Lieutenant William Jones Royal Navy – Citation
Although still a junior Lieutenant, the way Jones has conducted himself and the professional approach and mature way in which he has tackled all his responsibilities has stood him out against his peers and demonstrated his highly effective but compassionate leadership style and his clear potential to progress to high rank in the Royal Navy.
Responsible for a very important portfolio of career management for all junior Warfare Officers as they make the challenging transition into the trained strength, he has had to tackle several very sensitive management issues. These issues have included notification of young officer of their compulsory withdrawal from training or refusals of branch transfer. Not shying away from this responsibility, the manner in which he has tackled these difficult issues has been exemplary and shown him to have the strength of character aligned with an awareness of others that stands him out.
Amidst significant infrastructure changes and huge surges in the number of Officers Under Training, Jones’s dedication to excellence in human resource management has been exemplary. He has navigated the complexities of personnel movement with efficiency, ensuring seamless deployment of IWOs across the Navy; consistently displaying a proactive approach that is above and beyond the standard expected to provide comprehensive support to individuals under his purview.
His meticulous approach is particularly evident in the attention to detail given to personnel documentation portfolios presented to employment boards. Through effective and accurate staff work he has enabled informed decision-making processes in a timely
fashion. Jones’s initiative in identifying and addressing inefficiencies, such as reallocating training hours, showcases his strategic thinking and an ability to effect change within the organization that outstrips his rank. Moreover, Jones’s proficiency as a briefer and facilitator has earned him accolades from senior personnel, providing valuable insights to key stakeholders and further underscoring his leadership acumen.
Beyond his professional duties, Jones has made an enormous contribution to the welfare and development of his colleagues and subordinates. Serving as HMS COLLINGWOOD’s Sailing Officer, he not only ensures the safety and maintenance of equipment but also fosters a sense of community through grassroots sailing initiatives. He has, furthermore, been foremost in volunteering to support whole ship activities and has been a stalwart of
numerous public-facing events including open days and hosting visiting dignitaries.
An excellent ambassador for the service, a shining example to his peers and an inspiration to all Warfare Officers undertaking initial training Jones’ multifaceted contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence mark him as a standout leader with the capacity to inspire and drive change for the better within the Royal Navy.
On the 3rd May this year, the OA Sword was presented at Ceremonial Divisions at HMS COLLINGWOOD by the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE.
The OA sword was donated by Richard Wood and had belonged to his father, Lieutenant Commander Frederick Edward (Ted) Wood. It had been purchased second hand from Daufman’s Tailors of Queen Street, Portsea in the 1950s but was thought to have originally been sold in around 1900 from Matthews & Co Naval Tailors of Wickham Road, Portsea. The previous owners are not known.
Ted was born on 2 Aug 1921 and joined the Royal Navy in 1937 as an Engine Room Artificer Apprentice and served throughout the war, including in battleship HMS NELSON (1941-1943) during the Siege of Malta and later HMS JAVELIN (1943-1946).
He was promoted to Sub Lieutenant on the Special Duties List in February 1954 and went on to serve in HMS SUPERB, HMS LENNOX, HMS ALERT, HMS KENT and HMS MANXMAN. Additionally, he served on the Staff of CinC Far Eastern Fleet based in Singapore and as Maintenance Training Officer and later as Senior Technical Training Officer at HMS Sultan. Also at HM Dockyard Portland as Engineer Officer in charge of PAS craft & engine room personnel.
Following retirement from the Navy he worked in a senior management role at the British Airports Authority at Heathrow. Once retired he lived in Emsworth until his death on 1 Nov 2013 at the age of 92.
Unfortunately, in true Naval style, Will was deployed 24 hours before the ceremony, so the sword was accepted on his behalf by Lt Cdr Gav Lowe.