Presentation of Afghanistan Medals

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall presenting an Afghanistan campaign medal to Able Seaman Michelle Ping, winner of 'Best Reservist' at last year's Sun Military Awards
[Picture: LA(Phot) Simmo Simpson, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The Duchess of Cornwall, Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Medical Services, presented Afghanistan medals to more than 200 men and women from all three Services at a parade on Friday at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth.

By far the greatest number of personnel came from the Royal Navy, which led the joint medical support for Operation HERRICK 14.

Some of the men and women on parade were receiving a medal for their first tour of duty, others had already completed several tours.

The MOD Medals Office is part of the services that the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency provides for the Armed Forces Community.  If you want to know more about this work, then take a look at our Veterans Today video below.

Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire visits SPVA

Sir Henry met with staff from the Medals Office

The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Sir Henry Elwes KCVO recently visited the SPVA offices at Imjin Barracks to find out more about the work of the MOD Medal Office and Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre.

During his visit, Sir Henry visited the Elizabeth Cross section where he was able to meet the people who administer the prestigious award. As the Queen’s representative for the county, he has presented crosses to local families on several occasions.

Sir Henry was also given an overview of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, highlighting the important work undertaken to ensure families are quickly notified of UK Service casualties wherever and whenever they occur in the World.

Sir Henry Elwes KCVO, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire said:

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Medal Office and JCCC and to see the important work they do for our Armed Forces, their families and the Veterans community, particularly in respect of the Elizabeth Cross.”