1. Best Recruit: Able Seaman (Diver) Jamie Campbell, HMS Raleigh, Torpoint, Cornwall.
"Campbell made an excellent start to his Navy career, demonstrating great determination to succeed and outstanding commitment throughout training. A mature and respectful young man, he quickly grasped the concept of personal organisation and worked hard in the transition to military life.
"As Class Leader, setting a fine example to his peers, he impressed his own high standards on others and ensured remarkably high levels of kit maintenance and military bearing across his fellow recruits. Excelling in the physical arena, he made an active contribution towards all team challenges, always assisting weaker members of the team to achieve their best.
"Coupled with his mature and considered approach to the overall ability of his team, his calm leadership was instrumental in inspiring his team to succeed and leading them to win the Ganges Trophy for best class. Because of his good academic results, marksman status, and consistently impressing the Divisional Staff, he was awarded the Owen Cup for best recruit in his entry. Always upholding the Royal Navy's core values, Diver Campbell has demonstrated outstanding potential during his initial training and is a most worthy recipient of Best Recruit 2008."
Nominated by: SOIRT Raleigh (Line Management)
2. Support to the Armed Forces: Bryn and Emma Parry, and Jeremy and Francie Clarkson, Help for Heroes, Hampshire.
"In just a year of existence, Help for Heroes have changed the landscape for troops in Britain today. They have achieved nothing short of a miracle, ensuring the injured get what they need, and the serving forces get the recognition and support they truly deserve. The charity was started by cartoonist and ex-Army officer Bryn Parry, and his wife Emma. Moved to tears by the plight of the wounded on a visit to Selly Oak Hospital, they decided to do something to help and set an initial target of £20,000. Bryn and Emma recruited Jeremy Clarkson and his wife Francie as founding patrons, and they worked tirelessly to persuade the national media to take up the cause - which was integral to the charity's success.
"A year later, by 1 October 2008, with nothing more than utter determination, they have raised an astonishing £12million - or £1million for every month. Most of that money has already been distributed: the first £6million to build an urgently needed new gym and rehab pool at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre; £3.5million to Combat Stress so they can open a new wing in a treatment centre; and £500,000 to SSAFA [Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association] to build a house at Headley Court for the injured's families. Everyone from servicemen and women to royalty and celebrities and national sporting figures has committed their support to the charity - which is still entirely made up of volunteers.
"Winning a Millie would be a great way to congratulate them all."
Multiple nominations
3. Life Saver Award: Lance Corporal Jan Fourie, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Colchester, Essex.
"Lance Corporal Jan Fourie is a member of the Patrols Platoon, based at Kajaki in Afghanistan. He started the tour as a team medic and gunner, but has been elevated to the platoon's medic because of his performance. On 22 July 2008, Jan's colleague and close friend was horrifically injured, having two legs and an arm blown off by a Taliban booby trap. Under fire from Taliban machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, Jan acted swiftly, keeping his cool to give life-saving treatment to his colleague.
"He stabilised the casualty, kept him alive and ran with the casualty on his back to a quad bike, where he was relieved by the company's doctor and then the medical emergency team that arrived some time later by helicopter.
"The company doctor was stunned that he reached the casualty alive, and attributed this fact solely to Jan's decisions and actions. This is one example of Jan's contribution to the Patrols Platoon's tour in Afghanistan.
"He has regularly exceeded the skill and dedication expected of both his rank and training - he has truly set the benchmark. Jan's presence gives reassurance to those who live with the possibility of traumatic injury on every patrol; he is a pillar of their morale, which deserves public recognition."
Nominated by: Officer Commanding, Patrols Platoon, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
4. True Grit Individual: Captain Simon Cupples, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, Belfast.
"Op Palk Pechtaw in Garmsir on 7-8 September 2007 involved A (Grenadier) Company Group, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment. Captain Cupples was the OC [Officer Commanding] of 1 Platoon and had been ordered to clear two key objectives. On reaching the second, the lead section was engaged simultaneously from three enemy machine gun positions at twenty-five metres in a massive and well-planned ambush. They sustained immediate serious casualties. Capt Cupples initially moved closer to the enemy to make an assessment. The intensity of fire was unlike anything seen in the previous five months. With exceptional courage and determination and with complete disregard for his own safety, Cupples rallied his men and moved into the killing area under concentrated enemy fire in order to extract the casualties.
"At one stage, he crawled to within fifteen metres of the enemy, placing himself in front of the wounded men. From there he coordinated first aid, fire support, and suppressed the enemy with his own personal weapon. As dawn approached they were forced to withdraw; Cupples again volunteered to return to the killing area. His only thought was for his soldier, who was alone, wounded and lying within metres of the enemy. He was utterly determined not to leave him behind.
"Two of his soldiers died in the ambush, but if it were not for Capt Cupples' extraordinary determination, many more might have died."
Nominated by: Regimental Signal Officer, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment
5. True Grit Group: Royal Marine Armoured Support Group, Yeovilton, Somerset.
"The Royal Marines Armoured Support Group (ASG) are the only unit to have been operating continuously in southern Afghanistan for two years, since October 2006. Their tracked Viking vehicles are always the first into every battle, proving crucial to the protection of many hundreds of troops.
"On one operation which they led, they endured four different mine strikes - suffering nine casualties - but still insisted on completing their mission. The ASG were tasked to conduct a hasty night-time break in to the town of Sangin to relieve the British base there, using Vikings and WMIK wheeled vehicles. Approaching the target, two WMIKs hit anti-tank mines, causing two serious injuries and four minor ones. On each separate occasion, the nearest Viking crew made the instantaneous decision to extract the casualties for a helicopter evacuation, disregarding their own safety and driving up to the destroyed vehicle despite the very real threat of more mines in the area. A short time later, a Viking hit a third mine, tearing away a large section of track and causing damage to the vehicle. It was swiftly repaired by its crew and remained fully functional.
"Then, in the fourth mine strike, a second Viking hit a large anti-tank mine, causing one very serious casualty and two minor ones. The wounded needed to be extracted as quickly as possible, but it was impossible for a helicopter to land on the heavily mined ground. So one of the team (Cpl Thompson) volunteered to clear an area of ground of 100 square metres by driving his Viking up and down a strip of land to prove it was clear of mines. This was an act of incredible courage and bravery, with no thought of personal safety. With the casualties successfully extracted, the ASG went on to break into Sangin as ordered. Facing down real fear, it was an incredible feat of determination and duty."
Nominated by: 40 Commando Royal Marines
6. Best Armed Forces Animal: Treo, Arms Explosive Search Dog, 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Rutland.
"Treo, a seven-year-old Black Labrador, is one of the most exceptional Arms Explosive Search Dogs ever to serve in the British Army. He was deployed to Afghanistan in March 2008. He was the quickest dog to adapt to the extremes of temperature and as a result was immediately deployed forward to Sangin District Centre and attached to the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.
"He quickly earned the respect and trust of commanders and soldiers in Sangin and provided a vital capability which reassured all who were on patrol, accompanying as many patrols as possible - often under fire - over a six-month period.
"During these searches Treo made several significant finds, including a daisy chain series of hidden bombs, which would have undoubtedly killed or injured a significant number of personnel if it had initiated. As well as earning the unwavering respect of some of the most seasoned and battle-hardened soldiers serving in Afghanistan, Treo also helped to provide a sense of normality whilst resting back at the District Centre. He is well known within the camp and is an integral part of the small community operating in the heartland of the Taliban insurgency.
"His willingness to work, to interact with British troops and most importantly to detect the most deadly devices highlight the importance of these fantastic animals. Treo received 93 separate nominations for this award."
Nominated by: 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
7. Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine: Leading Seaman (Diver) Lee Duffy, Northern Diving Group, Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, Helensburgh.
"During his time at Northern Diving Group (NDG), 'Duffs' Duffy has without a doubt been pivotal to the success of this extremely busy operational unit.
"Although not in the front line, LS(D) Duffy's selfless devotion to duty has been above and beyond the call of duty. Engaged in peacetime UK operations, NDG have responded to over 100 requests for Explosive Ordnance Disposal assistance in Scotland and Northern England and 'Duffs' is more often than not involved as apart of the NDG dutywatch, constantly at ten minutes' notice to move.
"A father of four young children he nevertheless puts himself forward for all and any deployed jobs in the UK or abroad and, with his huge experience, is one of the most capable Number 2 Bomb Disposal operators in the RN. Whether involved in diving or supervising diving operations in Faslane to keep the UK's Strategic Nuclear Deterrent Submarines at sea or working farther afield on bomb disposal duties in places such as Orkney or Northern Ireland his tireless enthusiasm and professional knowledge have been invaluable in maintaining the military capability that NDG provide in the UK.
"Leading Rates with such a strong work ethic as Lee Duffy are rare and although his efforts will, in due course, be rewarded with promotion he is put forward for a Millie in order that his efforts are recognised here and now."
Nominated by: Commanding Officer
8. Most Outstanding Soldier: Warrant Officer Class 2 Ian Farrell, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, London.
"I would like to nominate Warrant Officer Farrell for his courage and leadership whilst serving as Company Sergeant Major of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force in Afghanistan, 2007.
"We call him 'Faz'. He is the most professional and hard-working soldier I have ever met. Overlooked in the Honours and Awards list, it was felt by the whole battalion that he at least deserved an MC [Military Cross]. During an extremely hard tour that saw them in contact with the enemy almost every day (in their first contact they expended 54,000 rounds of ammunition), Faz constantly motivated his men to go back out on the ground and face the Taliban again and again. He drained every ounce of leadership in his body, but never once lost his temper or moaned to anyone, and remained his usual laid back and charming self.
"Nobody recognises this man's efforts when he lies alone in his bed and the demons visit and that is a great shame. He has shaved his Afghan beard off now, and will soon assume the appointment of Drill Sergeant, Grenadier Guards, leading the regiment on ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace. He will be just as dutiful and professional in a bearskin as he was on the battlefield, representing what is very best about the British Army.
"If you could give him a Mille, it would be AMAZING for the man. Nobody deserves it more."
Nominated by: Comrade - his Regimental Sergeant Major
9. Most Outstanding Airman: Warrant Officer Jock MacFarlane, RAF Marham, Norfolk.
"WO MacFarlane is a member of a small band of volunteers who repatriate the bodies of deceased servicemen killed in operational theatres. These calls on his time are always random, frequently hazardous, yet carried out with quiet dignity.
"Over a 12-month period he conducted 26 journeys to repatriate 69 bodies from the two active theatres of Iraq and Afghanistan. He has supported similar tasks for Estonian and American forces. He considers his role to be an honour. Utterly dedicated to the Service, WO MacFarlane is an inspiring individual who sets the highest standards and gives of himself with total dedication.
"His sustained, selfless performance in the most testing of circumstances is entirely worthy of public recognition. He has also forged close working relationships with the local Ambulance Service and has overseen the establishment of a First Response scheme to provide volunteer first aiders to the local community.
"By his own personal leadership he has motivated and inspired a team to renovate a social facility for young, vulnerable trainees awaiting specialist training."
Nominated by: RAF Marham
10. Overcoming Adversity: Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson, 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
"On 12 September 2006 Ben Parkinson was the top-cover in a vehicle which struck a land mine in Afghanistan.
"He has been described by a member of the medical fraternity as 'the most injured soldier ever to survive'. Ben moved to Headley Court in September 2007, and began learning to walk. Initially on rather stumpy 'kneelers' he progressed quickly to far more conventional prosthetic legs and, by late August 2008, and after further operations, he is walking tall at 5' 10" [1.8m].
"Ben has become the motivating icon behind the national 'Help for Heroes' campaign to raise money for a swimming pool at Headley Court. With the support of his family, Ben has also initiated and spearheaded a successful campaign for a review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme which has resulted in dramatically improved payments for the most seriously injured servicemen and women.
"Ben Parkinson has consistently shown courage, discipline and absolute and unwavering mental and physical fortitude and determination, not only on operations but in the manner in which he has dealt with, and continues to deal with, his injuries. He is an outstanding example of the victory of inner strength over adversity."
Nominated by: Commanding Officer, 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
11. Best Unit: The Chinook Force, RAF Odiham, Hampshire
"From April 2006, the RAF's Chinook Force has been permanently deployed in Afghanistan; aircraft and crews operating in extreme environmental conditions, at the limit of performance, in black nights, against a sophisticated enemy and frequently under intense hostile fire.
"By revolutionising the way that it operates and maintains its aircraft, the Chinook Force has been able to provide 100% more deployed aircraft and 54% more flying in the past two years. This has allowed the carriage of 82,316 troops, 6,188 tonnes of food, ammunition, water and fuel, and extraction of 1,976 casualties in the life-saving 'golden hour' this year.
"Figures alone cannot describe the raw determination and courage of the men and women of the Chinook Force, and the unique empathy that they have with our ground forces, whose lives often depend on them. A prized Taliban target, the Chinook is shot at regularly and its role often places it in harm's way; nearly every crewman has engaged the enemy at whites-of-the-eyes range.
"A Chinook delivering a valuable under-slung load was recently hit by a rocket propelled grenade which passed through the rotor pylon, leaving football-sized holes in the aircraft and rotors, but did not prevent the task from being completed. On call 24-hours-a-day with specialist Medical Emergency Response Teams, the Force reacts to an average of four crash-outs a day.
"The Chinook Force directly enables the relentless and ruthless pursuit of the enemy across the deserts, mountains and seasons; the unmistakable chest thumping of the Chinook's rotors at speed is as motivating to soldiers on the ground as it is unwelcome to the Taliban - the determination and grit of the Chinook Force is vital to the support to our troops on operations today."
Nominated by: RAF Odiham
12. Judges' Award for Special Recognition: To be awarded to a unit, group, serviceman, servicewoman or civilian for a unique and extraordinary contribution to the defence of the nation.
Joint Winners - 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Colchester, Essex, and Christine Bonner, Cambridgeshire.
Nominated by: The personal gift of the Judges. Presented by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.