A Royal Navy Search and Rescue (SAR) squadron is the proud winner of one of Britain’s most prestigious awards for military service – the Wilkinson Sword of Peace.

771 Naval Air Squadron, based at RN air station Culdrose in Cornwall, was singled out for its rescue duties throughout 2002, earning it the sword – thought to be the first time it has been awarded to an individual Fleet Air Arm squadron.

The sword is more usually presented to a RN shore establishment or a ship at least the size of a frigate.

The Commanding Officer of 771 NAS, Lt Cdr David Cunningham, said: “This award is a tribute to the enormous effort, pride and dedication that everyone in the squadron has contributed to our many and varied tasks.

“I am immensely honoured to receive the Wilkinson Sword of Peace on behalf of my squadron, and pleased that their commitment has been recognised in this way.”

The Sword of Peace is awarded annually to the unit in each of the three Services judged to have made the most valuable contribution towards establishing good and friendly relations with any community at home or overseas.

The original sword it is modelled on dates from the turn of the 19th century, and was originally presented to Lt Samuel Snook for his efforts in returning refugees in India to their homeland.

It came up for sale in 1965 and was purchased by Wilkinson Sword, who then presented it to the National Army Museum for posterity.

It was formally accepted by Field Marshal The Viscount Slim, who made the point that Snook’s unselfish behaviour was typical of the way the British Forces have always helped the civilian communities in the areas in which they serve.

This is the third time the Wilkinson Sword of Peace has come to Culdrose.

In 1987 the award was made to the air station and, in recognition of the humanitarian aid and relief work carried out by the squadron during the Mozambique floods, 820 Squadron shared the award in 2001 with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort George.