Naval award for Pulham sailor

WO Alan Evans, the marine engineer officer on board HMS Chiddingfold, receives a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service. ''As the head of the marine engineering department on board, WO Evans, 40, ensured Chiddingfold was kept in top condition.
WO Alan Evans, the marine engineer officer on board HMS Chiddingfold, receives a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service. ''As the head of the marine engineering department on board, WO Evans, 40, ensured Chiddingfold was kept in top condition.

A Royal Navy sailor from Pulham St Mary, who played a key role in successful minehunting operations in the Gulf, has been recognised by the Queen.

Warrant Officer 1 Alan Evans, 40, has received the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for outstanding performance during eight months on board minehunter vessel HMS Chiddingfold.

The former Archbishop Sancroft High School pupil played was pivotal in keeping the ship maintained at exceptionally high readiness during testing sea conditions.

He said: “I was surprised and honoured to receive this award. Every member of the engineering department contributed to its success and I had the good fortune to be the head of that department.”