A CREWMAN from RAF Odiham is set to receive his MBE at Windsor Castle tomorrow.

Flight Sergeant Vince Bartlett, of 27 Squadron, has been recognised for his work to increase safety for aircrew who face danger on the frontline.

He has been involved in the design of future aircrew combat clothing, body armour, helmets and survival and evasion aids.

The 36-year-old said he was “entirely humbled” by the award and thanked those who supported him at home and on the frontline.

He said: “I am astonished and excited at the formal recognition for my work in this field and extremely proud to have been a small part of an exceptional team made up of Ministry of Defence civilian, military and industry partners.

“To be informed while on operations and having just stepped off of an aircraft was an entire surprise and entirely fitting as daily we benefit from the many technological advancements delivered during the most demanding frontline of our time.”

Flt Sgt Bartlett has served on 27 Squadron for 15 years, and has been on operations in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Morocco and the Middle East.

He gained his loadmaster brevet in 2002, and has clocked up more than 3,500 hours on the Chinook twin-rotored helicopter.

He is both a crewman trainer and a tactics instructor, responsible for teaching safe aircraft operation against both modern and low-tech threats.