A COLCHESTER-based Army officer has been recognised for his “truly pioneering” work helping people affected by the earthquake in Turkey.

Captain Richard Ainsworth-Masiello has been awarded Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARCC) by King Charles in the latest Operational Honours and Awards List.

The award is in recognition of Richard’s role as a Mental Health Nurse with 16 Medical Regiment, which deployed to support people affected by the earthquake in Turkey in February this year.

Capt Ainsworth-Masiello’s citation stated: “His exemplary contribution was showcased by his provision of mental healthcare to local nationals in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Deployed at very short notice, his work was truly pioneering.

“Tasked to provide mental health nursing care to UK personnel, exposed to sights and stories of patients in a truly desperate situation, a core role he delivered superbly.”

Within days of the earthquake happening, troops from 16 Medical Regiment and the RAF’s Tactical Medical Wing, had deployed to set up a medical treatment facility at Turkoglu, close to the earthquake’s epicentre.

Working alongside Turkish and UK Emergency Medical Teams (EMT), the three organisations treated some 6,000 people in the two weeks that troops were on the ground.

Capt Ainsworth-Masiello, who works at the Department of Community Mental Health at Merville Barracks, said he was “taken completely by surprise” when told of the award.

“I was humbled every day, not just by the professionalism and excellence of the team that deployed, but also by the resilience and grace of the people that experienced such harrowing events,” he said.

“As a mental health professional, I was trusted to provide an entirely unique role in supporting both our troops on the ground and the local population. It is an experience that I will reflect on in years to come.

“I hope our work and this award encourages the Army to explore the benefits that uniformed mental health nurses can bring when deployed in the operational space.”

Twelve officers and soldiers from the British Army are recognised in the honours list. They have been cited for their inspirational and outstanding work in high-risk situations, from coordinating military aid to Ukraine following the Russian invasion to combating terrorism in Somalia.