A relative newcomer to Air Test & Evaluation, WO2 Marc Cook, as a serving member of the Royal Artillery, undertook an intensive period of training to rapidly upskill in the highly technical and demanding domain of First-Person View flying. From a standing start, he not only mastered the technical and operational requirements of this discipline but developed a comprehensive First-Person View testing and training capability from scratch – now a cornerstone of the 744 Naval Air Squadron’s (the Air & Space Warfare Centre’s Joint Uncrewed Air Systems Test and Evaluation Squadron) ability to trial and implement emerging Uncrewed Air Systems technologies.

Of particular note, his contribution to the HORNETS NEST trial which involved First Person View flying from a CH-47, goes well beyond what can normally be expected. WO2 Cook displayed an instinct for safe and innovative design, applying structured test methodologies to the First-Person View systems while simultaneously advocating for more agile and adaptive approaches to evaluation. His ability to balance high standards of airworthiness and safety with operational flexibility has enabled him to deliver a significant solution for Defence, and one that directly supports the front line. The testing frameworks he helped develop is now used across multiple projects for 744 Naval Air Squadron.

WO2 Cook is known for his drive, commitment, and an unwavering sense of purpose. He works tirelessly because he believes in the mission and the potential Uncrewed Air Systems hold for enhancing operational effectiveness across Defence. He has shown a remarkable capacity for teamwork, often volunteering to take on additional responsibilities to support his peers, and providing mentorship and guidance to juniors, peers and superiors alike. His humour and humility have endeared him to colleagues, while his clear-headed leadership and operational experience has inspired those around him.

Despite his limited time in the Uncrewed Air Systems testing domain, he has consistently gone the extra mile, working long hours, pushing through technical setbacks, and applying relentless energy to solving difficult problems. As a Remote Pilot he has bridged the gap between engineers, operators, and command teams, ensuring that the First-Person View systems being developed are not only technically sound but also user-focused and tactically relevant.

WO2 Cook embodies the pioneering spirit of Sir Barnes Wallis, whose legacy as a brilliant and unconventional thinker continues to shape the landscape of aviation and military innovation. Like Wallis, WO2 Cook is also a proud Gunner, and his contribution to air capability continues in that same spirit of bold thinking and fearless execution.

For his extraordinary achievements in the face of complex and evolving technical challenges, and his unwavering dedication to innovation in First Person View testing, WO2 Cook is an exemplary recipient of the Sir Barnes Wallis Medal.

1979/80  Gabe Rob (Jock) Bryce

1980/81  Captain John Archibald Cameron OBE

1982  not awarded

1982/83  John A Denyer

1983/84  HMS Endurance Flight

1984/85  Air Cdre Peter Howard

1986  not awarded

1986/87  Peter F Cedervall

1988  not awarded

1988/89  Jeffrey Kindersley Quill OBE

1990 - 1992  not awarded

1992/93  A J Smith

1994  not awarded

1994/95  Michael Foale PhD

1996  not awarded

1996/97  Keith Perrin

1997/98  Gp Capt John Cunningham CBE DSO** DFC* AE

1998/99  Wg Cdr K H Wallis

1999/2000  Peter Holding

2000/01 Professor Kay Young PhD

2001/02  Lt Cdr Paul C J Stone RN and Sqn Ldr Justin Paines

2002/03  Dr Martin (Dill) Faulkes

2003/04  Sqn Ldr Charles W (Bill) Thompson

2004/05  Kenneth Peter Ross Smart

2005/06  5 Regt AAC

2006/07  Sam Wells OBE

2008   not awarded

2008/09  Timothy Prince OBE FRAeS

2010  not awarded

2010/11  Maj David Amlôt MBE

2011/12  Michael John Miller-Smith

2012/13  Nicholas Dean Lappos

2013/14  Hybrid Air Vehicles

2014/15  Dr Richard Raistrick OBE

2016 - 2017   not awarded

2018  AVM Simon "Rocky" Rochelle OBE DFC RAF

2019  Maj Thomas W Aseltine USAF

2020  F-16 Cruise Missile Defence Tactics Development Team

2021  Sqn Ldr James Skinner RAF

2022  Sqn Ldr Calum Law RAF

2023  not awarded

2024  Captain Mario Carretta OBE