Fareham officer wins award for commitment and service

Tim Franklin received his MSM from Vice Admiral Key at a ceremony in the Nelson Gallery of the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.

To be awarded the MSM, an individual must have ‘good, faithful, valuable and meritorious service with conduct judged to be irreproachable throughout.’

Other key qualifications are at least 20 years’ service and involvement with charities or social organisations outside of the military.

Mr Franklin joined the Royal Navy in December 1977 and is still serving some 38 years later. He was recognised with the MSM for his long and exemplary service and for his contribution to submarine safety, particularly submarine abandonment and survivability.

The 55-year-old said: ‘To be awarded this medal was totally unexpected and for doing a job that many do every day.’

During his career, Tim has been awarded several medals, including the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and operational medals for service in the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan.

His most memorable and enjoyable drafting was as a senior instructor at the submarine escape training tank based in Gosport.

During this tour he had the pleasure of working with an ever-changing flow of personnel preparing to serve on submarines.

He said: ‘It was so rewarding to have the opportunity to help them refresh and enhance their skills prior to deployment.’

Vice Admiral Key said: “The Meritorious Service Medal is an outstanding award for distinguished service and it is a huge honour and privilege to present these medals to such exceptional individuals. 

‘Receiving the medal is a most excellent achievement for truly extraordinary service and commitment combined with irreproachable conduct throughout an individual’s whole career.’