A ROYAL Marine who lives in Farnham has been made an MBE in the New Year's Honours recognition of his outstanding performance in the Iraq conflict. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Andrew Magowan was given the accolade after his conduct as the Second in Command of 42 Commando Royal Marines during and after Operation TELIC in Iraq. The citation describes how, against the background of events in the Middle East, his unerring judgement was fundamental to the successful reconfiguration of 42 Commando. "Once deployed you took hold of operational planning with authority and rigour, continually analysing and adapting your plan as the fighting evolved. "Your masterful re-staffing of the Al Faw peninsula assault in extreme circumstances showed outstanding leadership under immense pressure and your vision and clear thinking undoubtedly minimised casualties." The citation concludes: "The energy, judgement and diligence you have displayed since in post-hostilities deployments and the introduction of major new equipment programmes have been remarkable and in the finest tradition of the Corps." Currently working at the Cabinet Office, Rob joined the Royal Marines in 1989 after completing a BSc in chemistry at Southampton University. He has served in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and most recently, Iraq. At the start of the assault on the Al Faw peninsular a United States Marine Corps helicopter crashed, killing all on board, and Rob had to adjust the continuing assault plan to ensure the mission could be achieved. Rob said: "I would really like to dedicate this award to the memory of all the Royal Marines, Attached Army ranks and United States Marine Corps aircrew who tragically died at the beginning of the assault and that my thoughts will always remain with their families.   Rob has lived in Farnham for three years. He is married to Charlotte and has a daughter, Isobel, who is 17 months old.