“The spectacular success of the Royal Navy in this historical event was in no small part through his tireless endeavours,” says his citation.

Reservist Warrant Officer 2 Mike Rudall has been “an outstanding role model” to his fellow commandos for more than three decades… alongside an equally-demanding job with South Wales Police (he retired just a couple of months ago as an inspector).

As Sergeant Major of the Cardiff detachment of Royal Marine Reserves Bristol, he’s regarded as the “cornerstone” of the unit, known for his efforts to maintain the highest standards among comrades as well as looking to raise the unit’s profile and numbers.

He’s served on the front line in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Africa, was called upon to support the security effort ensuring the 2012 Olympics in London ran safely and smoothly, and has skills and experience frequently in demand.

All in all, says his citation for the King’s Volunteer Reserve Medal, Mike has been “an exemplary representative” of the reserve forces.

“It’s been a wonderful surprise,” said the 53-year-old.

“It’s lovely to have my commitment and hard work recognised. It’s so nice to feel appreciated after three decades of service.

“But I would really like the unit to be recognised. This isn’t just about me – it’s about my Reserve unit and how supportive it’s been to me, to enable me to achieve everything I’ve wanted to do across defence.”

Two officers at the forefront of the Navy’s growing use of autonomous systems both receive the MBE: Commander Martin Howard commands the Navy’s sole aerial drone unit, 700X Naval Air Squadron, based at Culdrose in Cornwall, while Lieutenant Commander Ross Balfour is paving the way for the Service’s switch from traditional forms of minehunting to crewless systems.

Based at Faslane in Scotland, Lt Cdr Balfour is described as the “trailblazer of autonomous Mine Countermeasures systems”, taking something which was being trialled and turning it into a brand-new capability which is revolutionising the way the threat of mines is dealt with – both in home waters and around the world.

Similarly, Cdr Howard’s small unit provides drone flights for ships deployed around the world, trains hundreds of pilots from across the Forces; trials cutting-edge technology, modifying commercial drones for military use; and the team have even developed their own drone.

Also awarded the MBE is Leading Diver Rory Cartwright-Taylor from the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, which deploys worldwide to support Royal Navy operations – from dealing with mines and underwater explosives to carrying out challenging engineering tasks on submarines. The Faslane-based diver’s personal contribution have directly impacted on front-line operations.

The impact of veteran marine engineer Chief Petty Officer Michael Stephens have also directly impacted the front-line Fleet.

The senior rating from Merseyside, who retired from the Navy in October, played a key role in the installation, integration and testing of new engines in destroyer HMS Dauntless – the first ship in the Type 45 class to undergo the vital Power Improvement Programme (PIP). His contributions were decisive in the success of PIP (Dauntless returned home just before Christmas after her first deployment with the new engines) as well as inspiring junior engineers to continue their naval careers. He’s made an MBE for his efforts.

The full list of personnel honoured is:

The Military Division of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath

As Knight Commander
Lieutenant General Robert Andrew Magowan RM

As Companions

Rear Admiral Andrew Betton
Rear Admiral James David Morley

The Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

As Commander
Commodore Stephen David Roberts

As Officers
Commander Trefor Morgan Fox
Commander Christopher Robert Hollingworth
Colonel Andrew Glenn David Lock RM
Commander Lucy Jane Ottley
Commander Ian Hayden Richardson
Commander Jamie Duncan Wells
Captain Allan Thomas Youp

As Members
Commander Steven Andrews
Lieutenant Commander Ross Donald Balfour
Leading Seaman (Diver) Rory Edward Cartwright-Taylor
Warrant Officer 1 Yeoman of Signals James Adrian Cuthbert
Warrant Officer 1 Engineering Technician (Communication and Information Systems) Steven Gilbertson
Commander Martin John Howard
Lieutenant Commander Alexander Rowan Marsh
Commander Paul O’Dooley, Royal Naval Reserve
Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Michael John Stephens
Lieutenant Sam David Thompson
Commander Roger Simon Wyness

The King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal
Warrant Officer 2 Michael Rudall, Royal Marines Reserve