashion, those closest to Sapper Morrison knew him as “Tesco” or “Sainsburys” in cheeky reference to Morrisons the supermarket chain.

Sapper Morrison was quietly confident and sociable. He enjoyed chatting with friends whether it be whilst playing PlayStation or pool, on trips to Wetherspoons, or at the infamous Jackson Club Cafe in Gibraltar Barracks – so much so that he would invite his course mates to congregate in his room which was directly opposite the entrance to the cafe, so that they could all be first in the queue at opening time.

Sapper Morrison was an avid supporter of Scottish football with a great sense of humour.  He would cheerfully join his friends in the pub to watch England games, but when they got overexcited about their teams’ prospects, he enjoyed reminding them that England drew with Scotland in Euro 2020, and therefore that “England, can’t even beat Scotland”.

A selfless team player, Sapper Morrison put others above himself and generously volunteered to cover weekend duties when he was not returning home to Scotland, to enable others to travel home themselves. Similarly, when a colleague woke up late for parade and realised that their boots were soaking wet and muddy from the day before, Sapper Morrison generously gave them a pair of his boots for the day.  This was much to the amusement of his troop as his friend wore a size 8 and Sapper Morrison was a size 12!

Sapper Morrison qualified as a Class 2 Combat Engineer on 4th of February 2022, earning his Corps of Royal Engineers stable belt.  After gaining his driving licence, he began his specialist trade training at the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration in Worthy Down, where he went on to qualify as a Class 2 Logistical Specialist.

Following this, having volunteered for service with Airborne Forces, Sapper Morrison reported for duty at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, and donned the coveted maroon beret.  He arrived at the Regiment alongside friends from his course and was re-united with others from training.

Sapper Morrison was clearly happy to be part of the Regiment after spending a long time on training courses.  He was popular and well respected amongst his peers and had a positive influence on all those he worked with.  Utterly committed, Sapper Morrison put himself forward for every task.  His positive attitude kept himself and others going through good times and bad. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Connor whether working together, chatting about the day or just having a laugh.

Sapper Morrison was a truly selfless and kind-hearted professional soldier who made friends wherever he went.  He proved himself to be a proud and loyal member of the Corps of Royal Engineers and will always be part of the Sapper family.  Sapper Morrison will be sorely missed by the Regiment and all those he served alongside.  We will remember him.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:

It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Sapper Connor Liam Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment.  It’s clear from his colleagues that he had a passion for the British Army, made an instant positive impact on all those he served with, and always put the needs of his fellow soldiers above his own; a role model to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 September 2022.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 September 2022.

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Navin Thapa Magar of the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles. He died during a non-operational training incident in Brunei on 11th August 2022.

Corporal Navin was a member of A (Delhi) Company. He grew up in Tanahun District in Western Nepal and attended selection for the British Army in 2013, where he passed the famously challenging Doko Race and received an award as top recruit for the Western Region. He completed his basic training as part of the 2014 Intake in Gurkha Company at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick before joining his Regiment. He spent his career serving with his Battalion in Brunei, the UK, on operations in the Balkans, and on numerous overseas training exercises.

Corporal Navin was an outstanding example of a leader who served his soldiers to the utmost. He was one of the most respected soldiers and leaders in the unit and he cared deeply about the welfare and development of those more junior than him. He would never miss a moment that could be spent educating his soldiers, going out of his way to provide them with the benefit of his own experience. The high performance and team spirit of those around him was a credit to the effect he had on people. He was a constant source of good advice to his commanders; never shy to speak up where the mission or the soldiers could benefit from his insight. His own performance on professional courses was frequently exceptional, and he promoted to the rank of Corporal quickly.

He deployed to Kosovo with the Battalion in September 2021 on Op ALLIED SOLACE where he led a team of soldiers who took part in efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for Afghan refugees. During his time in Kosovo, he demonstrated all the qualities that make Gurkhas so well-renowned; courage, resilience, and a compassion for those in a time of need. His excellent cultural understanding and warm nature helped him support efforts to assist the refugees and lead his soldiers through testing conditions.

Beyond the routines of work, Corporal Navin was a sociable, energetic, and trusted friend. As with his work, his enthusiasm for fun was contagious. He was a gifted musician and dancer, often playing guitar and leading a chorus of Nepalese songs or encouraging his friends into a dance routine at company events.

Corporal Navin’s abilities and his constant pursuit of excellence propelled him toward ever greater challenges. His loss is felt deeply amongst all who knew him. He leaves behind his mother and father and his elder brother and sister. The thoughts, prayers and condolences of his Battalion are with them at this most difficult of times.

Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Stanford-Tuck, Commanding Officer, First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles said:

Corporal Navin was a phenomenal soldier and leader. Unrelenting in his pursuit of professional excellence he embodied the finest qualities of the Gurkha soldier. His loss leaves a hole in the Battalion which it will be impossible to fill. More than this, he was a friend to all, and the very best of us. We will all miss him, we will remember him. I am filled with the greatest sympathy for his friends and comrades but above all for his family. They have experienced the most terrible of losses. My thoughts and prayers are with them in Nepal at their time of grief.

Major James Devall, Officer Commanding, A (Delhi) Company said:

Corporal Navin had a tremendously positive influence in the Company. He possessed that special blend of high-achievement, humility, and consideration for others. His relationship with the junior riflemen was the personification of good leadership; setting the highest personal standards and challenging his soldiers to reach their own potential, while always demonstrating a genuine compassion and a desire to educate. He was constantly testing himself to his limits but no matter the hardship, I never saw him without a ready smile to encourage those who followed him. We will all remember him proudly, as a great leader and friend. Our thoughts are with his family.

Captain Narbir Galami, Second in Command, A (Delhi) Company said:

Corporal Navin Thapa Magar was an utterly professional, robust, and versatile individual possessing the exceptional qualities of an infantryman, and a typical Gurkha soldier. An excellent ambassador and a true role model who was always the backbone of the Company. The Company is still in shock and saddened to learn of his irreplaceable loss. At this extremely difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Navin “I Do” Bhai, we will miss you terribly. May your departed soul rest in peace, see you at the other end.

WO2 Bhabindra Rai, Company Sergeant Major, A (Delhi) Company said:

Corporal Navin was one of the most professional Gurkha Junior Non-Commissioned Officers I’ve met in my career. He was humble, polite, and hugely competent in his job. He always had time for his juniors and shared a big smile with everyone he met. Navin is inspirational for all of us, his dedication, love, and caring nature for all Delhi Company personnel will remain forever. Our deepest prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.

Lieutenant Matt Bennett, 1 Platoon Commander, A (Delhi) Company said:

Upon joining the Battalion, I will never forget how welcome Corporal Navin made me feel. He was far more than just a fantastic soldier; he managed to weave creativity, intelligence, and a strong work ethic around a deep care for other people. This was most apparent to me during his tour to Kosovo. His junior soldiers meant everything to him and his efforts to care for them, alongside leading them professionally, were exceptional. A role model in the Platoon, he showed great resilience and took pride in all that he did. My deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this time.

Sergeant Ojasbi Rai, 1 Platoon Sergeant, A (Delhi) Company said:

An incredibly professional, dedicated, and loyal JNCO, Corporal Navin was not only skilful in a military context, but he was also equally talented outside of it, and was a fantastic dancer, football player and video maker. A great leader, friend, and gentleman; always loved and praised by all for his exemplary work ethic and morals he truly inspired all around him. It was a great honour to have served with such an inspiring image of bravery and compassion. Corporal Navin was a remarkable friend and comrade to many people and will be sorely missed. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Corporal Bikram Pata, A (Delhi) Company said:

He was like my younger brother. We were from the same hometown … He was one of the most versatile athletes during sports. Besides that, he was good at painting, playing guitar and leading a sing song with fellow members during his spare time. I will always feel very lucky to have had him in my life as a brother and close friend … The last memory I had with him was eating momo dumplings together in barracks where we both shared the same plate of food together … I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Lance Corporal Ritesh Rai, A (Delhi) Company said:

He was a role model for so many people. His life will always teach us what a phenomenal soldier would look like and for junior soldiers he was the man they could always look to for inspiration … I still remember his last dance at our company party with a Bruno Mars hat on, he was such a talented individual … Navin was an all-rounder, he was good at playing football, good at dancing, good at guitar, fittest in the company, he had a great sense of humour, most importantly he was a great soldier, who always fulfilled his duty with great dignity … You have only gone out of our sight my friend but not from our heart. Much more power and prayer to a family and friends in Nepal.

Lance Corporal Shiva Gurung, A (Delhi) Company said:

Cpl Navin Thapa was a very good natured and kind-hearted person. We have worked together within the same company since Day 1 of our Army career. I have always known him as a very dedicated soldier who showed great influence and motivation to his fellow friends and juniors. … Not only was he expert in the military field, but he was also always the best in most sports, music and even in dance. It’s difficult to accept the fact that I am never going to see you again. Death might have taken you away quickly, but you will live forever in our heart, dear friend. Jay intake 14.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:

It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Corporal Navin Thapa Magar of the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, in Brunei.  It’s clear from his colleagues that he was a dedicated, professional soldier held in the highest regard and a shining example of what the British Armed Forces stand for. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.