Aviation Electronic Technician (AET) Bagshaw has been formally recognised with a prestigious Herbert Lott Award for his outstanding innovation and commitment to the Royal Navy.

While supporting preparations for an upcoming deployment, AET Bagshaw identified an equipment shortfall affecting helicopter operations at sea. Acting on his own initiative, he developed and implemented a solution that significantly improved both safety and operational capability.

Drawing on his technical knowledge and collaborating closely with engineering colleagues and industry contacts, he successfully designed and assembled a series of bespoke kits that allow helicopters to be securely stowed on deck in challenging sea conditions. His efforts have delivered immediate impact across the Merlin Helicopter Force, enhancing resilience and reducing reliance on external support.

This work, undertaken alongside his routine duties and in his own time, exemplifies the very ethos of the Herbert Lott Award – recognising individuals whose contributions improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Naval Service.

AET Bagshaw’s professionalism and resourcefulness have earned him the deep respect of his peers and senior officers, and his efforts will have a lasting benefit across the fleet.

About the Herbert Lott Innovation and Invention Award  

Funded through a bequest to improve the efficiency of the Royal Navy, the Herbert Lott Innovation and Invention Award celebrates those who bring forward new ideas, suggestions or innovations that enhance the effectiveness of naval operations. Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is proud to support this award in recognition of exceptional contributions like AET Bagshaw’s. 

Nominate someone for a Herbert Lott Award.

Do you know a team or individual going above and beyond in their duties? Or someone with an innovative idea that’s made a real difference? Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), on behalf of the Naval Service Prizes and Awards Fund (NSPAF), manages two Herbert Lott Award categories:

• Efficiency Awards – recognising outstanding performance or effectiveness in duty
• Innovation and Invention Awards – celebrating ideas, research or inventions that improve Naval Service efficiency

To learn more or to nominate someone, visit: www.rnrmc.org.uk/news/herbert-lott-awards