In a special medal ceremony held on Wednesday, ten members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) and two distinguished police officers were honoured with Coronation medals for their roles during Operation Golden Orb, the official name for the Coronation event of King Charles III and the Queen Consort, on May 6, 2023.
This marked a significant occasion, as it was only the second time the RMDF has participated in a coronation, continuing a proud tradition that began with Captain Cyril Taylor at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.
The RMDF and police personnel were part of the approximately 4,000 military and law enforcement participants from the UK Armed Forces, other British Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth nations in the ceremonial procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. This joint participation underscores the collaborative spirit and historical engagement in significant ceremonial events.
The RMDF members recognized for their participation are:
Lt Col Alvin Ryan
Capt Colin Fergus
2Lt Carmencita Duberry
WO1 Barry A.C. Williams
Sgt Deverson Semper
Sgt Melvin Lindsey
Cpl Oswald West
A/Cpl Corey Cameron
A/L/Cpl Alison Richards
Pte Princess Hixon
Additionally, Captain Glenroy Foster was awarded a Coronation medal for his leadership in conducting the 21 Gun Salute at Carr’s Bay, Montserrat, in commemoration of the Coronation. The two police officers who also performed critical duties during the event received their medals, acknowledging their vital contributions to the success of the ceremony.
This ceremony is the first in a series to distribute Coronation medals, which were specially minted for this occasion. The medals honour those in active service who have completed at least five years as of 6 May 2023, or who participated in Armed Forces and law enforcement Coronation events in that year. Dates for future ceremonies will be announced subsequently.