October 30, 2024

ROYAL YORKSHIRE REGIMENT AND CADET AWARDS AT CUTLERS’ HALL – 24.10.24

On Thursday 24th October, The Master Cutler, Philip Rodrigo, was honoured to host the Royal Yorkshire Regiment and Cadet Awards on behalf of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire at Cutlers’ Hall.

The Master welcomed guests to the Cutlers’ Hall before starting the awards, the Clerk, Martin van Kan, read citations for each recipient before collecting their awards.

 

Private Brandon Dixon – 1st Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment

Private Dixon is an exemplary soldier, consistently performing at a high standard throughout his career, particularly during operational tours and exercises. Hailing from Hull, he embodies the qualities of a Yorkshire soldier, upholding military conduct and prioritising others, even under extreme pressure. As a highly skilled military driver, in a recent exercise, his quick thinking and technical expertise allowed him to repair a vehicle mid-assault, ensuring mission success. Known for his initiative and determination, Dixon is a valuable asset to his Battalion, managing his duties alongside family responsibilities and actively volunteering with his partner for the Octopus for a Preemie–Yorkshire charity. His strength of character was highlighted in May 2024 when he prevented a colleague from self-harm, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and selflessness by restraining his friend and ensuring everyone’s safety. His actions reflect his courage, dedication, and model behaviour, making him highly deserving of recognition.

Master Cutler with Private Brandon Dixon – 1st Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment

 

Private Scott Buchanan – 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment

Private Buchanan, a standout soldier, demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout his Recce Cadre training, earning Top Student recognition and a place in Quebec Company’s Recce Platoon. His reliability and tireless work ethic quickly made him integral to the team, where he exceeded expectations during LIVEX 23 by supporting his patrol commander and enhancing the Army’s modernization efforts. His insights and performance, including a briefing to US and UK senior 4* Generals, greatly contributed to the program’s success. Recently, Buchanan’s strong performance on Exercise HAMILTON’S VIEW and successful completion of the Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre made him a clear candidate for promotion to Lance Corporal. Outside his official duties, Buchanan earned a Level 4 in First Responder Emergency Care, sharing his skills with peers to bolster battlefield readiness. Additionally, he represents the Battalion in ultra-running, recently placing in the top 5 at an event in Brecon’s Black Mountains. He is a soldier of character, commitment and humility, making him a worthy recipient of the Cutlers Award.

Master Cutler with Private Scott Buchanan – 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment

 

Lance Corporal Mark Subritzky – 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment

LCpl Mark Subritzky, a Signals Platoon member in the 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, is an exemplary Junior Non-Commissioned Officer. Since joining in 2012 after serving with the New Zealand Defence Force, he has earned respect for his upbeat attitude, quick problem-solving, and extensive experience from operational deployments to East Timor with the New Zeland Defence Force and overseas exercises as a member of the 4th Battalion. Trusted to perform at the level of a Regimental Signal Detachment Commander, he is highly skilled in his Signals specialty and has broadened his expertise in Skill at Arms and Field Craft. Despite a demanding civilian job, he is deeply committed to training Army Reserve Soldiers, recently delivering Yorkshire Universities Officer Training Regiment ahead of their deployment with well-crafted lessons delivered with passion. LCpl Subritzky’s leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to his Battalion’s success make him a deserving candidate for recognition.

Master Cutler with Lance Corporal Mark Subritzky – 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment

 

Cadet Sergeant Zach Blake-Barnard – Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadets

Cadet Sergeant Blake-Barnard has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and community spirit throughout his time with Beverley Detachment, making him an exemplary candidate for the Cutlers Award 2024. His promotion to Cadet Sergeant, earned through skill and dedication, highlights his leadership abilities, as he manages larger cadet groups, oversees equipment, and leads by example. Completing the Junior Cadet Leadership course has further equipped him to mentor junior cadets, demonstrating effective communication and organisation. Embodying the ACF’s values, selfless commitment, courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty, and respect for others. He actively participates in community events, such as Remembrance Day ceremonies, underscoring his commitment to service. Beyond ACF, he pursues diverse interests, including rock climbing, rugby, and physics, showing his passion for personal growth. With plans to complete A-levels and aim for a Sandhurst scholarship, Cadet Sgt Blake-Barnard is a role model who reflects the Army Cadet Force’s core values.

Master Cutler with Zach Blake-Barnard – Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadets

These awards highlight the remarkable contributions made to fellow comrades and local communities, the event provided a wonderful opportunity to honour the outstanding achievements, commitment, and dedication of the individuals – congratulations to all involved.