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ACP 3

HEADQUARTERS AIR CADETS

HONOURS AND AWARDS

4TH EDITION

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HONOURS AND AWARDS – NOTES FOR GUIDANCE

1. This booklet is for the guidance of staff concerned with the compilation and
submission of recommendations for honours and awards.

2. Men and women are equally eligible for honours and awards and the use of the
masculine in this booklet should be read as including the feminine unless otherwise
indicated.

OBJECT OF HONOURS AND AWARDS

3. Honours and awards are intended as means of recognising service of outstanding

merit which has been rendered beyond the normal demands of duty. All Air Cadet
Organisation personnel are expected to conform to high standards of service and efficiency
and in most cases advancement within the Corps must be regarded as a normal reward for
those individuals who are exceptionally hard working and efficient. Consequently only
services which are of absolutely outstanding merit can be considered for recognition in
Honours Lists. However, it is necessary to review periodically all personnel concerned to
ensure outstanding service does not go unrewarded.

STANDARDS

4. Competition for honours and awards is intense and the qualities required in nominees
are extremely high. It is essential that great care is taken in selecting personnel to be
recommended for honours and awards and that every effort is made to ensure that there is
nothing in their past which renders them unsuitable to receive an honour or award. Citations
must be complete and accurate in every detail and the standard of their presentation
impeccable.

AWARDS AVAILABLE

5. At Annexes A and B to this booklet is a schedule for the awards including eligibility,
channels and dates of submission.

RANGE OF STATE HONOURS AND AWARDS AVAILABLE TO AIR CADET

PERSONNEL

6. The honours and awards for which HQ Air Cadets may make recommendations in the
half-yearly Honours Lists are:

a. Within the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Recommendations

may be made for both the Military and Civil divisions of this order as follows:

(1) Commander (CBE). Senior members of the Air Cadet Council are
eligible for this honour.

(2) Officer (OBE). Those eligible include wing commanders RAFVR(T),

members of the Air Cadet Council, wing representative chairmen, chairmen of
2 or more large squadron committees and regional chaplains.

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(3) Member (MBE). Those eligible include RAFVR(T) officers of squadron

leader rank and below, SNCO/WO (ATC), CIs, squadron committee chairmen
and members, wing and squadron chaplains, honorary medical and dental
officers.

b. Flying Awards. Although awards for gallantry, exceptional valour, courage or

devotion to duty whilst flying (though not on active operations against an enemy) may
be made to the Corps’ members they will not be dealt with in these notes.
Commanding Officers of air experience flights and gliding schools who believe that
there is justification for such a recommendation are to consult PSO, HQ Air Cadets.

COMMENDATIONS BY CAS, CinC and AOC 22Gp

7. CAS’s Commendations. These are awarded coincidentally with the Birthday and
New Year Honours Lists and are available to RAF and RAuxAF personnel of sqn ldr rank
and below, paid state servants of C grade and below, RAFVR(T) officers of sqn ldr rank and
below, SNCO/WO (ATC), CIs and civilian members of the Corps. CAS will personally
approve Commendations awarded in his name from a shortlist provided by a joint Awards
Committee. The Awards Committee will consider direct nominations for CAS’s
Commendation and, where appropriate, unsuccessful nominations for State Awards and the
very best citations for awards of CinC’s Commendations. About 10 CAS Commendations in
total will be awarded each year to RAF airmen/airwomen, RAF SNCOs and ACO
SNCO/WOs (ATC). A further 3 will be awarded to civilians (all permissible grades inclusive)
and 3 for officers (all permissible ranks inclusive). Recommendations for CAS
Commendations may be initiated only by Rgnl Comdts or by HQAC for VGS and CCF
personnel.

8. CinC’s Commendations. These are awarded coincidentally with the Birthday and
New Year Honours List and are available to RAF Personnel, paid state servants, RAFVR(T)
officers of flt lt rank and below, SNCO/WO (ATC), CIs and civilian members of the Corps.
Normally, the CinC will consider one candidate in each category and those who do not
qualify for this award may be considered for the Comdt AC’s Commendation at the Mar or
Sep Air Cadet awards.

9. AOC 22Gp Commendations. These are awarded coincidentally with the Birthday
and New Year Honours Lists and are available to airmen/airwomen, state servants not of
officer status, SNCO/WO (ATC), CIs and all volunteer civilian members of the Corps. Those
who are not selected may be considered for the Comdt AC’s Commendation at the Mar or
Sep Air Cadets Awards. Normally, the AOC will award his Commendation to a maximum of
2 personnel in each of the aforementioned categories.

10. Procedure. Recommendations for State Awards and Commendations are to be

made in accordance with the Guidance contained in the Calling Notice sent by PSO in May
and Nov each year. The Calling Notice includes electronic links to the current versions of
forms to be used. Submissions on incorrect forms will be rejected.

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DEFENCE COUNCIL LETTERS OF APPRECIATION

11. Defence Council Letters of Appreciation (DCLAs). DCLAs are awarded twice
yearly; in Spring and Autumn, to a maximum of 12 adult staff members, including civilian
committee members. Recommendations may be submitted up to a maximum of 3 months
after a candidate has left the Corps but all recommendations are normally to bear a date not
earlier than 4 weeks before that on which they are due to reach HQ Air Cadets.
Recommendations are not acceptable for the following personnel:

a. Those who have already received a DCLA.

b. Persons who have already been awarded an OBE, MBE or BEM.

c. Persons whom it is intended to recommend for a state award in the current

year.

Recommendations for DCLA in the format of Annex C are to be submitted to HQAC (DPSO)
electronically and should be accompanied by a draft DCLA in the form shown at Appendix 1
to Annex C.

AIR CADET ORGANISATION AWARDS

12. Commandant’s Commendation. The Comdt AC’s Commendations are awarded

annually in Mar and Sep to all adult volunteer staff and civilian committee members. Any
recommendations for CinC and AOC 22Gp Commendations which were turned down at the
New Years and Birthday Honours Lists will be considered for a Comdt AC’s Commendation
at the appropriate time. Submissions for Comdt AC’s Commendations are to be made to
Rgnl HQs where the Rgnl Comdts are the deciding authority on the award. A nominal roll in
accordance with Annex D is to be forwarded to HQAC.

13. Commandant’s Certificate of Good Service. The Commandant’s Certificate of

Good Service may be awarded as follows:

a. ATC. All ATC cadets may be nominated for the Commandant’s Certificate of
Good Service. Rgnl Comdts are the deciding authority on the award and only a
nominal roll of those to be honoured is to be forwarded to HQAC, as per Annex D.

b. CCF (RAF). The Commandant’s Certificate of Good Service is also available

to air cadets in the Combined Cadet Force. Recommendations are to be submitted as
per Annex D and are to arrive at HQAC (Sqn Ldr CCF) by 1 Feb and 1 Aug
respectively.

14. The Commandant’s Special Commendation. This may be awarded for individual
acts of bravery or outstanding service by cadets and adult staff of the ATC and the CCF.
Recommendations may be made at any time in the format shown at Annex E.

15. Commandant’s Certificate of Long Service. All adult ATC non-uniformed staff are
eligible for the Commandant’s Certificate of Long Service on completion of 12, 24 and 36
years’ service to the Corps, subject to the conditions set out in Annexes F and G.
Recommendations may be made at any time.

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16. Royal Humane Society Awards. The Society considers applications for awards to
personnel who have taken part in rescues or attempted rescues and the details are given at
Annex H. ATC personnel who have been awarded a Society Medal may wear the
appropriate ribbon on the right breast of their uniforms.

17. The Guinea Pig Prize. Details of this Prize are given at Annex I. It is to be noted that
the Prize may be awarded annually. All recipients of the Commandant’s Special
Commendation (see para 14 above) will automatically be considered for the Prize in the
current year but recommendation may otherwise be made, through Wing and Regional HQ to
the Comdt AC. The Prize will not be awarded in any year where the necessary high
standards are not met.

ELIGIBILITY AND TIMING OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HONOURS AND AWARDS

18. Annex A deals with Honours and Awards submissions for RAFVR(T) and civilian
volunteer personnel, scheduling the type of award, the category of personnel eligible , the
channel of submission and the dates due. Part I deals with RAFVR(T) submissions and Part
II with civilian volunteer staff, including those for SNCO/WOs (ATC).

19. Annex B provides schedules of honours available to RAF personnel and paid state
servants. It should be noted that recommendations for state awards are submitted by HQ Air
Cadets to the CinC Air Cmd who may, as he deems appropriate, forward the
recommendations to MOD with his own endorsement. For this reason recommendations for
RAF personnel and paid state servants are to be submitted to HQ Air Cadets earlier than
those for volunteers.

TIMING OF SUBMISSIONS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

20. Commanding Officers recommending a candidate for an honour or award are to sign
the citation on a date not earlier than 4 weeks before it is due to reach HQ Air Cadets.

21. Changes in Circumstances. If a candidate for an honour or award dies, or becomes

involved in disciplinary action or if any other situation arises which brings the
recommendation into question, the facts are to be reported immediately to HQ Air Cadets
(PSO). Personal particulars of all candidates are to be kept under continuous review while
recommendations are under consideration. Changes in address or other circumstances are
to be notified immediately to HQ Air Cadets (PSO).

22. End of Service Recommendations. The rule is that a candidate should be honoured
while he is still performing the services for which recognition is proposed. As this is not
always possible, it is permissible to nominate a candidate for the list immediately following
his retirement and this nomination will be regarded as his last chance. Recommendations for
honours and awards submitted after the last chance period has elapsed, will be considered
in only very exceptional circumstances.

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COUNTING OF PREVIOUS SERVICE IN ANOTHER CATEGORY

23. Infrequently a nomination is made in respect of a candidate with relatively short

service in his current appointment but with earlier long service in some other capacity eg.
Committee members with 4 or 5 years service having previous long service in the RAFVR(T).

24. All candidates for honours and awards will be in competition in their current category
and, although previous service will be taken into account, it is to be borne in mind that
candidates will have been considered for honours and awards during such previous service
and cannot use it again in order to give them an unfair advantage over their present
colleagues. Another consideration is that an award currently recommended may be
inappropriate to the level of work and responsibility to which the candidate had been
subjected in his earlier career.

CITATION WRITING

25. Many hundreds of recommendations for honours and awards are received at
Government level in respect of each list and these are screened several times before the
authority responsible makes the final recommendation to Her Majesty the Queen. Obviously,
if a recommendation is to survive the filtering process, it must be convincing. A recital of
routine work, however, well done and for however long, is not enough. Originating officers
should consider the following:

a. A candidate must have distinguished himself among his fellows not only by
long service, hard work or inspired leadership but also by proven achievements.

b. Simple honest expressions are more effective than resounding empty phrases.
The originating officer is to clearly convey his reasons for the recommendation and his
conviction that the honour is fully merited.

c. Length of Citation. Narrative citations are to be concise but adequate

supporting and illustrative details should be included. Particular note should be taken
of the maximum words permitted for each type of award.

RECOMMENDATION FOR STATE HONOURS AND AWARDS RAFVR(T) PERSONNEL

26. Nominations for State Awards for RAFVR(T) personnel are to be submitted in
accordance with the Calling Notice sent out electronically by HQ Air Cadets (PSO).

RECOMMENDATION FOR STATE HONOURS FOR CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

27. Nominations for State Awards for Civilian Personnel are to be submitted in
accordance with the Calling Notice sent out electronically by HQ Air Cadets (PSO). It is
important that the personal details are accurately and correctly completed.

PREPARATION AND DISPATCH OF CITATIONS

28. The following points are to be observed in regard to the production of citations:

a. Arial black font (12 point).

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b. The format is to conform to the rules for Defence Writing in displacement and
balance. Paragraphs are not to be numbered.

c. Citations are to be contained within a single form or proforma and, where they
are lengthy, they are to be wholly produced on the reverse with remarks “see overleaf”
inserted above the signature.

d. Hard copies of citations are to be printed back-to-back. Single-side

submissions will not be accepted by HQ Air Command and will therefore be rejected
by HQ AC.

29. Preparation of Recommendations. Instructions for the completion of citation forms

are given in the respective annexes. The following instructions for handling and preparing
recommendations are to be observed:

a. Citations and continuation sheets (if any) are not to be pinned or stapled
together.

b. Paper clips may be used to hold citations together provided a thin card is folded
over the edge of the papers to prevent damage when the clip is attached or removed.

c. A piece of plain thin paper is to be used to separate citations to prevent

smudging; this is particularly important when recommendations are being assembled
for dispatch.

d. Citations are not to be creased or folded.

e. Citations are to bear the privacy marking “Restricted – Honours”. This is

printed on certain forms and is not to be overstamped.

30. Priorities. Where Regional Commandants submit more than one recommendation in
a particular category of honours and awards, they are to state their order of priority.

31. Dispatch of Recommendations. Papers relating to the submission of

recommendations ie. Covering letters, are to be carefully assembled and protected against
damage. The documents are to be held between 2 pieces of stiff cardboard and are to be
secured by use of 2 envelopes. The inner envelope is to contain all the documents and is to
be addressed for the personal attention of OC Wing or Regional Commandant as the case
may be. Submissions to HQ Air Cadets are to be marked “For the Personal Attention of and
to be opened only by PSO or DPSO”. The outer envelope is not to bear a privacy marking
and is to be addressed to the Headquarters concerned.

32. Submission Dates for Recommendations. The dates for submissions of all
categories of honours and awards are set out in the schedules at Annexes A and B but will
be confirmed electronically by HQ Air Cades (PSO) in the standard Calling Notice.

33. Where appropriate, nil returns are to be submitted to the next higher formation by the
date that the submissions are due. They are to be marked “Restricted – Honours” and
handled accordingly.

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34. Ceilings for Recommendations. There are no quotas for honours and awards as
such but only a limited number of awards are available in certain categories (see paras 7 and
8).

ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARDS

35. Military Honours Lists are published several days before the official announcement
date ie. Sovereign’s Official Birthday or New Year’s Day as appropriate. Civilian lists are not
published in advance and although recommending authorities may be informed of their
successes one or 2 days in advance, the only comprehensive list is that published in
newspapers such as The Times, The Daily Telegraph etc.

36. Announcement to the Recipient. Generally, the Comdt AC will be authorised to

inform recipients of their awards on the day before that on which the public announcement is
to be made and will send a personal message whenever possible.

INVESTITURES AND PRESENTATIONS

37. An Award is not processed until the recipient’s name has been published in the
London Gazette and for this reason there is a delay between the announcement of the award
and the date of investiture or presentation. Awards will normally be presented at a Royal
Investiture. Recipients of honours will be instructed in good time about investitures (see para
39).

38. Defence Council Letters of Appreciation will normally be dispatched to HQ Air Cadets
and then sent onwards to Regional Commandants for presentation. CinC’s, AOC 22Gp
Commendations, Commandant AC Commendations and Certificates of Good and Long
Service will be sent by HQ Air Cadets to Regional Commandants for presentation.

39. Investitures. The insignia of the OBE and the MBE are presented to the recipients at
investitures held at Buckingham Palace but such awards to personnel serving in overseas
squadrons may be made by the representative of the Sovereign in that area. Travel by land
at public expense as for a duty journey will be allowed for personnel summoned to attend
investitures or presentations. Additionally, standard rail travel may be reimbursed to 2
relatives or friends who are given tickets of admission to witness a presentation of the
decorations at Buckingham Palace.

Annexes:

A. Eligibility, Channels and Dates of Submission – RAFVR(T) & Civilian Volunteers.

B. Eligibility, Channels and Dates of Submission – RAF Personnel & Civilians.
C. Recommendation for Defence Council Letter of Appreciation.
D. Commandant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service and Good Conduct – Nominal Roll.
E. Recommendation for Commandant’s Special Commendations.
F. Recommendation for the Certificate of Long Service 12 or 24 Years.
G. Recommendation for the Certificate of Long Service 36+ Years.
H. Royal Humane Society Awards.
I. Recommendation for the Guinea Pig Prize.

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Distribution:

All ACRHQs
All Wing HQs
ACCGS
All VGSs
All AEFs
ATF
COS AC
Wg Cdr CCF
Wg Cdr Flying
PSO
DPSO

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ANNEX A

HONOURS AND AWARDS

ELIGIBILITY, CHANNELS AND DATES OF SUBMISSION

PART 1 – RAFVR(T)

SERIAL AWARD CATEGORY OF CHANNELS NO OF COPIES DATE DUE

CANDIDATE HQAC*
REGION HQ AC
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
1 OBE RAFVR(T) Wg Cdrs ATC: ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 Feb
CCF: Wg Cdr CCF 1 Aug
2 MBE RAFVR(T) Plt Off to ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQAC 1 1 1 Feb
Sqn Ldr (incl) CCF: Headmaster, HQAC 1 Aug
3 DCLA All RAFVR(T) officers ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 May
CCF: Headmaster, HQ AC 1 Nov
4 CAS All RAFVR(T) officers ATC: ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 Aug
Commendation of Sqn Ldr and below CCF: Wg Cdr CCF
5 CinC RAFVR(T) officers of ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation Flt Lt and below CCF: Contingent Commander, HQ AC 1 Aug
6 Comdt AC All RAFVR(T) officers ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation CCF: Contingent Commander, HQ AC 1 Aug
7 Comdt AC’s All RAFVR(T) officers ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 Anytime
“Special” CCF: Contingent Commander, HQ AC
Commendation
for Acts of
Bravery

* Dates may be subject to change at short notice.

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PART 2 – CIVILIAN VOLUNTEER PERSONNEL

SERIAL AWARD CATEGORY OF CHANNELS NO OF COPIES DATE DUE

CANDIDATE HQAC*
REGION HQ AC
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
1 CBE Member of Air Cadet HQ AC to Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
Council 1 Aug
2 OBE Member of Air Cadet HQ AC to Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
Council 1 Aug
Wg Representative ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd - 1
Chairman
Chairman of 2 or more Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1
large Sqn Committees
Regional Chaplain Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1
3 MBE Sqn Committee Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
Chairmen & Members 1 Aug
Wing & Sqn Chaplains Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd
Honorary Medical & Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd
Dental Officers
WOs (ATC) Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1
CIs Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd
Voluntary Welfare Wg HQ, ARCHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd
Staff
4 DCLA Civilian, Volunteers of Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 May
all categories, 1 Nov
includes CIs,
WO/SNCO (ATC)
5 CAS Civilian Volunteers of Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation all categories, 1 Aug
includes CIs,
WO/SNCO (ATC)
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SERIAL AWARD CATEGORY OF CHANNELS NO OF COPIES DATE DUE
CANDIDATE HQAC*
REGION HQ AC
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
6 CinC Civilian Volunteers of Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation all categories, 1 Aug
includes CIs,
WO/SNCO (ATC)
7 AOC 22Gp Trg Civilian Volunteers of Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation all categories, 1 Aug
includes CIs,
WO/SNCO (ATC)
8 Comdt AC All volunteer adult ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation (uniformed and CCF: Contingent Commander, HQ AC 1 Aug
civilian) members of
the Corps
9 Comdt AC All ATC Cadets ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 1 Feb
Certificate of All CCF (RAF) Cadets CCF: Contingent Commander, HQ AC 1 Aug
Good Service
10 Comdt AC’s All volunteer adult ATC: Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 Anytime
“Special” staff and cadets CCF: Contingent Commander, HQ AC
Commendation
for Acts of
Bravery/Out-
standing
Service
11 Comdt AC’s All volunteer adult Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 Anytime
Certificate of non-uniformed ATC
Long Service staff
after 12 or 24
Years
12 Comdt AC’s All volunteer adult Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC 1 1 Anytime (For
Certificate of staff Cranwell
Long Service Presentation)
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SERIAL AWARD CATEGORY OF CHANNELS NO OF COPIES DATE DUE
CANDIDATE HQAC*
REGION HQ AC
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
after 36+ Years

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ANNEX B

HONOURS AND AWARDS

ELIGIBILITY, CHANNELS AND DATES OF SUBMISSION

PART 1 – RAF PERSONNEL

SERIAL AWARD CATEGORY OF CHANNELS NO OF COPIES DATE DUE

CANDIDATE HQAC*
REGION HQ AC
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
1 MBE Sqn Ldr and below Via Command Chain to Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
1 Aug
2 CAS Sqn Ldr and below Via Command Chain to Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
Commendation Airmen & Airwomen of 1 Aug
all ranks
3 CinC Airmen & Airwomen of Via Command Chain to Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
Commendation all ranks 1 Aug
4 AOC 22Gp Trg Airmen & Airwomen of Via Command Chain to Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
Commendation all ranks 1 Aug

* Dates may be subject to change at short notice.

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HONOURS AND AWARDS
ELIGIBILITY, CHANNELS AND DATES OF SUBMISSION

PART 2 – PAID CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

SERIAL AWARD CATEGORY OF CHANNELS NO OF COPIES DATE DUE

CANDIDATE HQAC*
REGION HQ AC
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
1 OBE RO (Prin) HQ AC, Air Cmd - 1 1 Feb
Rgnl Comdt 1 Aug
2 MBE C1 and below Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
(includes RO1 – RO3) 1 Aug
3 CAS C2 and below ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation 1 Aug
4 CinC E1 and lower grades Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQ AC, Air Cmd 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation 1 Aug
5 Comdt AC’s E1 and lower grades Wg HQ, ACRHQ, HQAC 1 1 1 Feb
Commendation 1 Aug

* Dates may be subject to change at short notice.

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GENERAL NOTES ON CIVILIAN STATE AND NON-STATE AWARDS

1. Contenders for both civilian State and Non-State awards are in direct competition with
civilians from all other walks of life unlike members of the Armed Forces who compete
against each other within the Military Division of each list.

2. Individuals nominated for awards should be of irreproachable character and conduct

and will be judged, primarily, on the quality and length of service. However, this should not
preclude the consideration of a candidate who has produced an outstanding performance on
a special project or in particularly arduous or hazardous conditions.

3. Sponsors should note that as it is rare for a first submission to be successful it is

important that long serving candidates have sufficient remaining service to allow for at least 3
submissions before retirement. One-off valedictory submissions are rarely successful.

4. Finally, when considering recommendations for the award of the MBE it is important
that those who formerly would have been eligible for the BEM are not overlooked. Therefore,
when assessing an individual’s contribution it is necessary to measure it against the standard
expected of the grade/appointment, rather than against a single standard applied to all
grades/appointments eligible for the award of the MBE. With this in mind, sponsors are
requested to ensure that all those from the old style BEM ranks who merit consideration, are
put forward.

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ANNEX C

RECOMMENDATION FOR DEFENCE COUNCIL LETTER OF APPRECIATION

Rank (if applicable): (3)

First Name(s): (1) Surname: (2)

Decorations Held: (4) Service No/CIN (if applicable):

Unit: (1) Date of Birth: (3)

Wing: (1) Date of previous recommendation for

State Award or Letter of
Appointment: (3) Appreciation: (3)

Date of Appointment: (3) Whether it is proposed to recommend

The person concerned for a State Award:
Length of Adult Service with ATC/CCF: (5) YES/NO

Comprising: Full Home Address including post code:

CI from to (3)

WO (ATC) from to (3)

RAFVR(T) from to (3)

Service to Corps in other capacities:

As from to (3)

As from to (3)

As from to (3)

Description of Special Service: (6)

NOTE: The Defence Council wish to receive a comprehensive history of the Candidate’s
ATC service, with emphasis on special achievements.

Signed
Initials and Name (2)
Rank (1)
Date (3) Appointment (1)

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Remarks by Regional Commandant:

Group Captain
Regional Commandant
Date (1) ( (1) ) Region

Remarks by Commandant Air Cadets:

Air Commodore
Commandant
Date Air Cadets

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NOTES – DCLA

(1) In full with Initial Capitals.

(2) BLOCK LETTERS.

(3) Abbreviated.

(4) Abbreviated. Insert recognised abbreviations of previous state awards. Professional

educational qualifications, campaign and long service medals are not to be shown.

(5) Numerals.

(6) Type in single spacing. Not to exceed 350 words for RAFVR(T) personnel, 200 words
for volunteer personnel including SNCO/WO (ATC).

Appendix:

1. Draft DCLA Letter.

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APPENDIX 1 TO
ANNEX C

DRAFT

Sir

I am commanded by the Air Force Board of the Defence Council to inform you that
their attention has been drawn to the valuable service you have rendered to the Air
Training Corps since (year).

The Commandant of the Air Training Corps has paid tribute to the enthusiastic and
dedicated manner in which you have served the Corps in a variety of roles over the
years (or, for a member of a Civilian Committee: the loyal and dedicated manner in
which you have carried out your duties as a ______________). Particular mention has
been made of (or your meritorious service included ) followed by no
more than 150 words describing the meritorious service.

The Air Force Board wish me to express to you their warm appreciation of your devoted
service to the Corps.

I am, Sir
Your obedient Servant

(Rank if applicable) plus initials and name plus approved post-nominal letters.
Full address of recipient.

Notes:

1. Underlined text mandatory.

2. No abbreviations to be used.

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ANNEX D

COMMANDANT’S COMMENDATIONS & CERTIFICATES OF GOOD SERVICE – NOMINAL ROLL

ACRHQ ( )

PERSONAL RANK SURNAME INITIALS SQUADRON WING

NO
A1234567 FG OFF BLOGGS ANR No 1127 (Kendal) Squadron Cumbria & N Lancs

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ANNEX E

RECOMMENDATION FOR COMMANDANT’S SPECIAL COMMENDATION – RAFVR(T)

AND CCF (RAF) OFFICERS

First Name(s): Surname:

Decorations and/or Awards Rank

CCF Contingent/ATC Unit Service/Computer No

Total Length of Service

With ACO

*Particulars of Service for which Recommendation is made:

Signature _________________

Name ____________________

Rank ____________________

Date _________________ School/Unit _______________

* Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

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ANNEX F

RECOMMENDATION FOR THE AWARD OF CERTIFICATE OF LONG SERVICE TO

VOLUNTEER CIVILIAN PERSONNEL FOR 12 OR 24 YEARS

Surname ________________________ First Names __________________________

Rank/Title _______________________ Unit ________________________________

CIN ____________________________ Appointment _________________________

(if applicable)

TYPE OF SERVICE FROM TO QUALIFYING SERVICE

(APPOINTMENT/UNIT) DATE DATE YEARS DAYS

TOTAL

CERTIFICATE OF RECOMMENDATION

I hereby certify that from the information available to me, I am satisfied that the details
recorded above are correct. I further certify that the above named has completed his
voluntary duties satisfactorily and that he is in every way deserving of a certificate for
____________ years Service.

Signature of Recommending Authority ___________________________________

Rank ______________________________

Appointment ________________________

Signature of Higher Recommending

Authority ___________________________________

Rank ______________________________

Appointment ________________________

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ANNEX G

RECOMMENDATION FOR THE AWARD OF CERTIFICATE OF LONG SERVICE TO

VOLUNTEER CIVILIAN PERSONNEL FOR 36+ YEARS
(to be held at HQAC until a suitable RAF Cranwell Presentation can be arranged)

Surname ________________________ First Names __________________________

Rank/Title _______________________ Unit ________________________________

CIN ____________________________ Appointment _________________________

(if applicable)

TYPE OF SERVICE FROM TO QUALIFYING SERVICE

(APPOINTMENT/UNIT) DATE DATE YEARS DAYS

TOTAL

CERTIFICATE OF RECOMMENDATION

I hereby certify that from the information available to me, I am satisfied that the details
recorded above are correct. I further certify that the above named has completed his
voluntary duties satisfactorily and that he is in every way deserving of a certificate for
____________ years Service.

Signature of Recommending Authority ___________________________________

Rank ______________________________

Appointment ________________________

Signature of Higher Recommending

Authority ___________________________________

Rank ______________________________

Appointment ________________________

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NOTES ON COMMANDANT’S CERTIFICATE OF LONG SERVICE

1. Eligibility for Certificates of Long Service. All adult persons appointed to service
with the ACO in a voluntary unpaid capacity, other than RAFVR(T) officers and SNCO/WOs
(ATC) who are eligible for the Cadet Forces Medal, will be eligible for the Commandant’s
Certificates of Long Service (CCLS) on time qualification.

2. Service Required. The periods of qualifying service required for the CCLS are 12, 24
and 36+ years as defined in para 3 below. Broken service may be counted in the aggregate
provided that each period of service is not less than one year in duration.

3. Qualifying Service. Qualifying service for the CCLS will be time spent with the ACO
as a civilian instructor, civilian gliding instructor, squadron or wing committee member, or
other voluntary unpaid helper. Other considerations are:

a. Service with organisations other than the ACO will not count as qualifying
service for the CCLS.

b. Service which has qualified for the Cadet Forces Medal will not count as
qualifying service for the CCLS.

4. Recommendation Procedure. Recommendations for the CCLS may be submitted at

any time following completion of 12, 24 or 36+ years service using Annexes F or G.
Originators and channels of submission are:

a. For Squadron Staff. The Sqn Cdr through OC Wg to HQ Air Cadets.

b. For Wing Staff. OC Wg through Rgnl Comdt to HQ Air Cadets.

c. For Civilian Gliding Instructors. OC VGS to HQ Air Cadets.

5. Cranwell Presentations. Anyone qualifying for the 36+ year Long Service Certificate
will automatically be eligible to attend the annual Award Ceremonies held at RAF Cranwell.
Submissions will be held at HQ Air Cadets until a suitable date has been agreed.

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ANNEX H

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARDS

1. The Royal Humane Society considers applications for awards to personnel who have
taken part in rescues or attempted rescues. Notwithstanding that risk is the criterion
normally governing awards the Committee may, in a case where outstanding skill is
displayed in effecting a rescue, make a higher award than the degree of risk alone would
justify. Occurrences solely involving Service personnel may be reported, as well as those
which involve Service personnel and civilians.

2. The following are examples of cases recognisable by the Society for Honorary
Awards:

a. All rescues or attempted rescues from:

(1) Drowning anywhere at sea, including the coast, in rives, lakes, canals,
docks, wells, reservoirs or mines.

(2) Dangerous cliffs or other heights.

Provided that the rescue or attempted rescue involved a certain amount of personal
risk.

b. All cases of exceptional bravery in rescues or attempted rescues of persons

from death by asphyxia in wells, blast furnaces, sewers and confined spaces where
foul gas may endanger life.

c. Cases where life has been restored from drowning or asphyxia by means of
resuscitative treatment.

d. Cases of rescue from ships or aircraft not otherwise rewarded.

3. Occasions when the Society will not make an award are:

a. Where there is a near relationship between the rescuer and the rescued,
unless the Committee considers that there are special circumstances to justify an
exception being made.

b. Cases coming within the scope of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the
Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, or local (eg Glasgow and Liverpool)
Humane Societies.

c. The Society does not take cognizance of cases outside the British Isles where
foreign subjects are concerned, unless the rescuer or the rescued is a British subject,
in which case it may do so. The expression “British” is used in its broadest sense.

4. Time Limit for Reporting Cases. It is particularly important that all applications for
the Society’s awards one cases occurring in the British Isles be sent to the Secretary within 2
months after the date of the occurrence, in order that the Committee may have current

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evidence for guidance. (The time limit may be waived in special cases). If the rescue, or
attempted rescue, occurs at a distance from the British Isles the time limit may be extended,
but 18 months after the date is the maximum.

5. Recommendations. Recommendations are to be prepared initially in the form of a

narrative report of the incident. This report supported by any newspaper cuttings,
eyewitness reports etc is to be submitted without delay to Wing Headquarters for onward
transmission to Regional Headquarters and HQ Air Cadets (PSO). The recommendation will
be returned, after approval in principle, to the originating station or unit with a copy of the
Royal Humane Society’s form. When this form has been completed in detail, it is to be
submitted direct to the Secretary of the Society.

6. Presentation of Awards. Royal Humane Society Awards received by HQ Air Cadets

will be forwarded to Regions for presentation.

7. Wearing of Ribbon by ATC Uniformed Personnel. Officers, SNCO/WO (ATC) and

cadets awarded the Society’s medals may wear the appropriate ribbon on their uniform.

8. Clasps. Clasps may be awarded to persons already entitled to wear the medal.

9. Levels of Award. Dependent upon the degree of bravery, awards made by the Royal
Humane Society consist of:

a. The Stanhope Gold Medal. This award is for the most meritorious case
reported to the Society each year. It is awarded only by the General Court of the
Society.

b. A Silver Medal or Silver Clasp. Gallantry in saving life from drowning, from
dangerous cliffs, or from asphyxia in wells etc under circumstances of very great
danger and personal risk to the Rescuer(s) may be recognised by the award of a
silver medal or clasp.

c. A Bronze Medal or Bronze Clasp. This award is for courage and promptitude
in saving life from drowning, from dangerous cliffs, or from asphyxia in wells etc under
circumstances of great danger and personal risk to the Rescuer(s).

d. A Testimonial on Vellum. For saving life from drowning, from dangerous cliffs
or asphyxia in wells etc under circumstances of considerable personal risk to the
Rescuer(s) a Testimonial on Vellum signed by the President of the Society may be
awarded.

e. A Testimonial on Parchment. For promptitude in saving life from drowning,

from dangerous cliffs or from asphyxia in wells etc, where there was some personal
risk to the Rescuer(s) a Testimonial on Parchment signed by the Chairman of the
Society may be awarded.

f. A Resuscitation Certificate. For restoring the apparently dead from drowning

or asphyxia a Certificate signed by the Chairman of the Society may be awarded.

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g. Pecuniary Awards. Sums of up to £5 may be granted in special cases. The

total of such awards is limited to £40 in any one year.

h. Posthumous Awards and “In Memoriam” Testimonials on Vellum. These

awards may be presented at the discretion of the Committee to the relatives of those
who lose their lives in attempting rescues, and such cases should therefore be
reported to the Society for consideration.

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ANNEX I

THE GUINEA PIG PRIZE

1. Designation. The Prize shall be designated “The Guinea Pig Prize”.

2. History. The Guinea Pig Club was formed at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East
Grinstead on 20 July 1941, membership being drawn from aircrew of the Royal Air Force,
Empire Air Forces and, later, Allied Air Forces who were injured badly in air battles. As part
of the 40th Anniversary celebrations on 20 July 1981, members of the Club presented their
President, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with a porcelain
figurine of a Royal Air Force fighter pilot, circa September 1940. His Royal Highness
decided to award it as a prize to the Air Training Corps, of which he is Air Commodore-in-
Chief.

3. Eligibility and Conditions of Award of the Prize. All Air Training Corps officers,
adult staff and cadets are eligible for the Prize which will normally be awarded annually in
April to the person who most distinguishes him/herself by an act of bravery or other
achievement during the previous calendar year. At the discretion of the Commandant Air
Cadets, the Prize may be withheld in any year where there is no act or achievement of the
requisite high standards.

4. Recommendations. Anyone awarded the Commandant’s Special Commendation

(for bravery or other outstanding achievement) will automatically be considered for the
Guinea Pig Prize for the current year. Other recommendations are to be made by Squadron
Commanders in the format set out in Appendix 1 to this Annex. Recommendations are to
reach HQ Air Cadets (DPSO) by the last day of January each year.

5. Description of the Prize. The figurine is too fragile to change hands each year and
will be retained on permanent display at HQ Air Cadets. Winners will receive framed colour
photographs of the Prize and a signed declaration by the Commandant Air Cadets.

Appendix:

1. Recommendation for the Guinea Pig Prize.

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APPENDIX 1 TO
ANNEX I

RECOMMENDATION FOR THE GUINEA PIG PRIZE 20……..

First Name(s) Surname

Decorations and/or Awards Rank

Unit Wing

Total Length of service with the ATC

Particulars of service for which recommendation is made

(to be completed and signed by recommending officer)

Signature
Rank
Date Unit

Remarks by Officer Commanding Wing

(or other superior officer)

Signature
Rank
Date Unit

Remarks by Regional Commandant

Group Captain
Regional Commandant
Date ( ) Region

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