John Kell has taken over as the new Officer Commanding (OC) No. 3 (Ironside) Company, has been promoted to the rank of Major, and received an MBE from the Lord Lieutenant.
Major (then Captain) Kell is congratulated by the Commandant, Colonel Deacon, on being appointed OC 3 Coy. Picture: Doug Stuart
Major Kell joined Cambs ACF in 2005. He served at Sawston Detachment as a Sergeant Instructor before commissioning as 3 Coy Training Officer. He went on to found Linton Detachment, becoming its first Detachment Commander, then became 2nd in Command (2IC) of 3 Company. He was awarded the Cadet Forces Medal for 12 years long service in 2017. After a brief spell as 2IC of 4 Coy, he has now returned to 3 Coy as its OC.
As Detachment Commander of Linton, leading his cadets on Remembrance Day, 2018.
He said; ‘ I am really pleased to be back in 3 Coy, where I have spent most of my cadet career. I am looking forward to helping 3 Coy regrow and return to its former (pre-pandemic) glory.’
Dressed as Scooby Doo, (front) 3 Coy Christmas camp, 2009.
Major Kell studied engineering at Portsmouth University, before becoming a Chartered Engineer (a highly trained and qualified practitioner registered with the Engineering Council) and a welding engineer working internationally. He has worked on a number of global projects involving defence, aerospace and transport. Since 2012, he has worked for the Department of International Trade, specialising in inward investment connected to the field of electric vehicles.
John presenting on Swedish TV, Stockholm 2013.
Last month he received the MBE (Member of the British Empire) from HM Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM for his services to trade and international investment. The ceremony was held in Great St Marys Church, Cambridge.
Bond at work: After a test drive in the Mclaren.
He said: ‘ I am honoured and humbled to have received my MBE. It was made even more special for being presented in the heart of the County and community in which I was born, raised and educated. The Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, presided over the ceremony and presented me with my medal. I am grateful also to Lady De Ramsey DL for reading out my citation, and to Colonel Roger Herriot OBE DL, my former Cambs ACF Commandant, for coordinating proceedings. My thanks go to those friends and colleagues that saw fit to put me forward. It was a most memorable day for me and my wider family. My congratulations go to all those from the community that also gained their honours along-side me. It was wonderful and moving to hear their citations, reflecting their commitment to local and national endeavours both professional and vocational.’
After his investiture for the MBE: with the Lord Lieutenant (left), Lord Lieutenant's Cadets CSM Cameron-Wickes and RSM Jack Badcock, and Lady De Ramsey DL.
Major Kell with his MBE.
Our Commandant, Colonel Deacon said: 'On behalf of all the adult volunteers, cadets and parents, I would like to congratulate Major Kell on the receipt of his MBE. Major Kell brings a wealth of experience to his new role, both from his professional career and his time as an Adult Volunteer, and I would thank him for his commitment to the ACF and wish him all the very best as OC 3 Coy.'
Text by PI Doug Stuart.
