A number of exceptional men and women from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force have been recognised for their outstanding service and bravery in the 2025 New Year Honours List.
These personnel have shown extraordinary courage and commitment in challenging environments, including critical humanitarian missions, combat operations, and operations abroad.
Among the awardees is Commander Pete Evans, Commanding Officer of HMS Diamond, who was awarded an OBE for his leadership during an historic deployment in the Red Sea. The Type 45 destroyer successfully defended merchant ships from missile and drone attacks, including shooting down nine drones and a Houthi missile.
“I’m incredibly proud of HMS Diamond’s ship’s company, who showed an incredible amount of professionalism and bravery in the Red Sea,” Commander Evans said. “It was their actions which kept the merchant mariners in the region safe.”
Major Gemma Simister was appointed MBE for her pivotal role in leading the UK’s disaster response operations following the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye and Northern Syria. Her leadership was crucial in the safe evacuation of 2,450 individuals from Sudan as the civil war escalated.
“I feel completely overwhelmed and immensely grateful for the opportunities I was trusted with,” Major Simister said. “It is of real comfort to know that it was of value and worthwhile.”
Staff Sergeant David Murphy from the Royal Tank Regiment was also awarded an MBE for his outstanding service, regularly covering higher-ranked positions and impacting his regiment far beyond expectations.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised. As soldiers we put our everything into what we deliver, in the hope that it helps even one per cent,” he said.
In the Royal Air Force, Wing Commander Kevin Terrett received an OBE for his exceptional leadership during Operation SHADER, leading Typhoon missions across multiple continents.
“This recognition is undoubtedly shared with the remarkable men and women of II(AC) Squadron,” Wing Commander Terrett said. “They have delivered decisive combat air power across three separate continents.”
Squadron Leader Simon Bracewell, who led the UK’s Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Detachment at Erbil Air Base, was appointed MBE for his leadership in developing the base’s defence capabilities under fire.
“I am grateful for the 56 personnel who worked tirelessly under my command,” said Squadron Leader Bracewell, acknowledging his team’s dedication during the complex deployment.
These awards celebrate the professionalism, courage, and resilience of the UK’s Armed Forces, recognising their exceptional contributions in some of the most challenging environments. The full military division of the 2025 New Year’s Honours List can be found on gov.uk.
Thanks to all those who serve in our national defence. It’s clear from these award winners that their team works to achieve mighty results. Well done.
A shame, as the honours are now an utter joke. Our service members deserve better than to be lumped in with some of that lot.