The Sun Military Awards

Last updated

The Sun Military Awards
Sponsored by The Sun
Location Hampton Court Palace (2008)
Imperial War Museum (2009–12)
National Maritime Museum (2013–14)
Guildhall (2015–2017)
Banqueting House (2018-)
CountryUnited Kingdom
Hosted by Tess Daly (2008)
Phillip Schofield (2009–14)
Amanda Holden (2009–14)
Tom Bradby (2015)
Lorraine Kelly (2016–)
First awarded2008
Television/radio coverage
Network Sky1 (2008)
ITV (2009–14)
Forces TV (2015–)
Runtime90 minutes (inc. adverts)

The Sun Military Awards (televised as A Night of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards since 2009) is an annual awards ceremony which honours members of the British armed forces and civilians involved with the forces. The awards are organised and sponsored by The Sun newspaper. [1] The award trophies are designed and hand-made by British Silversmith and porcelain designer Kerry O'Connor. [2]

Contents

During the televised ceremony, awards known as "Millies" are given out. The awards and their recipients are chosen by a select panel of ten judges, made up of national figures and military chiefs. Nominees of all but one of the categories are selected by the general public, with the remaining category winner chosen by the judges. [1]

The first ceremony aired on Sky1 and was hosted by Tess Daly, but from 2009 until 2014, the awards were televised on ITV and are presented by Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden. It currently airs on Forces TV.

Ceremonies

YearPresenterBroadcasterLocation
2008 Tess Daly Sky1 Hampton Court Palace
2009 Phillip Schofield
Amanda Holden
ITV Imperial War Museum
2010
2011
2012
2013 National Maritime Museum
2014
2015 Tom Bradby Forces TV Guildhall
2016 Lorraine Kelly
2017 Banqueting House, Whitehall
2018
2019

2008

The 2008 award ceremony was presented by Tess Daly, taking place on 16 December at Hampton Court Palace [3] and was aired on Sky1 before Christmas that year.

AwardDetailsRecipient(s)
Best recruit For a young recruit, of any rank and service, who has demonstrated outstanding potential in initial training. Able Seaman Jamie Campbell
Best Armed Forces AnimalFor the most remarkable service from a service animal; to recognise the vital role of animals in the forces; on operations, during ceremonial duties or at home. Treo and Corporal Dave Heyhoe
Life Saver AwardFor a service individual, whether a member of the medical chain or not, who has performed an extraordinary life-saving act) Lance Corporal Jan Fourie
Most Outstanding Airman For the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the RAF over the last year. Warrant Officer Jack MacFarlane
True Grit: GroupFor a small unit or group of men or women from any service who have together performed a single act of true grit – through courage, determination or self-sacrifice – be it on or off duty. Royal Marines Armoured Support Group
Support to the Armed ForcesFor a civilian, a civil servant, a contractor or just an ordinary member of the public, who has provided invaluable help to the Armed Forces.Bryn Parry, Emma Parry, Jeremy and Francie Clarkson; Help For Heroes
Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine For the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Royal Navy or Royal Marines over the past year. Leading Seaman Lee Duffy
Most Outstanding SoldierFor the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Army over the past year. WO2 Ian Farrell
True Grit: IndividualFor an individual serviceman or woman who has performed a single act of true grit – through courage, determination or self-sacrifice – be it on or off duty. Captain Simon Cupples
Overcoming Adversity To recognise individuals who have suffered injury or illness, and yet have overcome their significant difficulties with fortitude. Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson
Best UnitThe winner of this award can either be a major or minor unit that has excelled consistently over the year, for example with notable achievements on an operational deployment. The Chinook Force
Judge's Award for Special RecognitionFor outstanding service by an individual or group, and not recognised elsewhere.Christine Bonner
2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

2009

The 2009 award ceremony took place on 15 December 2009, and was broadcast on ITV on 21 December at 9pm. Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden were the presenters for the first time.

The judges included John Terry, Jeremy Clarkson, Kelly Holmes, Ross Kemp and four ex-Service chiefs. [4]

AwardRecipient(s)
Overcoming AdversityMarine Ben McBean, 40 Commando Royal Marines, Plymouth, Devon
Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine Able Seaman Medical Assistant Kate Nesbitt MC, attached to 1st Battalion, The Rifles, Plymouth, Devon
Most Outstanding SoldierCorporal Mark Powis MC, 1st Battalion The Rifles, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Most Outstanding Airman Flight Lieutenant John Walmsley, RAF Odiham, from Edinburgh
Best ReservistAble Seaman Edmund Grandison, HMS Forward, Royal Naval Reserve, from Tyseley, Birmingham
Support to the Armed ForcesThe town of Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire
Life Saver AwardCorporal Carl Thomas, 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, Liverpool
True Grit Home Acting Chief Petty Officer David Rigg, Fleet Air Arm, RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall
True Grit OverseasSergeant Andrew McNulty, 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, Catterick, North Yorkshire
Best UnitThe 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, Ballykinler, Northern Ireland
Judges' Award for Special RecognitionJoint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group & Afghan Heroes

2010

The 2010 award ceremony was televised on ITV, on 20 December 2010. [5] [6] The ceremony was presented by Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield.

AwardRecipient(s)
Overcoming AdversityCorporal Andy Reid, 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment
Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine Sergeant Major Buck Ryan, 40 Commando
Most Outstanding Soldier Warrant Officer II Karl Ley, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment RLC
Most Outstanding AirmanFlight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, No. 27 Squadron RAF
Best ReservistSquadron Leader Sarah Charter
Support to the Armed ForcesDenny Wise
Life Saver AwardCorporal Ricky Fergusson, 4th Battalion, The Rifles
True GritSergeant Keith Best, RAF Search and Rescue Force
Best Unit 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment
Judges' Awards for Special RecognitionHeroes of Sangin
RAF Bomber Command

2011

The 2011 award ceremony took place at the Imperial War Museum on 19 December 2011 and was televised on ITV, on 21 December 2011, at 8.30pm. It was hosted by Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield.

The winners were: [7]

AwardRecipient(s)
Overcoming AdversityPrivate Scott Meenagh, 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment
Most Outstanding Sailor or MarinePetty Officer Aircrewman Mike Henson, HMS St Albans
Most Outstanding SoldierSergeant Ryan McReady, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment
Most Outstanding AirmanFlight Lieutenant Michael Anderson, RAF Odiham
Best ReservistAir Engineering Technician Michelle Ping, Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch
Support to the Armed ForcesWalking with the Wounded
Life Saver Award RAF Tactical Medical Wing
True GritPrivate Lee Stephens, 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment
Best Unit 42 Commando Royal Marines
Judges' Special Award HMS Liverpool
Judges' Special Award RAF Search and Rescue

2012

The 2012 award ceremony was again held at the Imperial War Museum on 6 December 2012 and was televised on ITV, on 15 December 2012 at 9pm and were hosted by Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield.

AwardRecipient(s)
Overcoming AdversityCaptain Si Maxwell, Royal Marines
Most Outstanding Sailor or MarineCorporal Justin Morgan, Royal Marines, 771 Naval Air Squadron
Most Outstanding SoldierLance Corporal Sean Jones, 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
Most Outstanding AirmanSergeant Roy Geddes, No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment
Best ReservistPrivate Simon Sunderland, Royal Logistic Corps
Support to the Armed ForcesNikki Scott, founder "Scotty's Little Soldiers"
Life Saver AwardLance Corporal Hayley Ridgeway, 1st Battalion, The Rifles
True GritCorporal Oliver Kennedy, 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
Best Unit 3rd Battalion, The Rifles
Judges' Special AwardComplex Trauma Team, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court
Judges' Special AwardOperation Olympics (military contribution to 2012 London Olympic Games)

2013

The 2013 award ceremony took place at the National Maritime Museum on 11 December and was televised on ITV on 16 December from 9pm. The ceremony was once again hosted by Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield.

AwardRecipient(s)
Overcoming AdversityCorporal Josh Boggi, Royal Engineers
Most Outstanding Sailor or MarinePetty Officer (Naval Nurse) Emily McCullough, Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service
Most Outstanding SoldierRifleman Josh Dodds, B Company, 4th Battalion, The Rifles
Most Outstanding AirmanSergeant Anna Irwin, 18 (Bomber) Squadron RAF
Best ReservistLance Corporal Keith Mallon, Royal Yeomanry
Support to the Armed ForcesFamilies' Activity Breaks charity
Life Saver AwardSergeant Rachael Robinson, 22 Squadron, RAF Search and Rescue Force
Best Unit 904 Expeditionary Air Wing, Tornado Detachment
Judges' Awards for Special RecognitionVeterans of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Camp Bastion's Support to Operations personnel

2014

The 2014 award ceremony took place at the National Maritime Museum on in December and was televised on ITV on 18 December from 8.30pm. The ceremony was hosted by Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield.

Four specially created awards marked the end of combat operations in Afghanistan, with the recipients chosen from previous winners of awards. [8]

AwardRecipient(s)
The Fire-fight 42 Commando Royal Marines
The Bomb Hunters Warrant Officer II Karl Ley, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment RLC
The Life SaversFlight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, No. 27 Squadron RAF; Air Engineering Technician Michelle Ping, Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch
Brothers in Arms 3rd Battalion, The Rifles
Support to the Armed ForcesMy Daddy is a Soldier Adventures
Hero Abroad HMS Illustrious
Home-Front HeroCorporal Daniel Botterell, 36 Engineer Regiment
Judges' Awards for Special Recognition Commonwealth War Graves Commission

2015

The 2015 awards took place at Guildhall, London and were presented by Tom Bradby.[ citation needed ]

Award<Recipient(s)
Most Outstanding SoldierMajor Andrew Todd, 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles
Best ReservistMajor Henry Dowlen, Royal Marines Reserves, London
Overcoming AdversityFormer Lance Corporal Dean Bousfield, Royal Army Medical Corps (Veteran)
Judges' Award for Special RecognitionThe Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force
Support to the Armed ForcesPilgrim Bandits
Most Outstanding Sailor or MarinePetty Officer Seamen Specialist Luke Hallis, HMS Clyde
Judge's Award for Special RecognitionThe Invictus Games Foundation
Most Outstanding AirmenSergeant Michael Beamish, 1564 Flight, 905 EAW.
Best Unit Award HMS Bulwark

2016

The 2016 awards were presented by Lorraine Kelly on 14 December. They were televised on Forces TV.

AwardRecipient(s)
Hero at Home Unit 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment RLC
Judges' Special Recognition 2nd Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment

2017

The 2017 awards were presented by Lorraine Kelly for the second time. The event took place on 13 December and were televised on Forces TV.

AwardRecipient(s)
Hero at Home - IndividualLieutenant Jared Bambridge, 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, Army
Best ReservistCorporal Phillip Keogh, 335 Medical Evacuation Regiment, Army
Hero at Home - UnitSouthern Diving Unit 2, Royal Navy
Overcoming AdversityFormer Senior Aircraftman Luke Wigman, RAF Regiment, RAF and former Captain Ibi Ali, The Yorkshire Regiment, Army
Hero Overseas – IndividualLeading Seaman Sally Hughes, HMS Dragon, Royal Navy
Hero Overseas – UnitUK Reaper Squadron, RAF
Inspiring OthersSPEAR 17, Army
Innovation AwardWarrant Officer Paul Moonan, Royal Navy
Judges’ Award for Special RecognitionOperation Ruman
Support to the Armed ForcesVeterans with Dogs

2018

The 2018 awards were presented by Lorraine Kelly for the third time. The event took place on 13 December and were televised on Forces TV. [9]

AwardRecipient(s)
Hero at Home - IndividualCdr Andrew Parkinson, Commanding Officer Navy Combined Cadet Force
Best ReservistCpl Isabell Hutchinson, 299 Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers
Hero at Home - UnitJoint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Task Force
Hero Overseas – IndividualLCpl Chris May, LCpl Dean Priestley, Tpr Stuart Finlay, Tpr Ross Woodward, Tpr James Astbury, Tpr Zak Davidson
Hero Overseas – UnitHMS Daring
Inspiring OthersMajor Scotty Mills, Royal Marines
Innovation AwardDefence Science and Technology Laboratory – Sepsis research
Support to the Armed ForcesThere But Not There

2019

The 2019 awards were presented by Lorraine Kelly for the fourth time. The event was televised on Forces TV. [10]

AwardRecipient(s)
Judges Special Award Royal British Legion and D-Day veterans
Hero at Home - IndividualLance Corporal Craig Daniel
Best ReservistLieutenant Commander Tracey MacSephney
Hero at Home - Unit 18 and 27 Squadron, RAF Odiham
Hero Overseas – IndividualFlight Lieutenant Aaron Kerry
Hero Overseas – Unit HMS Argyll
Inspiring OthersPrivate Fin Doherty
Innovation AwardScar Free Foundation
Supporting the Armed ForcesAll Call Signs
Overcoming AdversityRifleman Craig Monaghan

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