Worksop: Ceremonial honour for Royal Navy man Mike

Lieutenant Mike Bray, 39, Mike was nominated for the award in recognition of his professional successes, his inter-personal skills and the leadership example he set during his time at HMS Collingwood.

The award is made to the Officer who has shown the greatest leadership potential during the preceding year.

Traditionally presented as a surprise to the recipient during the divisions, unfortunately Mike was unable to attend the event as he is currently serving in Bahrain.

However his wife Vanessa, a Flight Sergeant in the RAF, was there, invited to attend under the pretext of hosting a VIP.

The award was presented to Vanessa for Mike by Mr Paul Daysh, a member of the Collingwood Officers’ Association who had donated his sword for the award in acknowledgement of his time based at the Fareham establishment as an instructor and former Barrack Master.

Mike’s citation read: “He has effortlessly driven complex and inter-linked projects forward with boundless optimism and a deep technical understanding, resulting in hard-won praise from Navy Command staff and experienced ATLAS contractors for his partnering approach to each challenge.”