THE EFFORTS of eight people from across Gwynedd have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.
At a special awards ceremony held at Bangor University earlier this month, four individuals were presented with the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Edmund Bailey Esq CStJ FRAgS, in recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty.
Those honoured were Major Tracey Cooper, Major William LeCras, Lieutenant Aled Hughes and Warrant Officer Second Class (Company Sergeant Major) Carwyn Bee, all of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force.
The evening also celebrated the achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Cadet Corporal Elliw-Mai Jones, also of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force.
The role of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet involves accompanying the Lord-Lieutenant—who acts as the King’s representative—at a range of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
Elliw-Mai was selected for this prestigious role after being nominated by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.
Two warrants were also presented during the ceremony, alongside a Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade Commander’s Coin and an additional Certificate of Merit on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed.
Warrant Officer Second Class (Company Sergeant Major) Carwyn Bee and Warrant Officer Second Class (Company Sergeant Major) Joseph Jones, both of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, received warrants.
Cadet Company Sergeant Major Tomos Jones was awarded the Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade Commander’s Coin in recognition of his impeccable performance carrying the Army Cadet Force standard at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
A further Certificate of Merit, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, was awarded to Colour Sergeant Nigel Phillips of Wales Universities Officers’ Training Corps. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, it had not previously been possible to present the award in person.
Across Wales, nearly 4,500 cadets are gaining valuable skills and qualifications through community work, charitable activity and a wide range of practical experiences.
This is made possible by 1,850 volunteering adult instructors and civilian assistants, who give their time on weeknights and weekends to support young people.
The event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales, which has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.
For further information on the Army Cadets, please click here.
