The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that service members across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force have been named in the New Year Honours List for 2026, recognising actions ranging from frontline operations to humanitarian response and long-term welfare support.
The awards span a wide range of roles often overlooked in day-to-day coverage of defence: intelligence, logistics, welfare, aviation, and international relief. The MoD says the list reflects both individual achievement and the institutional reliance on those who sustain readiness away from the spotlight.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the recipients represent the breadth of UK military contribution across the world. “Whether serving in the most demanding environments overseas, in specialist roles that rarely make the headlines but keep us safe 24/7, or in the essential work that keeps our military ready, your courage and excellence represent the very best of the UK.”
Two examples highlighted by the MoD illustrate the range of cases recognised.
Sub Lieutenant Ashta McMillian, Royal Navy, receives an MBE after coordinating emergency relief in St Vincent and the Grenadines during Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Caught on the island while off duty, he used his naval logistics training to work with local officials and relief agencies. “In the Royal Navy we’re trained to step forward in times of need without looking for recognition,” he said. “Supporting my fellow Vincentians was simply the right thing to do.”
Warrant Officer Angela Cheal is also awarded an MBE for building a recovery and rehabilitation programme in Devonport. What began as a small welfare initiative now delivers around 80 courses a year across adaptive sport, physical rehabilitation and wellbeing support for sailors and Royal Marines leaving operations due to injury or illness. “I am immensely proud of what we have built… it is an incredible honour to receive an MBE,” she said.
While the full list spans dozens of names, the message from ministers is that these public honours are intended to highlight areas of military contribution often obscured by equipment and capability debates.