The Johnston Memorial Trophy

Awarded for outstanding performance in the operation of airborne or space systems, manned or unmanned.
(amended Terms of Reference 2019)

2025 awarded to:  Captain Hyronimus Jansen RA

Captain (formerly WO2) Jansen's unparalleled technical and tactical knowledge of the Watchkeeper RPAS, coupled with his exceptional operational skills and dedication to advancing operational capabilities, make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Hyronimus JansenCapt Jansen's proficiency in the operation of the Watchkeeper RPAS is unmatched. His comprehensive understanding of the system, from its technical intricacies to its operational capabilities, has been instrumental in enhancing the 47 Regiment’s operational effectiveness and readiness. Capt Jansen's expertise has been a critical enabler in establishing groundbreaking new flying locations in the UK during Op DEVERAN (the MOD support to the Home Office monitoring of migrant crossings of the English Channel), two new locations in the USA, Oman and the live fire integration with attack helicopter as well as Estonia in support of Op CABRIT. Each deployment has continually showcased his ability to adapt to diverse environments and excel in challenging operational settings. Each of these deployments has achieved mission success because of his direct input to both the planning and execution phases.

Beyond his technical prowess, Capt Jansen's in-depth knowledge of operating procedures and regulations for the Watchkeeper RPAS sets him apart as a subject matter expert in his field. His meticulous attention to detail, understanding of safety protocols, and commitment to upholding operational standards have been instrumental in ensuring the safe and effective operation of the platform tailored to meet the operational requirements. Capt Jansen's dedication to continuous learning and staying abreast of evolving regulations, best practices and doctrinal developments reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence and sound airmanship. This has positively impacted the RPAS support that 47 Regiment has provided to the Field Army and wider Defence outputs.

Furthermore, Capt Jansen's tactical acumen and passion for developing operational capabilities go beyond technical proficiency. His strategic thinking, innovative approach to mission planning and ability to anticipate and mitigate operational challenges have been instrumental in enhancing the Regiment's operational readiness and effectiveness. Capt Jansen's proactive leadership style, coupled with his ability to inspire and mentor his team, has fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the unit. Capt Jansen's commitment to advancing operational capabilities extends beyond technical flying to encompass a tactically focused approach to mission success. His emphasis on developing comprehensive operational strategies, fostering collaboration among team members and promoting a culture of innovation and excellence exemplifies his dedication to pushing the boundaries of operational excellence.

Capt Jansen's achievements and dedication continues to inspire others within the Regiment and beyond. His unparalleled knowledge of the Watchkeeper RPAS, combined with his commitment to innovation and excellence and dedication to advancing operational capabilities make him a highly deserving recipient for this award and, in recognition of exceptional expertise, leadership and outstanding performance in the operation of the Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), Capt Jansen is awarded the Johnston Memorial Trophy.

Previous Winners:

1931  Sir Francis Chichester

1932  Sqn Ldr Herbert and  J L Hinkler Esq

1933  J A Mollison Esq

1934  not awarded

1935  E W Percival Esq

1936  Miss Jean Batten

1937  A S Wilcockson Esq

1938  D C T Bennett Esq

1940 - 1948  not awarded

1948/49  W H Crowther Esq, R B Tapp Esq, L R Ambrose Esq  -  QANTAS

1949/50  Captain P G Taylor

1951  not awarded

1950/51  Captain P G Taylor

1952  not awarded

1951/52  Captain P G Taylor

1952/53  Captains and Crew of Service Aircraft "Aries"

1953/54  Pilots and Navigators of Comet Fleet BOAC

1955  not awarded

1955/56  Captain J H Saffery and Pilots and Navigators of Hunting Aero Surveys on Antartic Expedition

1956/57  Sqn Ldr J H Lewis, Commanding the RAF Detachment Unit with the British Commonwealth Trans-Antartic Expedition

1957/58  Captain and Navigational Crews of the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment

1959/60  The Decca Navigator Company Limited

1961  not awarded

1961/62  G E Beck Esq and M Morgan Esq of Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co.

1962/63  Wg Cdr D F H Grocott

1964 - 1967  not awarded

1967/68  Wg Cdr E W Anderson

1969 - 1973  not awarded

1973/74  Flt Lt R M S Cook & Flt Lt R W Hardisty

1974/75  Flt Lt E G Candlish & Flt Lt J Vinales

1976  Not Awarded

1976/77  W P Robinson Esq

1977/78  The Royal Air Force Tanker Wing 

1979  not awarded

1979/80  Captain G Vette & M Forsyth Esq 

1981 - 1982  not awarded

1982/83  Cdr S C Thornewill RN

1984 - 1985  not awarded

1985/86  The Giotto Space Probe Navigation Team

1986/87  The Voyager Team

1988   not awarded

1988/89  Wg Cdr Raymond L Lomas RAF

1989/90  Peter Norvill Esq

1991 - 1994  not awarded

1994/95  Flt Lt J W Hendy

1995/96  Captain Alex Fisher

1996/97  Captain David Massy-Greene of QANTAS

1997/98  James C Lawson Esq

1998/99  Jon Johanson

1999/2000  Flt Lt David Wilson RAF

2000/01  Thomas Beverley Nichols

2001/02  Flt Lt Timothy Carr RAF

2002/03  Geoffrey Alan Burtenshaw

2003/04  33 Sqn RAF

 2005  not awarded

2005/06  Sea King Mk7 Trials Team - Lt Cdr Tite RN, Lt Cdr Ling RN, Lt Cdr Smith RNR, Lt Cdr Richardson RN (retd)

2006/07  Boeing J0UCAS Programme X-45A

2007/08  815 Naval Air Squadron Training Team

2008/09  5 (AC) Sqn

2009/10  51 Sqn RAF

2010/11  Attack Helicopter Force ("UK Team Apache")

2011/12  Sqn Ldr J Jody McMeeking RAF

2012/13  Sqn Ldr Simon Mellor RAF

2013/14   3rd Special Operations Squadron USAF

2015   not awarded

2016   Royal Air Force UK Reaper Force

2017  British Antarctic Survey Air Unit

2018   700X NAS

2019   The Tornado GR Force

2020  not awarded

2021  The Royal Air Force Sentinel Force

2022  The Royal Air Force E-3D Sentry Force

2023  Captain John Roberts

2024  Air and Space Warfare Centre Protector Test Team