BEM for Guernsey nurse

Monday 05 December 2022

Marlene Place has been presented with a national Honour bestowed on her by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her support to Islanders who have served in Britain’s Armed Forces.

The former nurse from St Peter’s was awarded her British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Military Veterans in Guernsey in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

It was the final group of honours bestowed by Her Majesty before she died.

She had gifted awards to 1,134 people, including 304 at BEM, including Mrs Place. 

Mrs Place was one of 584 women to receive one of the last honour's bestowed by Her Majesty, representing 51.5 percent of the total.

Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II in Guernsey in 2005.

Mrs Place left Guernsey to train as a nurse, working in the UK, Jerusalem, Jersey, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Oman before returning to run the newly opened Guernsey Cheshire Home for more than 20 years.

As the wife of a retired Army Officer, she became aware of the difficulties in reaching military veterans within the Island, including those in need of help. She established a welfare team on behalf of the Guernsey Branch of The Royal British Legion, paying particular attention to mental health.

Mrs Place also devised initiatives to improve understanding of veterans’ needs and strengths, especially among employers and support agencies. 

Yesterday's presentation at Government House in Guernsey saw Mrs Place receive her medal in recognition of the above, and more, from the Lieutenant-Governor. Members of her family, friends and colleagues were there for the occasion.

Delighted to present the British Empire Medal on behalf of The King to Mrs Marlene Place for services to Military Veterans in #Guernsey. Thank you for providing a lifeline to local #veterans and for being a true friend to all who have served in the #ArmedForces in these islands! pic.twitter.com/rD4nEhjXd5

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) December 3, 2022

His Excellency, ‌Lieutenant-General Richard Cripwell said it was a wonderful occasion marking Mrs Place's commitment to helping others. 

"Thankfully, awareness and understanding of the needs of retired Service personnel have improved considerably in recent years," he said.

"That Guernsey has kept pace with these changes, particularly the psychological aspects, is largely due to Mrs Place. Her work is a lifeline to local veterans who may be struggling, enabling them to cope with the challenges they face."

His Excellency added: "From improving understanding among health professionals to staging breakfast gatherings and photographic exhibitions, her work is as imaginative as it is effective, so I was really delighted to present her with the BEM today. She instinctively understands veterans’ needs and is a true friend to all who have served in the Armed Forces within these islands."

Pictured top: Marlene Place with her husband, Bob.