A Nottinghamshire man says he is ‘surprised, pleased and very honoured’ to have been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025.

Dr David Nunn, 76, from Kimberley, has received the prestigious accolade for his work in recording the names of those from the county who died in the First World War.

The Nottinghamshire Great War Roll of Honour, funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, lists the names of almost 14,000 local men and women who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war. 

This also led to the Great War Memorial – commissioned by the County Council and Nottingham City Council, working with the seven district and borough councils, Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood and Rushcliffe – being opened at the Victoria Embankment by the Duke of Kent in a special ceremony in 2019. 

The online database has now been expanded to include fatalities from the Second World War.

A delighted David said: “I am surprised, pleased and very honoured, not just for myself but for the team who have helped me.

"This always seemed to me the last chance to tell these stories, more often than not untold stories, of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in confronting tyranny.”

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Keith Girling, said David fully deserved to be recognised for his dedication to honour those who gave their lives for their country.

He said: “I am thrilled for David Dunn; without his dedication and leadership we would never have achieved our aim to name those from Nottinghamshire that gave the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. 

“My understanding is that we are the only county in the country to have documented everyone in one place, for which I am very grateful. 

“His dedication continues as he and his team now work on those who gave so much during the Second World War.”

County Council Leader, Councillor Sam Smith, has also congratulated David on his ‘well deserved BEM’.

He said: “Working with the County Council, David led a team of dedicated volunteers who researched graves and records searching for war heroes who were from across Nottinghamshire and sadly died in the First World War. 

“Their names are now displayed on the memorial at Victoria Embankment. 

“His work continues with recording Nottinghamshire’s Second World War fallen. 

“We thank David and his team for all their dedication and work and congratulate David on his well-deserved BEM.”