EXEMPLARY Soldiers Achieve CHEFS’ MACKENZIE AWARD
Pte Elliot, attached to the Light Dragoons (2022) and Pte Van der Vaart, attached to 26 Royal Artillery (2023) are the latest winners of the Mackenzie Award, named after Wally Mackenzie, formerly of the Army Catering Corps.
The award is granted every year to a British Army Chef for outstanding achievements, either in or out of the kitchen and both winners have shown clear evidence of selfless commitment, leading by example, and have undertaken extra-curricular activities. Qualities that were immortalised by the late Wally MacKenzie, who sadly died in 2019.
An extract from Pte Elliott’s 2022 citation reads: “Pte Elliott boxed with her unit, she fed the former Prime Minister Liz Truss and the current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Exercise INTERFLEX feeding Ukrainian Troops. She also won gold in a catering competition and assisted the CPD of two Private Chefs with their functional skills”.
An extract from Pte Van Der Vaart’s 2023 citation reads: “Pte Van der Vaart embodies exceptional leadership qualities, setting a compelling example in every aspect. He demonstrates outstanding fitness within the regiment and leverages his abilities to inspire others to excel in their professional and personal growth. He generously shares his expertise with not only junior members of his department but also wider Larkhill garrison, dedicating his time selflessly to support those in need. Pte Van der Vaart has completed his AAPTI course in Sep 23. 26 RA SMI noticed his drive and determination and recommended him for the course. He is working towards completing a DOfit course which enable him to provide better nutritional advice. He is currently training for his All-Arms Commando Course. He volunteers at his local church helping with services and the local community.”
Pte Van Der Vaart the latest winner of the Mackenzie award has embraced the role of an Army Chef. Only 1 year into the role after graduating from Food Services Training Wing he has achieved his Apprenticeship and so much more. Additionally, he takes initiative to arrange JAMES training sessions for individuals requiring extra support. In his role as unit PTI, he orchestrates customized PT sessions for chefs outside of the unit’s regular PT schedules. Pte van der Vaart consistently exhibits utmost professionalism, consistently surpassing expectations. This dedication was highlighted in his AAPTI course report, where despite being the most junior member, he achieved a distinction. His exemplary performance extends to deployments, garnering commendable feedback, notably during a recent MAB tasking to support SF selection. Furthermore, he readily volunteers for additional tasks and trawls, often at short notice, prioritising the needs of others, over his own personal life.
In the short list for the award, Pte Van Der Vaart was boarded against a plethora of Chefs ranging from Private to Corporal from across the Army. Despite being the most junior-ranking nomination, he scored unanimously higher with his citation than anyone else who was entered.
The Army Catering Training Trust and the Family of Wally Mackenzie, Allan Mackenzie and his partner Barbara presented the award to Pte Van der Vaart in Food Services Training Wing. He was also awarded a brand-new knife, the Mackenzie Award Trophy and certificate as a celebration of this fantastic achievement.
The Head of Trade WO1 (SSM) Martin Foulds said: With passion, dedication and the desire to ‘win’ and get better each day, now selected LCpl Olivia Elliott and Pte Andrew Van der Vaart both embody the essence of what it is to be an RLC Chef. This award goes far beyond just being able to cook; it celebrates those that go above and beyond their call of duty and both winners epitomise this. I’m proud of their efforts and proud to get to serve alongside them
