Honour for Oban-born major

Oban-born Major Derek Munro's work with army cadets in Wales has earned him an MBE.

 

The 62-year-old, who still has family living in Oban, was humbled to receive  his award in the New Year Honours - even if he thought it was a hoax at first, he says.

 

Major Munro is currently Cadet Executive Officer for the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force (ACF).

 

He joined the army at 16 as a junior leader in the Royal Artillery straight after Oban High School - 18 months later he was serving in Germany at the start of a full army career spanning 25 years as a regular soldier.

 

He began work with Dyfed ACF in May 2002 as Cadet Quartermaster before becoming Cadet Executive Officer for Glamorgan ACF for three years before returning to Powys ACF in 2007. He also took on the Gwent cadets in 2009.

 

He has been credited with modernising the service in Wales, reducing it from six companies to three without any job losses but still making savings.

 

Major Munro said he thought initial news of the New Year Honour in an email from the Cabinet Office was a hoax. 'That can't be me surely, I thought at first, but I had 48 hours to get back in touch with them to say whether I'd accept it or not. Then I had to keep it quiet for a month which was hard but I managed it. I'm massively humbled to have received it. I'm over the moon.

 

'I've been involved in writing these citations for others over the years but only one has ever made it to the list so I know how hard it is to get to this point,' said Major Munro who tries to visit Oban as often as he can.

 

Sister Paula Hunter, brother Allan Munro and sister-in-law Jan Munro still live in the area and were 'pleased as punch' to hear about his honour.

 

Major Munro has also been praised for his fine leadership in dealing with many challenges, for coming up with innovative solutions as well as ensuring that throughout the pandemic 'cadet wellbeing and training opportunities were maintained'.

 

Major Munro, who was born in Dalintart Drive and moved to Soroba when it was a new estate and he was aged ten, considers his work with the Cadets incredibly worthwhile and he plans to carry on with the job he loves until he decides it is time to retire.