AN RAF musician from Wirral received a Commendation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020.

Sergeant Hilary Rosenthal received a phone call on Thursday night informing her that she would be receiving an Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 38 Group Commendation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020.

On receiving the phone call the 34-year-old, from West Kirby, said: "I couldn’t believe it, it was an honour to be even nominated let alone to receive a Commendation" 

The Commendation recognises Hilary’s contribution to the provision of welfare packages for Service personnel and their families.

It would normally have been awarded in June but due to the coronavirus pandemic the release of the Honours List was delayed until now.

Sgt Rosenthal - a former pupil of St. Bridget’s C of E Primary and West Kirby Grammar School - plays the French horn in the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, based at RAF Northolt.

Wirral Globe:

Sergeant Hilary Rosenthal performs. Picture: © UK MOD Crown Copyright

In addition to performing on the French horn she is Deputy Drum Major and Library Manager for RAF Music Services.

In 2017 she became the first female Drum Major to lead an RAF band since the disbandment of the Women’s Royal Air Force Band.

Her first parade as Drum Major was to lead the Band out onto the Esplanade during the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo.

She said: "Marching the Band out into the arena in front of 9000 people was unbelievable, something I will never forget".