SSgt Thomas Allen R SIGNALS receiving his Award from HRH The Princess Royal, with Master Engineer Andrew McNaughton, at the Engineers Trust Awards Dinner on 9 June 2026

Staff Sergeant (Foreman of Signals) Thomas Allen R SIGNALS

Staff Sergeant Allen serves as the Foreman of Signals (FofS) for 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron, where he has been instrumental in the delivery of robust information and communication services (ICS) for Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) Group operations and exercises. He has demonstrated exceptional capacity, adaptability and technical expertise by assuming dual responsibilities as the FofS and covering for the gapped Yeoman of Signals. His diligence and technical excellence have ensured Squadron equipment and personnel have remained fully prepared to uphold the mission and maintain operational effectiveness.

Upon his arrival, Allen quickly oversaw and directed the construction of five ‘OpNET’ lightweight and medium node builds. His meticulous management and unwavering attention to detail ensured strict adherence to process, enabling the fastest possible build times within the Regiment to meet readiness and thus impending operational requirements. Several nodes have already been completed and assured and are now held at very high readiness. His direct impact has significantly enhanced the operational capability of the 2-star SJFHQ.

In October 2025, Allen orchestrated the rapid deployment of force elements held at 48 hours’ notice to move on operations, playing a critical role in both planning and execution to ensure their successful integration within theatre. When ambiguity threatened operational clarity, he was deployed forward as the subject matter expert, where his technical knowledge and experience proved indispensable in establishing a secure operational headquarters and effective ICS delivery for a 3-star commander and their staff. His contribution not only enabled mission success but has set the standard for resilience and adaptability on future deployments. Even months after returning from theatre, he continues to serve as the trusted point of contact for expert advice, underscoring his enduring impact on operational capability.

During Exercise Joint Venture 25, SJFHQ’s annual 2-star validation exercise, Allen was industrious in the preparation, deployment and sustainment of the headquarters overseas, and directly ensured the success of the exercise. Heavily involved in the recce, he was faced with compressed timelines, untested equipment and significant planning uncertainty; the exercise hinged on his input. He provided indefatigable leadership and technical expertise to ensure the deployed element could function and ultimately operate effectively. Despite numerous challenges, he solely resolved complex issues and steered the team to maintain essential services throughout the exercise. Most impressively, whilst overseas he spearheaded the trial of a novel equipment configuration, validating an unproven connectivity setup for OpNET voice services across multiple classifications. This successful trial has potential Defence-wide benefits – a testament to his innovation and drive. The epitome of technical leadership within the Royal Signals, Allen is a role model and sets the standard for what supervisory excellence is. His capability to switch from deep technical detail to holistic understanding across all functional branches, both deployed and in barracks, sets him far apart from his peers.

Allen is actively pursuing personal development through upskilling in defensive cyber security and Amazon Web Services Cloud Practitioner certification, broadening his technical expertise to meet future operational demands. Additionally, he is enrolled in the Mission Include Mentorship programme as a mentee, with aspirations to become a mentor, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and inclusivity. He is also a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, reflecting his dedication to professional standards and continuous improvement.

FofS Allen’s commitment to continuous professional development and mentorship embodies the highest standards of leadership, technical acumen, and adaptability, making him a truly deserving candidate for this award.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers, through its charitable arm the Engineers Trust, is honoured to recognise outstanding performance and leadership across all branches of the Armed Forces and their civilian engineering support teams. Awards were presented by HRH The Princess Royal at the Company’s Awards Dinner on 9th June 2026.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust (the Engineers Trust) promotes the contributions of engineers to benefit society, education and research, and the relief of hardship and poverty.

Award photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography