RNAS Culdrose has revealed a new award celebrating excellence and dedication has been created in memory of two sailors who lost their lives last year.

The commemorative award is in honour of leading air engineering technicians Callum ‘Gilly’ Gilbert and Daniel ‘Coxy’ Cox who died in a collision on the A3083 near Culdrose on December 7, 2022.

Falmouth Packet: Daniel Cox and Callum Gilbert both lost their lives in the collision Daniel Cox and Callum Gilbert both lost their lives in the collision (Image: Stock)At the time, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, Captain Stuart Irwin, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the deaths of two of our people. First and foremost, my heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones who have been affected by this tragic event.

“There were two bright young aircraft engineers who had already achieved so much and served with distinction.

“At 820 Naval Air Squadron, across RNAS Culdrose, and in the wider community here in west Cornwall – we are all coming to terms with their loss.”

Falmouth Packet: The Cox Gilbert Award The Cox Gilbert Award (Image: RNAS Culdrose)As leading air engineers, they were part of the close-knit team which maintains and repairs the squadron’s Merlin Mk2 helicopters.

Warrant Officer Steven Hughes, the senior maintenance rating on 820 Naval Air Squadron, said their loss had been keenly felt by all on the squadron, but particularly among the engineers.

He said: “We are a close team. These are people that all share so much. We don’t just work together - we deploy together, we eat together, we share a room together and we see the world together.”

Falmouth Packet: Commander Karen Snel (R) presents the inaugural Cox Gilbert Award to LEAT Devann SolomonCommander Karen Snel (R) presents the inaugural Cox Gilbert Award to LEAT Devann Solomon (Image: RNAS Culdrose)To mark the first anniversary of their deaths, RNAS Culdrose personnel gathered with friends and families of the two sailors for a short memorial service at the base on Friday.

After the service, the commanding officer of 820 Naval Air Squadron, Commander Karen Snel presented the inaugural Cox Gilbert Award to Leading Air Technician Devann Solomon.

Commander Snel said: “LAET Solomon, from Cornwall, shows exceptional leadership skills and enthusiasm and is a brilliant helicopter engineer, exemplifying the ethos of the Royal Navy.”