The Award is presented annually to the Unit's Officer Cadet whom the Commanding Officer deems the best all round individual for their contributions through all strands of training at Company and Unit level. The award has been in existence since 2007.

Wales UOTC has its head quarters at Maindy Barracks in Cardiff with 5 companies around Wales at Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Wrexham.  

Chris is currently studying full time at Swansea University for his MA in International Security and Development after already gaining a Batchelors Degree Honours in History and Politics.

Chris, whose home town is Swindon, was presented with his award by Commanding Officer Lt Col Huw Evans at a ceremony at John Chard VC House. Tutors Dr Alan Collins and Dr Jonathan Bradbury from the Politics and Cultural studies department in the College of Arts and Humanities proudly attended the award ceremony to see their student receive his award.

22yr old Chris, has been with Swansea Company of Wales Universities Officer Training  Corps for 3 years. He had no previous experience with the army but has joined the local TA unit – 108 (Welsh) Field Squadron Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers Militia (RMons RE) and has been to Canada and Germany to conduct training.   

Upon receiving the award Chris said: "Given the calibre of previous winners of the Welsh Livery Guild Sword of Honour, it was both a great shock and honour to receive the award. I could not help but smile as my Commanding Officer read out the citation as it was becoming increasingly apparent it was me he was talking about, and the fact that I received the award on the same day I received my degree results made it all the more enjoyable. My only regret was offering to buy all 35 members of my Company a drink that evening!"

Chris is keeping his options very much open for the future. If the opportunity arose for him to further his career with the Armed Forces – he would take that opportunity with both hands. His options aren’t restricted to the Army just because he’s in the TA.

Photo captions :

Photo 1: Chris receiving his award.

From left to right –

Lt Colonel Huw Evans, Commanding Officer,Wales UOTC

Officer Cadet Chris Harber,Winner of the Award

Photo 2: Chris Harber with his Army and University senior staff.

From left to right -

Lt Colonel Huw Evans, Commanding Officer,Wales UOTC

Officer Cadet Chris Harber,Winner of the Award

Dr. J Dr. Alan Collins, Political and Cultural Studies - Arts and Humanities

Dr Jonathan Bradbury, Political and Cultural Studies - Arts and Humanities

Major Paul Ray, Officer Commanding Swansea Company, Wales UOTC