RECOGNISED for helping refugees as a result of the Sudan humanitarian crisis, a Farnham Army officer has been awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS), which recognises meritorious service during, or in support of, operations, in the 49th Operational Honours and Awards.

Major (Maj) Victoria Bulleid serves with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) and is currently the senior clinical lead critical care nurse at Defence Medical Services in Portsmouth.

The 31 year old, who was a captain at the time of her deployment, has been recognised for her contributions to operational medical capability during her deployment to South Sudan from April to July 2017.

During her deployment, Victoria undertook additional aeromedical training to expand her deployed role and ensure timely transfer of critically ill casualties.

Once in theatre, her knowledge of the equipment proved essential in overcoming multiple logistical obstacles, any one of which had the potential for causing mission failure.

Insisting on the highest clinical standards from her own team, she built highly profitable Force Protection relationships with the other UK contingents and acted as an outstanding ambassador for her country when working with other UN Nations.

When asked to fulfil the role of acting senior nursing officer, despite her junior rank and lack of experience and training, she flourished in the appointment.

Victoria was born in Winchester but has lived in Farnham since 2016. She enlisted in the British Army in 2009, having always wanted to serve and follow in both her parents’ footsteps.

Her father served with the ‘Tigers’, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR), retiring in 2010 and her mother was also in the QARANC from 1979 to 1982.

Before enlisting and taking up her nursing studies, Victoria worked as a health care support worker at Salisbury District Hospital.

Her citation read: “Victoria’s contributions to operational medical capability extend far beyond her rank. She has garnered unreserved respect and admiration from every quarter of the Task Force, delivering systemic Clinical Effect that has improved the lives of many ill soldiers and her accomplishments are wholly deserving of national recognition.”

Victoria said: “Being awarded the QCVS is quite overwhelming. I was just doing my job and ultimately it was very much a team effort.

“Without all the determination and hard work of those who deployed and those that helped us get out the door we would not have been able to achieve it.”