Derbyshire soldier receives prestigious award

The 24-year-old was presented with the IMechE award at a ceremony held in the Princess Marina Officers’ Mess at MOD Lyneham on March 1.

The awards were sponsored by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and identified both the high quality training undertaken and detailed engineering competency.

The Vehicle Mechanic Class 1 Course was awarded to LCpl James “Mij” Attewell of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards LAD.

He received the award for achieving an academic score of 94.2 per cent for his Class 2 to 1 upgrade course. He is described as highly respected by the platoon and company staff alike and, in their opinion, is one of the best upgrade students they have seen.

He said: “I wasn’t expecting an award at all. I am completely overwhelmed to have been chosen for this,

“I would like to thank everyone in my company and battalion for their help and support along the way.”

He received a St Eligius figurine trophy, an item of Corps silverware on which his name also will be the first to be engraved, a certificate and a cheque.

He and a guest were also invited to an event at the institution in Westminster, where they will attend a lecture and enjoy an evening meal.

James joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 2009, starting with the 22 Signal Regiment in Stafford.

He was deployment in Afghanistan in 2014 and provided first line support to a highly effective operational unit. He was trusted by the hierarchy to maintain their vehicles and help plan operations using his knowledge of the kit.

He chose to join the vehicle mechanics as in his spare time he likes to tinker with cars.