Military Affiliates Awards

Endeavour Award

The Company awards a prize annually to each of its Military Affiliates, to encourage outstanding service above that normally expected from a member of that unit. The exact criteria for the award are agreed between the Company and the Unit Commanding Officer at the time of the presentation. The recipient is chosen by the Unit Commanding Officer and each year the prize is presented by the Master, or one of the Court.

The current recipients of these awards are:

135 Geographical Squadron Royal Engineers (V):

Lance Corporal Forbes

Lance Corporal Forbes joined the Army Reserves on 17 October 2012 into Exeter University Officer Training Corps as an Officer Cadet. On seeing the light, he then transferred to 135 Geographic Squadron on 01 August 2015.

Lance Corporal Forbes passed his Combat Engineering course in 30 September 2016 and, most importantly his Geographic Survey qualifications in 19 February 2017. From then on there was no stopping him Mechanical Handling, Defence Driver, Endurance Training Leader and, most importantly his Promotion Course all followed in rapid succession.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 10 November 2018 and has been a stalwart of the Junior Ranks Club.

During 2019 he has constantly driving it forward from within the Squadron by volunteering for numerous activities, including recruiting and employer events. He often proactively completes high quality work without being asked.

In recognition of his recruiting efforts and strong support to the wider Squadron Lance Corporal Forbes has been awarded the Endeavour Award for 2019.

7010 Photographic Interpretation Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force:

SAC Lou Elkington

As a member of The RAF Rowing Club, SAC Elkington participated in the World Masters Rowing Regatta held at Lake Velence, near Budapest in Hungary, earlier this year. The 2019 regatta was 5-day event with over 3,500 athletes entered. Lou travelled ahead of schedule to allow time for some extra training at the venue which certainly paid dividends. She came home with two Gold medals in Double Sculls events and three second placings. When not competing at this level, Lou coaches’ other members of the RAF Rowing Club. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, the Surveyors’ Plate was awarded to SAC Elkington by Mr Ken Morgan, Senior Warden at the Squadron’s Christmas Dinner on 7 Dec 2019.

Full list of RAF awards:

HMS Echo:

2018: PO Durrant



Petty Officer (Weapon Engineering Technician) Steven Durrant has the important task of maintaining HMS ECHO’s integrated survey system. This multi-faceted section comprises of a number of complex, interlinked systems and sensors that are at the heart of the ship’s hydrographic survey role.

Following the short notice departure of his predecessor, Durrant dedicated significant time to building system knowledge in an unfamiliar area. A prolonged period allocated to counter-illegal people trafficking and humanitarian operations in the central Mediterranean soon generated additional demands, during which Durrant was involved in the care of people rescued from the most desperate circumstances. Subsequently he found himself with a central role to play in the recovery of core specialist capabilities. A patient, methodical approach to defect rectification has resulted in a consistent record of success.

Going about his duties quietly and conscientiously, Durrant doesn’t seek the limelight but has nevertheless made a very positive contribution to ECHO’s operational capability which deserves recognition through award of the 2018 Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors Endeavour Award.

2019: Lieutenant Commander Phillips, Royal Australian Navy

Lieutenant Commander Ian Phillips of the Royal Australian Navy is on a 30 month exchange programme with the Royal Navy. He completed the prestigious International Hydrographic Organisation Category A surveyor course in Plymouth before joining ECHO as one of our two Operations Officers.

During 18 months on board Phillips has faced a diverse range of tasking from counter people-trafficking operations in the central Mediterranean, to high profile defence engagement and Russia facing operations in the Black Sea, NATO operations and of course lots of hydrographic survey work. Sharing responsibility for the coordination of these high intensity operations, the scale of the task would be daunting in the best of circumstances. The success with which he has adapted to unfamiliar organisational arrangements and work practices has revealed Phillips’ to be an exceptionally dedicated and proactive officer. An experienced hydrographic surveyor, he has invested a great deal of time and effort in finding ways to improve the quality and efficiency of survey products.

Phillips’ professional output is matched by his contribution to the social aspects of ship borne life. A first rate ambassador for the Australian Navy he is also a worthy recipient of the 2019 Endeavour Award.