Star of the Venerable Order of St John, which has been presented to Chief Petty Officer Jason Kendall.

Two military radiographers have been recognised for their committed and notable service within the field of forensic radiography.

Warrant Officer Rachel Mackenzie, Royal Air Force, was recognised in the New Year's Honours List for 2010 and will be awarded an MBE for her dedication to her work within forensic radiography.  

Rachel is currently the lead radiographer for the provision and coordination of the radiographic examination of service personnel killed whilst on operations. This can be emotionally traumatic work and requires individuals with strength of character. The work is voluntary, in addition to her normal duties, and often at the expense of her own free time. Rachel also actively works to ensure that the junior radiographers volunteering for this duty are properly prepared and that they have suitable support afterwards.  

At the end of 2009, Chief Petty Officer Jason Kendall, Royal Navy, was recognised by his appointment as a Serving Brother to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem (more commonly known as the Order of St John).  

Jason has been involved in the demanding and frequently unpleasant field of forensic radiography since being called upon to assist with the work of the War Crimes investigations in Kosovo in 2003. Since then he has provided help and expertise in the investigations following the London Bombings in 2005 and the Asian Tsunami in 2006. He has also provided valuable support to the Oxford Coroner since returning from Kosovo in 2003.

The personal commitment of both of these individuals has meant that the humanitarian process by which the deceased are returned to their families can be accelerated, and their professionalism has been invaluable in providing evidence to improve treatment of future clinical cases. Both radiographers are part of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and are currently working in the radiology department at Selly Oak Hospital.

Richard Evans, CEO of the Society of Radiographers, commented: "This is great news! Many congratulations to Rachel and Jason. The international profile of forensic radiography has been raised significantly in recent years through the work of radiographers in the field and particularly through the IAFR. The fact that the work of Rachel and Jason has been publicly recognised in this way should be a source of pride for the whole profession and a reminder of the increasing importance of forensic awareness in every day radiography as well as in mass fatality investigations."

Posted: 09/01/2010