Theo is currently deployed in Antarctica on attachment to the British Antarctic Survey so he was unable to collect his award in person and was represented by Commander Neil Benstead RN - Chair of the Rifle Association. 

The citation at the ceremony gave us some background on Theo’s talent:

“Despite the short time he has been in the navy, (he joined in Sept 2020) he was already very proficient in the discipline of Fullbore Target Rifle and was allowed time during observer training, to shoot in the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association in July 2021.

This was shot over 4 days and over 12 competitions and Theo was shooting against 600 of the top shooters in the UK.  He came 4th – the highest placed serving RN for decades – if not ever… he was also a top shooter dropping only 8 points and just 4 points behind the winner. 

Theo performed emphatically in both first and second stages, qualifying for the finals; the most prestigious individual shoots of the meeting”. He was described as “having raw talent and his dedication will raise the level of the RN Shooting Team for the many years to come”

Cdr Neil Benstead said that, "his dedication and practice at Bisley, which seems to attract bad weather, had helped him train hard and helped him master reading the weather, adjusting his sights, ensure his ability to concentrate and it’s paid off with outstanding results”.

This award follows a very successful shooting season. His achievements include:

• Capped GB Shooter 2021
• Capped Welsh Shooter 2021
• Winner of the Challenge Cup 2021 (highest score by serving personnel from all Services)
• Fourth in the Grand Aggregate competition 2021 (X status)
• Highest scorer in National Competition (for Wales), (with Wales winning the trophy overall, the second and his second time in 140 years)
• Top 50 in St George’s Competition 2021 (X status)
• Top 50 of HM Queen’s Prize 2021 (X status)
• ‘Triple X Status’ 2021
• Third in Gurkha Appeal Competition 2021
• Third in Lovell Competition 2021
• Third in Inter-Counties Short Range Competition 2021
• National Smallbore Shooting Champion 2019

Henry Dodds, Theo's father and Secretary of the OT Rifle Club, said, "I am very proud of Theo's achievements and it all really started at the range behind the Fives Courts!"

Huge Congratulations Theo from us all at Tonbridge!

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