A SALTASH man is to be presented with a maritime medal at a ceremony in London in 2021, COVID-19 permitting.
Captain Colin Brown from the village of Forder has been successfully nominated for the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service in 2020.
The medal is one of 20 awarded annually since its introduction in 2016 by the Department for Transport and is presented to ‘men and women who show exceptional devotion to duty, exemplary service and act as an outstanding example to others.’
Colin worked in the Merchant Navy and associated industries for 59 years and was a founder member of the Nautical Institute as well as a trustee for the Merchant Navy Monument situated on Plymouth Hoe, which was dedicated by HRH Princess Anne in September last year.
In a personal letter to Captain Brown, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security Robert Courts MP said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you personally on your State Award for services to the Merchant Navy and maritime careers.
“Your dedication to helping seafarers with professional qualifications, being a Founder Member of the Nautical Institute and most recently in seeing a permanent memorial to Merchant Navy Seafarers completed on Plymouth Hoe is invaluable. I applaud your work in these areas.”
Another Westcountry recipient is Max Bingle from Paignton, who won the medal for Services to Maritime Safety following his part in rescuing three men in the Caribbean after their vessel sank in stormy weather, whilst serving as 3rd Officer on the Sea Princess cruise ship.
In previous years the medal has been presented to its recipients in London by HRH The Princess Royal, but the winter ceremony has had to be postponed this year due to COVID-19, with plans now being rescheduled for next summer.
By Christine Griffin