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RAF Aviators recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2022

The Queen walks with Aviators on parade.

Some of the Aviators recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List 2022 share their stories and thoughts on being told about their success. 

Air Vice-Marshal (The Venerable) John Raymond Ellis

As Companions

Air Vice-Marshal Ellis has served with distinction as Chaplain-in-Chief of the RAF.  He has reached out beyond traditional faith boundaries and made bold progress in the World Faith agenda by personally endorsing the commissioning of World Faith chaplains, a hugely successful and important step.  Through the pandemic he employed an array of novel virtual worship methods that have been widely deployed and copied.  His reach into the Reserves has been exceptional, making the Royal Air Force Chaplaincy truly Whole Force for the first time.

"As my time as a chaplain in the Royal Air Force comes to a close, I reflect on the immense privilege I have had sharing in the hopes and journeys of so many incredible people. As chaplains, we often just quietly get on with that which we feel called to do and as such, I find myself absolutely delighted, but completely humbled to be honoured with such an award."

Aviator official picture.

Wing Commander Nina Louise Rose

As an Ordinary Member of The Royal Red Cross, First Class

Wing Commander Rose is a true ambassador for the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service and Defence Medical Services.  Her talents have particularly shone in the last two years, culminating in reaching the pinnacle of her nursing career as Officer Commanding Nursing of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.  Rose determinedly dealt with all that the COVID-19 crisis presented, inspiring the workforce.  During this time, Rose was singled out as was one of the strongest and most clinically credible matrons that the Commanding Officer had ever worked with.  Her legacy as Officer Commanding Nursing will continue to have a positive impact following what has been the one of the most challenging of times for Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.

"I am honoured and truly humbled to have been awarded the Royal Red Cross. I have had the privilege of serving within the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service for most of my career, leading teams of exceptionally dedicated nurses, prepared to care for our Service personnel throughout the patient care pathway."

Aviator official picture.

Wing Commander Manjeet Singh Ghataora

As Officers

Wing Commander Ghataora has been an inspiring advocate and role model delivering outstanding outreach work to unrepresented communities.  Through his longstanding and tireless support and engagement with BAME communities, he has used his influence as the most senior Sikh in the Armed Forces to selflessly engage with young people and communities across the UK, inspiring them and stimulating their interest in engineering roles, service to their wider neighbourhoods and pride in their nation.

"This has been such a shock, but I am utterly humbled to be recognised in this Platinum Jubilee year.  Having also served in the RAF, I want to dedicate this award to my late father, who instilled in me the virtues of humility, selfless service, and the importance of equality."

Aviator official picture.

 Read the full Queen's Birthday Honours List 2022

The Queen walks past Aviators and the public.

Join the RAF in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee