CAPTAIN David Oliver, the Permanent Staff Administration Officer of B (Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry) Squadron, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry based at Old Sarum has been awarded a Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Certificate for Meritorious Service.

David, whose regular service was with Tidworth based Kings Royal Hussars, joined B Squadron in 2010, having voluntarily resigned his regular commission, where he had risen to the rank of acting major, in order to do so.

His citation reads: “He has consistently proved to be a highly dependable and loyal officer, frequently working long hours in order to deliver results to the highest standards.

“Despite relatively little time with the reserve forces, he has rapidly adapted to the nuances of working in a reserve unit, and has passed on this experience to the regular permanent staff instructors whom have been posted to the squadron.

“He has presided over a surge in recruiting, mentoring new potential recruits, encouraging and guiding them through the joining process, without letting his eye off the administrative responsibilities that he has for the personnel already in the squadron.

“His consistently cheery demeanour continues to endear him to soldiers and officers alike, and through his exemplary standards he is a role model to the squadron’s soldiers. Captain David Oliver thoroughly deserves to be recognised for his dedication and support to the Reserve Forces.”

David said: “I am very honoured.

“I was not expecting it, it was a surprise.

“The evening I was presented with my award was wonderful, but I was so impressed by the young cadets who were there being made Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets, they were so impressive.”

David’s drive to recruit more recruits into B Squadron continued last weekend when the regiment held an open day at Lulworth tank firing range to show off the range of opportunities that they can offer.